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

200 HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
from utter destruction, he sent messengers to
Nierses the pontiff, entreating him to assist him
to pacify his chiefs, and save him from the hands
of the emperor. The blessed saint, however, was
averse to interfere. '• Ir," says he, " he obtain
peace, he Avill again fill the country with distress."
Theking, however, reiterated his entreaty,
so that, at length, the pontiff consented to be
the mediator between them. Having waited
on the chiefs, he succeeded in making them
desist from further hostility against the king,
and caused both parties to make this covenant^
**
that the king should from that period employ
himself in regulating and improving the country,
and that the chiefs should pay him allegiance
and due honour." Merujan, chief of the Arzrunians,
and his brother-in-law, Vahan the Mameconian,
refused to make any concession; and
when they found that Arsaces and the other
chiefs were reconciled, they went to Persia,
where they abjured their faith. St. Nierses,
immediately after peace was restored between
the king and his subjects, went to Theodosius
the Grecian general, and entreated him to desist
from his intention of ravaging the country;
promised him that
tribute should be paid, and
hostages given from the sons of the chiefs, with
Pap the son of Arsaces, to secure the further
obedience of the Armenian nation.
Theodosius