Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/324

Pacumeni. The trials of the captured king-men then commenced. Those found guilty of treason were executed, or were allowed the privilege of joining the armies in the field and fighting for the liberties of the people. Many embraced this offer, while others preferred to die with the lost cause, rather than take up arms in defense of the government they hated.  PACUMENI. At the death of Pahoran, the elder, the Nephite Chief Judge, three of his sons contended for the successorship. The people chose Pahoran, the younger. To this choice Pacumeni assented, while the other brother, Paanchi, rose in rebellion. Shortly after, Pahoran was assassinated by Kishkumen, a follower of Paanchi, when Pacumeni was chosen by the people to fill the vacant judgment seat. All this occurred in the fortieth year of the Judges, or B. C. 52.

In the year following, the Lamanites gathered an innumerable army and invaded the land of Zarahemla. Their commander was named Coriantumr. He led his vast hosts directlly towards the Nephite capital, which he surprised and captured, the Nephites still suffering from the effects of the late divisions and contentions. This was the first time, so far as we have any record, that the city of Zarahemla fell into the hands of the Lamanites.

Pacumeni fled before Coriantumr when he found the city had been surprised, the watch slain, and its streets filled with hostile troops, but he was overtaken before he could pass beyond the walls and was smitten, by the hands of Coriantumr, "against the wall, insomuch that he died,"   PAGAG. The eldest son of the brother of Jared. When it was decided to establish a monarchy on the new land to which the Lord had led the Jaredites, Pagag was the first choice of the people for king. But he resolutely refused the honor, sensing, perhaps, the evils which would follow the adoption of this form of government. The people 