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

314 HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
Mushel the Mamiconian, and afew other leaders,
in all amounting to about thirty persons, to sustain
the attack. When Shapuh, on his nearer
approach, beheld the fewness of Vahan's followers,
he made a halt, and addressing Gudihon^
chief ot tlie Seunies, exclaimed, " Support me,
for 1 am overpowered by the novelty of this
spectacle. These, our opponents, either foolishly
wish to sacrilice themselves, or are protected by
an invisible power. But if I am not deceived,
they have given themselves up to despair, and
desire to die. We shall now catch them one by
one and bind them with chains!"' At the moment
when the Persians again moved forward, one
of Vahan's companions cried to him, " Beware^
Sir, beware, of the consequences ! recollect that
even now we may flee and save ourselves !'*
But Vahan, having marked himself with the sign
of the cross, replied in a loud voice, "Do not bid
me beware, for I do not confide in man for aid,,
but place all my reliance on the blessed cross of
our Redeemer."
Having said this, he darted intothe
ranks of the
Persians, like a hawk among a
covey of small birds, and being bravely followed
by the other chiefs, made a dreadful slaughter.
Having passed through the enemy's army, shedding
torrents of blood, these glorious warriors,,
with slow
steps advanced towards their campv.
Four of Vahan's party fell in this conflicC