Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/258

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of their opponents, Tbis^ howerer, was a dis* advimtage, for the sun, dsLrting his rays in the faces of the combined Armenian and Greek troops, dazzled them, so that they could not see distinctly. Saint Nierses, who had accompanied his countrymen^ now ascended to the top of Mount Nepat» and faUing on his knees, lifted np his hands, and prayed that victory might attend the followers of the cross.

This was agreed upon as the signal for the Greeks and Armenians to charge. The two armies were quickly ^igaged, and in their meet* ing seemed like two mountains of eqval bulk striving against each other : the war-cries of the combatants, and the clash of their weapons and armour rent the sky. At this moment the favour of the Afanighty was manifested in an extraor* dinary way : the Armenians and Greeks were much incommoded by the sun, which beamed fiercely upon them, whea on a sudden a thick cloud intervened and quite obscured his laya. A strong wind then arose» which blew with such force against the Persians, that their arrows w6re driven back against themselves y the far Toured army now rushed to the c<»fliet with redoabled confidence, and were met with equal courage. The Persians fonghtmost undauntedly, and for some time there was no perceptible advantage obtained by either

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