But the affection of the Armenians proved more powerful than Ferriol’s hatred. The enormous sum of four hundred purses[260] was collected by the schismatics, and tempted the cupidity of the Grand Vizier and his principal officers. The promises made Ferriol were forgotten, and, a year after having been deposed, Avedick re-ascended the patriarchal throne.[261] “He has united himself with the Greeks,” wrote Ferriol to Pontchartrain, “and I foresee terrible persecutions against the Catholics.”[262] And, before assuring himself that there was any foundation for these fears, the ambassador, whose mind is fruitful in vigorous measures, immediately proposes a means, not of preventing persecution, but of avenging himself for it in advance, and continuing to set his enemies an example of violence. He requests the Pope and the Grand Master of Malta to arrest the Greeks and Armenians who navigate the waters of the Archipelago, or who may be found in the islands, and to take possession of their effects and guard their persons. As they had a very large number of vessels, and the isles were open and without defence against a sudden attack, the ambassador foresaw that the repression would necessarily be formidable.[263] Which is the persecutor? This man so industrious in contriving these rigorous measures, so prompt in taking advantage of his enemies, or the Armenians, faithful to the religion of their fathers and withstanding an impassioned and ardent proselytism? Which are the persecuted? That since his exile to Abratadas, Avedick had conceived a violent hatred against the Catholics must be admitted, and one cannot be astonished at his having done so. But it is undeniable that, having quitted his prison and resumed his position as head of the Armenians, he dissimulated his resentment and lived in peace with the Catholic population. “He makes no move,” wrote Ferriol on January 20, 1705, and on March 11: “He behaves with great respect, and religious affairs are very tranquil here.” “Avedick causes no annoyance to the Catholics,” we read in a despatch of August 13. But the ambassador immediately adds, “I hope that he will burst forth, and I shall not lose the occasion of destroying him.”[264] “I shall not give him,” writes he to the Cardinal de Janson, “a moment of rest; knowing him to be a very wicked man and capable of great dissimulation.”[265]