Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/336

 HI$TORT OF ARMENIA^

t6 his friends what bad happened, and con* duded by saying, ''The Persians are indeed more numerous than we, but many of them are entirely useless/' The Armenians then set forward, and encamped near the village of Akorey, at the foot of Mount Ararat, and hav- ing heard that the enemy would arrive there the next day, they made preparations to receive them, after having fervently prayed to God. In the dawn of the morning they divided their little band into four divisions. The first occu- pying the centre and composed of 100 men, was placed under the orders of Vasak the Mamiconian and Babken the Seunian. The second also of 100 men, forming the right wing, was commanded by Atom the Gnunian, and his brother Arastom. The third, of equal strength, formed the left wing, and was confided to Gar- joile Malkhazuni. The fourth composed a body of reserve, and was headed by Nerseh the Camsaracan and his brother Hirahat, who re- ceived directions to render assistance at all points. The Persians at length arrived, and perceiving the small number with which they had to con* tend, exclaimed, '' Surely these Armenians have abandoned their senses, and are come in quest of death !" They then began the attack, the more able horsemen advancing first, followed by those of inferior skill.

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