318 HISTORT OF ARlfBKIA*
doctrine of the Magi. The second is, that you favour none, nor exalt the base merely because they profess the worship of fire. The third and last is, that the king on all occasions hear both sides, and not hasten to judgment on the infor- mation of one party against another, without hearing the latter's defence.' Vahan then sent back the messengers of Nikbor with honour, and dispatched with them five of his faithful chiefs as ambassadors on his part bearing the fore- going conditions. When these arrived at the Persian camp, the prefect received them with much respect, and supped with them% At every cup, during the repast, he drank the health of Vahan, mentioning his gallant exploits. Having agreed to perform the conditions specified in Vahan 8 reply, the Prefect, with the concur- rence of the five chiefs, wrote to him by the hands of his former two messengers, inviting him to come to the Persian camp without fear, and promising to comply with his desires ; nay, to do more than he had requested. Vahan then, with his few adherents, proceeded to the village of Blind, in the province of Artaz, where he halted, sending forward to inform Nikhor of his arrival, and saying, ** If you desire that I should come to you, let some of your Persian nobles come over to my troops, as hostages for my safety, until the conclusion of this affair. The
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