412 HtSToiir 6t ARiizmh.
to a Peraiati ntined Shekhey, who was mvMted with the supreme authority daring Bulah% absence.
Bulah persuaded Sumbat the general to accom- pany him, by solemnly declaring his connctiofi that the Caliph^ in reward for his fidelity, would confer upon him the govemtnent of Armenia. He also took with him the Syriatt Deacon Nana, of whom we before gave some particulars. When the Armenian chiefs and other captives were presented to the caliph at Bagdad, he apoke to them in a threateiung i<me and manner^ and ordered Sumbat the general to be bound and placed with the •other prisoners, whom Bulah bad before sent him. Ilien commenced the most horrible persecutioti. The Caliph only f;ave them one alternative, torture and death, or to renounce Christianity and embrace his rdi- l^ion. Many, unable to endtrre the idea of the tortures with which they V9€te threatened* t>utwardly professed to renounce Christianity. Others, more firm, gloriously died in defbnoe of their fhith. Among these latter Stephen Con was conspicuous Ibt his vnshaken Ibrti^ tude. Sumbat was more mSdly dealt witfi. On his refusing to abjure his reltgion, he was placed in the strictest confinement, wher^ h/e bitterly bewafled his having joined Bulah during the time that bloody tyrant waa da-
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