Would not descend?
So I crave nor crown nor gold,
Longed-for One, I her would hold
Till time shall end.

RAPHAEL PATKANIAN.


* * * * *


DAVID OF SASSUN

NATIONAL EPOS OF ARMENIA

[_Translated by F.B. Collins, B.S._]


* * * * *


DAVID OF SASSUN


Strong and mighty was the Caliph of Bagdad[1]; he gathered together a
host and marched against our Holy John the Baptist[2]. Hard he oppressed
our people, and led many into captivity. Among the captives was a
beautiful maiden, and the caliph made her his wife. In time she bore two
sons, Sanassar and Abamelik. The father of these children was a heathen,
but their mother was a worshipper of the cross[3], for the caliph had