BISTORT OF ABUENIA. 13l>
a revolt also, inspired by a desire of placing Artaces on the throne, and intimidated by the renown of Sumbat and the power of the chiefs who had lately joined him. Erwand, however, int>rder to conciliate and bind his followers to his interests, distributed large presents amongst them, in which he succeeded with many, especially with his foreign auxiliaries. He then prepared for the approaching contest. He passed to the northward of the river Akhurian, pitching his camp on a large plain, 300 furlongs distant from Erwandashat. Here he fortified himself, surrounding the w^le of his camp with a wooden wall^ well defended on the outside by a double cover of coarse cloth and the skins of beasts, and then calmly await- ed the approach of his rival. Sumbat, with Artaces and the chiefs of Uti, having crossed the seat>f Gelam, and passed the mountain Aragaz, drew near the camp of Erwand. Although the army of the latter was immense, Sumbat thought less of the whole than of the single power of Argam, of whom we made some men- tion before. He therefore endeavoured to se- duce that great warrior from the interests of Erwand, and persuaded the young Artaces to offer him vast rewards if he would forsake the king. The young prince accordingly addressed thus by letter, If you will desert Erwand,
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