Page:Armenian Literature.djvu/89

 And Holbaschi sang:

Now David armed himself and marched against Mösramelik. He found a great host assembled and encamped near Sechanssar.

David said: “I promise thee not to give battle till I have eaten rice pillau in the green and red tent,” and he urged his horse forward and appeared suddenly from the west in front of the tent. Great fright possessed the army when they perceived this rider, and Melik said, “What manner of man art thou?”

“I am the son of a western king, and I have come to help you.”

Melik pitched a tent for him, and they ate together seven days. On the eighth day David mounted his horse, rode twice before Mösramelik's tent, and said: “Now, come out, I want to fight you. How long, Mösramelik, are you going to encroach upon my inheritance?” And David cried: “Bread and wine, God lives!” and fighting began on all sides.

Uncle Toross heard of the combat. He tore up a poplar by its roots, threw it across his shoulder, and set out. He halted at the upper end of the valley in which the fight was going on. If anyone crept away David shouted: “Dear Uncle Toross, chase him back into the valley and I will be ready for him!”

At last the army began to murmur: “Let them struggle hand to hand. He who overpowers the other has conquered.”

Then said one of them. “Sit down, that I may slay you with my club,” and the other said: “No, you sit down.” At