The inhabitants of Edessa have, or rather had, a legend that Christ
promised their king Abgarus that their city should never be taken.
This gave them such confidence, that they on all occasions braved the
most formidable enemies. In 503 of the Christian era, Cavadez, king of
Persia, approached Edessa at the head of an army. The confidence of the
inhabitants was so little shaken by the appearance of this formidable
host, that they left their gates wide open during a whole day, and,
such is the influence of superstition, the Persians did not make the
least attempt to violate the prohibition. It is related that, on this
occasion, children even went to the camp of the Persians, and insulted
them with impunity. Cavadez proposed an accommodation; but without
effect. This prince was preparing his batteries, when the inhabitants
made so furious an assault upon him, that, without losing a single man,
they repulsed his army with great slaughter. Ashamed of his defeat, the
great king regained his dominions at quickest speed.