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

294 HISTORY OF ARMENIA*
At the moment when the conflict commenced^
the infamous Garjoile Malkhazuni, with his
100 men, deserted to the Persians; thus leaving
only three hundred to dispute the fight with the
enemy. The Armenians, perceiving this act
of treachery, were inspired with the greatest
fury, and calling upon God for aid, rushed
impetuously on their foes. Nothing could withstand
their enthusiasm. Wherever they appeared
they spread destruction, and the Persians
finding how unavailing all their efforts were, took
to flight.
Atirwushnasp fell by the hand of one
in the body commanded by Babken. Atom, at
the head of his men cut down numbers, and took
Gudihon the apostate prisoner. He was proceeding
to put him to death when Babken the
Seunian came up and saved him, in consequence
of having formerly received a particular favour
at his hands. The traitor Garjoile Malkhazuni,
having rallied the troops ofCatashes, advanced
from the rear, and began a furious attack on his
betrayed countrymen. Having succeeded in
taking a prisoner, he directed him to be put to
death; but his cries brought to the spot Nerseh
and Hirahat with a few men, who attacking
the troops ofCatashes, put them to flight, after
killing their leader. The victorious Armenians,
seeing the field clear, returned to their camp,
having suff"ered in this glorious encounter the