The Carolina Spartan

The Stuffed Skin of A Royal Captive.—True.—Valerian, Emperor of Rome, was taken prisoner, and afterwards kept in chains by Sapor, King of Persia. He was either killed in a tumult, or by order of his conqueror, fearful, perhaps, of losing his living trophy, in the year 269. The body of the dead Roman Emperor was treated with no more delicacy than when it had tabernacled the immortal spark of a living one. It was skinned. The hide after being tanned, was stuffed, painted red, and suspended in the chief temple of the capital. Here it remained for many years. It was the popular spectacle for holiday makers and visitors from the country. But it was put to more important ends than this: it was made a diplomatic engine, of much significance and efficiency. In after times it often happened that the Roman envoys at the Persian court had misunderstandings, more or less serious, with the government to which they were temporarily accredited. When these embassadors from Rome grew arrogant in their demands, it was the custom to conduct them into the presence of the stuffed skin of the old ex-Emperor of Rome: where they were asked if humility did not become them at the sight of such a spectacle. Monarchs Retired from Business: by Dr. Doran.