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

266 HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
The Armenians then left to themselves, put
their trust in God, and divided their troops into
three divisions. One was placed under the
command of Rumbosian Nershapuh the Arzrunian,
who was directed to proceed with it to the
province of Airopatia, and remain there, to prevent
an invasion by the Persians. The second
was placed under the charge of Vasak the
Seunian, to remain in Armenia tor the protection
of the inhabitants. The third w.;s confided to
Vardan, who marched with it to the country
oftheAluans. In his progress he encountered,
in the open field,
opposite the city of Khalkhal,
a body of Persian troops commanded by Sebokht.
These he immediately engaged. Arshavir
the Camsaracan, and Mush the Dimaxian,
rushed impetuously to the charge, but through
their ignorance of the country, their horses
fell into a slough, from which they were unable
to extricate themselves.
The enemy, perceiving
this, let fly their arrows at the two warriors,
whereby the jjallant Mush was killed. Arshavir
then leaped from his horse, and placing himself
in the rear of the animal, endeavoured to goad
him forward to a spot where the ground was
firm. All this time the arrows were shot at him
in showers. He however covered himself with
his shield, and finding that a longer stay there
was dangerous, succeeded, with the loss of one
of his boots, in getting out. Then rushing on