Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/337

This page needs to be proofread.

294 HtSTDRT OF ARMENYAv

At the momeBt when the conflict commeocedt the infamous Garyoile Malkhazuni, with bit 100 men, deserted to the Persians; thus leaving only three hundred to dispute the fight with the enemy. The Armenians, perceiving this act of treachery, were inspired with the greatest fury, and calling upon God for aid, rushed imipetuously on their foes. Nothing could with- stand their enthusiasm. Wherever they ap- {leared they spreaddestruction, and the Persians finding hi>w unavailing all their effot ts were, took to flighL Atirwushnasp fell by the hand ctf one m the body commanded by Babken. Atom, at the head of his meik cut down numbers, and to<^ Gudihon the apostate prisoner. He was pro^ ceeding to put him to death when Babken the Seunian came up and saved him, in consequence of having formerly received a particular favour at his hands. The traitor Garjoile Malkhazuni, having rallied the troc^ of Catashes, advanced from the rear, and began a furious attack on his betrayed countrymen. Having succeeded in taking a prisoner, he directed him to be put to death; but his cries brought to the spot Nerseh wmd Hirahat with a few men, who attacking the troops of Catashes, put them to flight, after killing their leader. The victorious Armenians, seeing the field clear, returned to their camp, ' having suffered in this glorious encounter the

�� �