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

412 HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
to a Persian named Shekhey, who was invested
with the supreme authority during Bulah's
absence.
Bulah persuaded Sumbat the general to accompany
him, by solemnly declaring his conviction
that the Caliph, in reward for his fidelity, would
confer upon him the government of Armenia.
He also took with him the Syrian Deacon Nana,
of whom we before gave some particulars.
When the Armenian chiefs and other captives
were presented to the caliph at Bagdad, he
spoke to them in a threatening tone and manner,
and ordered Sumbat the general to be bound
and placed with the other prisoners, whom
Bulah had before sent him.
the most horrible persecution.
Then commenced
The Caliph only
gave them one alternative, torture and death, or
to renounce Christianity and embrace his religion.
Many, unable to endure the idea of the
tortures with which they were threatened,
outwardly professed to renounce Christianity.
Others, more firm, gloriously died in defence
of their faith. Among these latter Stephen
Con was conspicuous for his unshaken fortitude.
Sumbat was more mildly dealt with.
On his refusing to abjure his religion, he was
placed in the strictest confinement, where
he bitterly bewailed his having joined Bulah
during the time that bloody tyrant was de-