320 HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
many things were addressed to Vahan, to whieb he invariably made bold and sensible replies^ which made the Prefect exclaim, Your bold and just language, Vahan, has removed every doubt from my mind, and rendered me perfectly con- tent." The council being dismissed, all partook of an elegant supper.
On the following day, Nikhor, after having held a private conference with Vahan, ordered all those who had accompanied him to enter the court with the Persian chiefs. But the apostates were not suffered to approach the doors, on which account they were sadly confused ; their faces resembling the ashes they worshipped. In this court Nikhor, with his chiefs, consented to all the desires of Vahan, and wrote all the particulars to king Valarsh, to whom they urged the Armenian chief to go, pledging themselves for his safety, as well as for the safety of those who might accompany him. Accordingly Vahan, having first visited the city of Duin, assembled his faithful chiefs and followers, and set out with them for Persia. On his arrival at court, he was received with much respect by all the grandees of the kingdom. On his introduction to king Valarsh, the latter testified the greatest pleasure on seeing him, and treated him in every respect as an equal. On the following day, a council was held, at which Vahan was present.
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