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

HISTORY OF ARMENIA. 39
nezzar; but the one who had brought him to
destruction was the formidable Tigranes, by
whom they augured the Medes would be conquered.
Ahasuerus, alarmed at this prophecy,
determined to make preparations for meeting
the firs-t two in the field; but he resolved to
endeavour to takeTigranes off by assassination.
For the latter purpose he sent ambassadors into
Armenia, bearing magnificent presents to the
king, and begging his sister Tigrjna in marriage,
whom, he said, he would exalt to the dignity
of Queen of queens. Tigranes, not suspecting 3446;
the laith of Ahasuerus, readily complied with
his desire, and sent Tigrana into Media attended
by a numerous suite, and such as befitted a
princess of the royal house of Haicus. The
marriage was celebrated immediately on her
arrival, and Ahasuerus, in prosecution of his
designs, })aid her a respect almost bordering on
adoration, in order to prepare her to second him
in his attempt on the life of her brother. At 3447;
^ 4646.
length he disclosed to her his designs, endeavQuring
at the same time to stir up her
jealousy against Zarina the wife of her brother,
who, he told her, had instigated Tigranes to
join Cyrus to extirpate the royal family of
Media. "Thus," said he, " unless you assist
me in procuring the death of Tigranes, we
shall infallibly fall victims to
the powerful co-