Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/357

 314. HISTORT OF ARMEVtA*

Mushel the Mamiconian, and a few other leaders^ in all amounting to about thirty persons, to sus- tain the attack. When Shapuh, on his nearer approach, beheld the fewness of Vahan's fol- lowers, he made a halt, and addressing Gudihon^ chief of the Seunies, exclaimed> '' Support me^ for I am overpowered by the novelty of this- spectacle. Theise, our opponents, either foolishly wish to sacrifice themselves, or are protected by an invisible power. But if I am not deceived, they have given themselves up to despair, and desire to die. We shall now catch them one by one and bind them with chains f At the moment when the Persians again moved forward, one of Vahan*s companions cried to him, '* Beware, Sir, beware, of the consequences 1 recollect that even now we may flee and save ourselves T' But Vahan, having marked himself with the sign of the cross, replied in a loud voice, ''Do not bid me beware, for I do not confide in man for aid^ but place all my reliance on the blessed cross of our Redeemer." Having said this, he darted into the ranks of the Persians, like a hawk among a covey of small birds, and being bravely followed by the other chiefs, made a dreadful slaughter. Having passed through the enemy's army, shed* ding torrents of blood, these glorious warriors^ with slow steps advanced towards their campv Four of Vahan s party fell in this conflict.

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