country, he succeeded completely in eluding the Persians and making good his escape.  When Chosroes learned this, he was deeply grieved at what had happened, and commanded some of his followers to burn the sanctuary of the archangel Michael which I have mentioned above.  And they, thinking that the sanctuary at Daphne was the one in question, burned it with the buildings about it, and they supposed that the commands of Chosroes had been executed.  Such, then, was the course of these events.

But Chosroes with his whole army proceeded on the way to Apamea.  Now there is a piece of wood one cubit in length in Apamea, a portion of the cross on which the Christ in Jerusalem once endured the punishment not unwillingly, as is generally agreed, and which in ancient times had been conveyed there secretly by a man of Syria.  And the men of olden times, believing that it would be a great protection both for themselves and for the city, made for it a sort of wooden chest and deposited it there; and they adorned this chest with much gold and with precious stones and they entrusted it to three priests who were to guard it in all security; and they bring it forth every year and the whole population worship it during one day.  Now at that time the people of Apamea, upon learning that the army of the Medes was coming against them, began to be in great fear.  And when they heard that Chosroes was absolutely untruthful, they came to Thomas, the chief priest of the city, and begged him to shew them the wood of the cross, in order that after worshipping it for the last time they might die.  And he did as they requested.  Then indeed it befell that a sight surpassing both description and belief was there seen.  For while the priest was carrying the wood and shewing it, above him followed a flame of fire, and the portion of the roof over him was illuminated with a great and unaccustomed light.  And while the priest was moving through every part of the temple, the flame continued to advance with him, keeping constantly the place above him in the roof.  So the people of Apamea, under the spell of joy at the miracle, were wondering and rejoicing and weeping, and already all felt confidence concerning their safety.  And Thomas, after going about the whole temple, laid the wood of the cross in the chest and covered it, and suddenly the light had ceased.  Then upon learning that the army of the enemy had come close to the city, he went in great haste to Chosroes.  And when the king enquired of the priest whether it was the will of the citizens of Apamea to marshal themselves on the wall against the army of the Medes, the priest replied that no such thing had entered the minds of the men.  “Therefore,” said Chosroes, “receive me into the city accompanied by a few men with all the gates opened wide.”  And the priest said “Yes, for I have come here to invite thee to do this very thing.”  So the whole army pitched their tents and made camp before the fortifications.