200 ^ HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
from utter destraction, he sent messengers to Nierses the pontiff, entreating him to assist him to pacify his chiefs, and save him from the hands of the emperor. The blessed saint, however, was averse to interfere. *' If," says he, " he obtain peace, he will again fill the country with dis* tress." The king, however, reiterated his entreaty, so that, at length, the pontiff consented to be the mediator between them. Having waited on the chiefs, he succeeded in making them desist from further hostility against the king, and caused both parties to make this covenant;
- that the king should from that period employ
himself in regulating and improving the country, and that the chiefs should pay him allegiance and due honour." Merujan, chief of the Arz- runians, and bis brother-in-law, Vahan the Ma- meconian, refused to make any concession; and when they found that Arsaces and the other chiefs were reconciled, they went to Persia, where they abjured their faith. St. Nierses, immediately after peace was restored between the king and his subjects, went to Theodosius the Grecian general, and entreated him to desist from his intention of ravaging the country; promised him that tribute should be paid, and hostages given from the sons of the chiefs, with Pap the son of Arsaces, to secure the further obedience of the Armenian nation. . Theodosius
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