Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/309

 266 HlSTDRT O^ ARMEVTA*

The Armenians then left to themselves, put their trust in God, and divided their troops into three divisions. One was placed under the command of Rumbosian Nershapuh the Arzru* nian, who was directed to proceed with it to the province of Atropatia, and remain there, to pre- vent an invasion by the Persians. The second was placed under the charge of Vasak the Seunian, to remain in Armenia for the protection of the inhabitants. The third was confided to Vardan, who marched with it to the country of the Aluans. In his progress he encountered, in the open field, opposite the city of Khaikhal, a body of Persian troops commanded by Se* bokht. These he immediately engaged. Ar- shavir the Camsaracan, and Mush the Dimaxian, rushed impetuously to the charge, but through their ignorance of the country, their horses fell into a slough, from which they were unable to extricate themselves. The enemy, perceiving this, let fly their arrows at the two warriors, whereby the gallant Mush was killed. Arshavir then leaped from his horse, and placing himself in the rear of the animal, endeavoured to goad him forward to a spot where the ground was firm. All this time the arrows were shot at him in showers. He however covered himself with his shield, and finding that a longer stay there was dangerous, succeeded, with the loss of one of his bootSi in getting out. Then rushing on

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