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

HISTORY OF ARMENIA. 131
a revolt also, inspired by a desire of placino*
Artaces on the throne, and intimidated
by the
renown of Sumbat and the power of the chiefs
who had lately joined him. Erwand, however,
in order to conciliate and bind his followers
to his interests, distributed large presents
amongst them, in which he succeeded with
many, especially with his foreign auxiliaries.
He then prepared for the approaching contest.
He passed to the northward of the river
Akhurian, pitching his camp on a large plain,
300 furlongs distant from Erwandashat. Here
he ibrc.fied himself, surrounding the whole of
his camp w th a wooden wall, well defended
on the outside by a double cover of coarse cloth
and the skins of beasts,
and then calmly awaited
the approach of his rival. Sumbat, with
Artaces and the chiefs ofUti, having crossed the
sea of Gelam, and passed the mountain Aragaz,
drew near the camp of Erwand. Althouo-h
the army of the latter was immense, Sumbat
thought less of the whole than of the sino-Ie
power of Argam, of whom we made some mention
before. He therefore endeavoured to seduce
that great warrior from the interests of
Erwand, and persuaded the young Artaces to
offer him vast rewards if he would forsake the
king. The young prince accordingly addressed
him thus by letter, *' If you will desert Erwand,
s 2