The wild tribes
of the Bactiari were even enlisted, with their fatal bows, and the
savage Turkmans, tempted by the sultan's gold, for a moment yielded
their liberty, and shook their tall lances in his ranks.
But what is a wild Bactiari, and what is a savage Turkman, and what
even a disciplined and imperious Seljuk, to the warriors of the God of
Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob? At the first onset, Alroy succeeded in
dividing the extended centre of Togrul, and separating the greater part
of the Turks from their less disciplined comrades. At the head of his
Median cavalry, the Messiah charged and utterly routed the warriors of
the Caucasus. The wild tribes of the Bactiari discharged their arrows
and fled, and the savage Turkmans plundered the baggage of their own
commander.
The Turks themselves fought desperately; but, deserted by their allies,
and surrounded by an inspired foe, their efforts were unavailing, and
their slaughter terrible. Togrul was slain while heading a desperate and
fruitless charge, and, after his fall, the battle resembled a massacre
rather than a combat. The plain was glotted with Seljuk gore. No quarter
was given or asked. Twenty thousand chosen troops fell on the side
of the Turks; the rest dispersed and gained the mountains.
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