Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/178

 ��|>artial successes led them to entertain. The Georgian troops, led on by their king Pharstnan, the grandson of Pharsman the Firsts making an attack on that part where Sumbat was, were so warmly received that they took to flight. The slaughter of Erwand's army became now more severe. That part of it which had been collected in Cappadocia and Mesopotamia fought most courageously, but was dreadfully slaughtered by the adverse troops. It is said that the king's mien, abandoning at last all hope of victory, fought with desperation. During the confusion of the battle, the young Artaces was at one moment in imminent danger: the Tyrian horsemen, who jiad been promised a large reward if they could kill him, had surrounded him, and while an up* lifted sword was directed at his liead, he was most providentially saved by the brave Ghisak, 4be son of his nurse, who, coming with a small party to his rescue at this critical moment, sue* ceeded in driving back his opponents. Ghisak, however, fell in this act of devotion to his master, being cut down by a Tyrian horseman just as success had crowned his exertions. Night at length came on, and the army of Brwand, taking advantage of the darkness, retreated ; and left the victory in the hands of Sumbat and his young ward. Erwand fled to the city of Erwandashat. Sumbat followed

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