^t went OD very well, guiding his conduct by the strictest probity ; but led away by his youth and inexperience, he at length fell into habits of effeminacy and sensuality. He had, however^ a certain respect for virtue, which prevented him from violating decency in public, and he was accustomed to gratify his vicious inclinations in secret. Being at length discovered by St. Isaac, he was several times admonished by him. On these occasions the young monarch never failed to deny the charge, but nevertheless became more and more a slave to his vices. The chiefs, a. d. 427. relinquishing all hope of his reform, went to St. Isaac, and besought him to join with them in soliciting from Viram the deposition of Arta- shir from the throne, and the appointment of a Persian governor in his room. St. Isaac rejected their proposal with indignation. I cannot consent," said he, " to betray the smaller crimi- nal into the hands of the greater, or to exchange my infirm sheep for a healthy wolf." The chie& then proceeded to Viram, and complained both of Artashir and the saint. The Persian king immediately sent for the accused, saying to the complainants, ** It is not customary with* us to decide on the guilt of the accused on the bare assertion of their accusers. Let us hear also their defence." Artashir and the Saint being arrived in Per-
kfc
�� �
