to have
been a false friend, and to have determined from the first to do his
best for Gotarzes. Abgarus induced Meherdates to proceed from Zeugma
to his own capital, Edessa, and there detained him for several days
by means of a series of festivities. He then persuaded him, though the
winter was approaching, to enter Armenia, and to proceed against his
antagonist by the circuitous route of the Upper Tigris, instead of the
more direct one through Mesopotamia. In this way much valuable time
was lost. The rough mountain-routes and snows of Armenia harassed and
fatigued the pretender's troops, while Gotarzes was given an interval
during which to collect a tolerably large body of soldiers. Still, the
delay was not very great. Meherdatos marched probably by Diarbekr, Til,
and Jezireh, or in other words, followed the course of the Tigris, which
he crossed in the neighborhood of Mosul, after taking the small town
which represented the ancient Nineveh. His line of march had now brought
him into Adiabene; and it seemed a good omen for the success of his
cause that Izates, the powerful monarch of that tract, declared in his
favor, and brought a body of troops to his assistance. Gotarzes was in
the neighborhood, but was distrustful of his strength, and desirous of
collecting a larger force before committing himself to the hazard of an
engagement. He had taken up a strong position with the river Corma
in his front, and, remaining on the defensive, contented himself with
trying by his emissaries the fidelity of his rival's troops and allies.
The plan succeeded. After a little time, the army of Meherdates began
to melt away. Izates of Adiabene and Abgarus of Edessa drew off their
contingents, and left the pretender to depend wholly on his Parthian
supporters. Even their fidelity was doubtful, and might have given way
on further trial; Meherdates therefore resolved, before being wholly
deserted, to try the chance of a battle.

His adversary was now as willing to engage as himself, since he felt
that he was no longer outnumbered. The rivals met, and a fierce and
bloody action was fought between the two armies, no important advantage
being for a long time gained by either. At length Oarrhenes, the chief
general on the side of Meherdates, having routed the troops opposed
to him and pursued them too hotly, was intercepted by the enemy on his
return and either killed or made prisoner. This event proved decisive.
The loss of their leader caus