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The Turco-Mongol Invasions and the Lords of Armenia in the 13 ...

The Turco-Mongol Invasions and the Lords of Armenia in the 13 ...

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<strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g's action, rem<strong>in</strong>iscent <strong>of</strong> Ellkum's "heartfelt<br />

thanks" to Asian noy<strong>in</strong> strongly suggests that soae<br />

partial restitution was made to <strong>the</strong> Orbeleans .<br />

SO pp. 168-69: "<strong>The</strong>n <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g called Smbat to Tiflis <strong>and</strong><br />

wanted to show his gratitude to him through very great<br />

gifts. He asked Smbat: 'What great gifts shall I bestow<br />

upon you? For whatever <strong>in</strong> my k<strong>in</strong>gdom you wish, whatever<br />

you f<strong>in</strong>d agreeable, I shall give you unspar<strong>in</strong>gly*. Smbat<br />

arose <strong>and</strong> prostrated himself: 'Oh k<strong>in</strong>g, whatever we<br />

have is/was [given by] you <strong>and</strong> your forbears. This much<br />

is enough for us; but <strong>the</strong>re is one th<strong>in</strong>g I request from<br />

you'. <strong>The</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g responded:; 'I swear that I shall give you<br />

whatever you ask for'. Smbat said: '<strong>The</strong>n obliterate<br />

that wigked memory <strong>of</strong> us, through which your forbear,<br />

[<strong>in</strong>g] Georgi sl<strong>and</strong>ered my ancestors. For he had written<br />

Ca document] with curses, such that we not be allowed <strong>in</strong>to<br />

our patrimony, <strong>and</strong> he had it placed <strong>in</strong> his treasury.<br />

Give that [document] to me'. <strong>The</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g was astonished<br />

<strong>and</strong> despised his fa<strong>the</strong>r for remov<strong>in</strong>g from his tun such<br />

powerful <strong>and</strong> capable men. And he ordered his attendants<br />

to search for <strong>and</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g that document (girk*: "writ<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

letter, book"). <strong>The</strong>y went, located it, <strong>and</strong> quickly brought<br />

it. <strong>The</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g took it <strong>in</strong> his h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> stood up, say<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

'Behold, Smbat, take <strong>the</strong> document you requested'. Smbat<br />

arose, prostrated himself, <strong>and</strong> replied: 'Oh k<strong>in</strong>g, who so<br />

forgave <strong>the</strong> past, show me [yet ano<strong>the</strong>r] k<strong>in</strong>dness. That<br />

book was written by a k<strong>in</strong>g's h<strong>and</strong>; it must be destroyed<br />

by a k<strong>in</strong>g's h<strong>and</strong>. Order that a fire be k<strong>in</strong>dled before<br />

yourself, <strong>and</strong> throw that book <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> flames with your<br />

own h<strong>and</strong>'. At once <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g comm<strong>and</strong>ed that a fire be<br />

struck up. He pulled out his sword, tore out <strong>the</strong> pages,<br />

<strong>and</strong> threw <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> fire. Whereupon Smbat was exceed<strong>in</strong>gly<br />

delighted <strong>and</strong> thanked him. After this, <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g<br />

gave him many o<strong>the</strong>r magnificent gifts <strong>and</strong> robes <strong>of</strong> honor<br />

<strong>and</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r dist<strong>in</strong>guished him <strong>and</strong> sent him home. In this<br />

manner did Smbat remove <strong>the</strong> stigma attached to his ancestors,<br />

<strong>and</strong> left a good reputation for those succeed<strong>in</strong>g [him]".<br />

273

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