Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/248

Morianton. the dread arbitrament of the sword. The people of Lehi, whose cause was just, fled to Moroni, the Nephite commander-in-chief, and asked his help. When Morianton learned of this move, knowing that he was in the wrong, and fearing the strength of Moroni, he persuaded his people to flee to the land northward. He would probably have carried his plan into effect, had it not been for his ungovernable temper. In a fit of passion he cruelly beat one of his maid servants, who ran away to the camp of Moroni and told the latter of the secret intentions of Morianton and his people. Such an exodus was very repugnant to Moroni's feelings and judgment. He feared to have a hostile people in the north, who, in times of war with the Lamanites, could harass the Nephite rear. He therefore detailed Teancum, with an army corps, to head the people of Morianton, and stop their flight northward. This the latter was not able to accomplish until they had reached the borders of Desolation, at the Isthmus of Panama. Here a battle took place, for so great was the power of Morianton over his people, that, by his flattery and wickedness, he filled them with the spirit of stubbornness to such an extent that they forcibly resisted the armies of the Commonwealth. In the battle that ensued, their leader was slain by Teancum, his hosts defeated, and those not slain were taken prisoners and carried back to the camp of Moroni. Here the difficulties were investigated and settled amicably. Upon their covenanting to keep the peace, they were restored to their lands, and a union was effected between them and the citizens of Lehi, who also returned to their possessions.  MORIANTON. A king of the Jaredites. It appears that Riplakish, a monarch of that race, became so obnoxious to his people on account of his tyranny and abominations, that they rose in rebellion, slew him and drove his descendants out 