History of Armenia, by Father Michael Chamich; from B. C. 2247 to ...

62 HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
princes, and the latter
into the several classes,
military and civil, to which their talents were
best adapted. He also formed his army into
legions after the manner of the Romans.
What is still more worthy of record, is the
singular and virtuous appointment of two officers
whose duties were of a peculiar nature. The
first of these had it in command to remind the
king- of his duty, when he was tempted to
unjust or cruel measures. The other was directed
to impress on the king's mind the
necessity of punishing crime, and the
salutary
effects of example, when he was inclined to be
unjustly or weakly merciful.
Bagarat, his counsellor,
was appointed by him to the hereditary
office of placing the crown on the king's head at
the coronation. This Bagarat, as was mentioned
above, was a Jew, an excellent character,
and of the greatest service to Valarsaces from
his intimate acquaintance w^ith the laws of God.
The descendants of this individual were named
after him Bagratians, many of whom, from their
attachment to their faith, suffered martyrdom
imder our kings.
38fi2;
Valarsaces had several sons, and to prevent
5061.
'
discord amongst them, and disputes about the
succession to the throne, he established a
law,
that only the eldest son should remain with the
reigning king at Nisibis, the others should be