For some time he prudently declined an engagement; but it was difficult to restrain the ardor of his troops, whom the enemy exasperated by their reproaches.

After a while he was compelled to accept the battle which Pharasmanes incessantly offered.

His force consisted entirely of cavalry, while Pharasmanes had besides his horse a powerful body of infantry.

The battle was nevertheless stoutly contested; and the victory might have been doubtful, had it not happened that in a hand-to-hand combat between the two commanders Orodes was struck to the ground by his antagonist, and thought by most of his own men to be killed.

As usual under such circumstances in the East, a rout followed.