[1] A close approximation of Agathias Scholasticus, Histories 66 Keydell (2.19 p. 106 Niebuhr); cf. Frendo (53-54). It refers to a ploy of the Sassanid commander Mermeroes (cf. mu 637), who, in an attempt to force his way through a mountain pass in Armenia, had a rumor spread among his own troops about his own illness. This rumor made its way to the Byzantine garrison which consequently became lackadaisical, allowing the Sassanids to breach the pass; cf. alpha 4485. For more on the headword see alpha 3988; for related words, see mu 1117, mu 1119.