But the haughty Sapor would hear of nothing but unconditional
surrender; and to that course the unhappy emperor submitted. Various
traditions [Footnote: Some of these traditions have been preserved, which
represent Sapor as using his imperial captive for his stepping-stone, or
_anabathrum_, in mounting his horse. Others go farther, and pretend
that Sapor actually flayed his unhappy prisoner whilst yet alive. The
temptation to these stories was perhaps found in the craving for the
marvellous, and in the desire to make the contrast more striking between
the two extremes in Valerian's life.] have been preserved by history
concerning the fate of Valerian: all agree that he died in misery and
captivity; but some have circumstantiated this general statement by
features of excessive misery and degradation, which possibly were added
afterwards by scenical romancers, in order to heighten the interest of the
tale, or by ethical writers, in order to point and strengthen the moral.
Gallienus now ruled alone, except as regarded the restless efforts of
insurgents, thirty of whom are said to have arisen in his single reign.
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