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

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HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
Phiroz, however, apprehensive of the soundness
of his profession, would not permit him to return
to Armenia before he had caused his youngest
brother Vard to be taken from the country
of the Taics, and brought into Persia. This
being complied
with, Vard remained with the
king as an hostage, and Vahan returned invested
with the power and dignity of the royal agent.
A. D. 479. On his arrival among his friends, Vahan began
to regret the step he had taken, and his former
acquaintances avoided him as a pest.
Thus he ])assed his life most miserably, bemoaning
the act of folly and sin he had committed.
The chiefs, whom we designate the
faithful, on account of their memorable stand
in defence of their religion in the Persian dungeons,
on hearing of the weakness of Vahan,
became alarmed, and censured his improper
conduct most severely. The apostates, who
before hated him on account of his virtues, now
doubly detested him, in consequence of the
favour with which he was distinguished by the
king. They therefore did not cease speaking
ill of him. Thus had Vahan by one unguarded
act forfeited the esteem and love
of his friends,
and sharpened the envy and malice of his
enemies. He, however, was quite insensible to
one or the other, being dreadfully tormented
by his conscience for the evil he had done.