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

HISTORY OF
ARMENIA.
191
Being arrived at this place, he wished to enter,
to provide provisions for his army. The governor,
Andovk, however,
shut the gates against him.
Shapuh then sent messengers to him, saying,
^'
Why do you close the gates of Tigranakert
aorainst me ? I come not with hostile intent, for
1 am a friend to the Armenians !" But Andovk
treated the messengers with contempt, and
drove them back with disgrace. He then prepared
to defend the city against the Persians,
who made some fruitless attempts to take it.
Having no time to lose in laying a regular siege
to it, Shapuh continued his march towards
Greece, after sending a letter to the inhabitants
of Tigranakert, wherein he said, " By your
resisting me you have given an example to
other people to act in like manner ; but when
I return I will give your city a severe lesson,
the recollection of which shall operate as a
terror on all others." Shapuh having concluded
his war with the Greeks, returned and laid siege
to Tigranakert, after sending to Nisibis his
Armenian auxiliaries.
The people of this city,
instead of making overtures of peace to the
Persian king, mounted the walls, and scoffed
at his army. " Have you not," said they,
*'
had sufficient experience.'' Do you wish for
a second failure ?" One of the inhabitants, more
bold and daring than the rest, cried out.