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

HISTORY OF ARMENIA. 37
which the powers of his understanding gave him
over his fellow-men, which, in too many instances,
is the means of estranging the good
will of others from its possessor, by his unassuming
disposition was never employed but for
the best purposes. His person was not at all
inferior to his mind, for the perfection of manly
beauty shone in it. He was also distinguished
for the most chivalric bravery, and during his
reign the manners and customs of the Armenians
experienced a complete revolution. Refinement
in dress and living was carried to the highest
pitch of perfection, and the army was completely
re-modelled, upon principles which
afterwards proved the source of so much glory
to the nation. He engaged in several wars
with the adjacent powers, in all of which he
was attended by incredible success. He defeated
the Greeks, and compelled them for a
long period to pay him tribute. Cyrus at this ^445;
period was at the head of the Persian nation, and
had immortalized himself by the most splendid
achievements in war. An alliance offensive
and defensive was formed between this monarch
and Tigranes, which nearly proved the means
of depriving the latter of his crown and life.*
Ahasuerus, king of Media, who was at
this
time at war with Cyrus, no sooner heard
of the alliance that had been formed between
* See Hist. B. ],c. 2.