THEFEAST
ItwasatMegara，asuburbofCarthage，inthegardensofHamilcar。
ThesoldierswhomhehadcommandedinSicilywerehavingagreatfeast，tocelebratetheanniversaryofthebattleofEryx，andasthemaster，wasaway，andtheywerenumerous，theyateanddrankwithperfect，freedom。
Thecaptains，whoworebronzecothurni，hadplacedthemselvesinthe，centralpath，beneathagold-fringedpurpleawning，whichreachedfrom，thewallofthestablestothefirstterraceofthepalace;thecommon，soldierswerescatteredbeneaththetrees，wherenumerousflat-roofed，buildingsmightbeseen，wine-presses，cellars，storehouses，bakeries，andarsenals，withacourtforelephants，densforwildbeasts，anda，prisonforslaves。
Fig-treessurroundedthekitchens;awoodofsycamoresstretchedaway，tomeetmassesofverdure，wherethepomegranateshoneamidthewhite，tuftsofthecotton-plant;vines，grape-laden，grewupintothe，branchesofthepines;afieldofrosesbloomedbeneaththeplane-
trees;hereandthereliliesrockedupontheturf;thepathswere，strewnwithblacksandmingledwithpowderedcoral，andinthecentre，theavenueofcypressformed，asitwere，adoublecolonnadeofgreen，obelisksfromoneextremitytotheother。
Farinthebackgroundstoodthepalace，builtofyellowmottled，Numidianmarble，broadcoursessupportingitsfourterracedstories。
Withitslarge，straight，ebonystaircase，bearingtheprowofa，vanquishedgalleyatthecornersofeverystep，itsreddoors，quarteredwithblackcrosses，itsbrassgratingsprotectingitfrom，scorpionsbelow，anditstrellisesofgildedrodsclosingthe，aperturesabove，itseemedtothesoldiersinitshaughtyopulenceas，solemnandimpenetrableasthefaceofHamilcar。
TheCouncilhadappointedhishousefortheholdingofthisfeast;the，convalescentslyinginthetempleofEschmounhadsetoutatdaybreak，anddraggedthemselvesthitherontheircrutches。Everyminuteothers，werearriving。Theypouredinceaselesslybyeverypathliketorrents，rushingintoalake;throughthetreestheslavesofthekitchens，mightbeseenrunningscaredandhalf-naked;thegazellesfled，bleatingonthelawns;thesunwassetting，andtheperfumeofcitron，treesrenderedtheexhalationfromtheperspiringcrowdheavierstill。
Menofallnationswerethere，Ligurians，Lusitanians，Balearians，Negroes，andfugitivesfromRome。BesidetheheavyDoriandialectwere，audibletheresonantCelticsyllablesrattlinglikechariotsofwar，whileIonianterminationsconflictedwithconsonantsofthedesertas，harshasthejackal’scry。TheGreekmightberecognisedbyhis，slenderfigure，theEgyptianbyhiselevatedshoulders，theCantabrian，byhisbroadcalves。TherewereCariansproudlynoddingtheirhelmet，plumes，Cappadocianarchersdisplayinglargeflowerspaintedontheir，bodieswiththejuiceofherbs，andafewLydiansinwomen’srobes，dininginslippersandearrings。Otherswereostentatiouslydaubed，withvermilion，andresembledcoralstatues。
Theystretchedthemselvesonthecushions，theyatesquattinground，largetrays，orlyingfacedownwardstheydrewoutthepiecesofmeat，andsatedthemselves，leaningontheirelbowsinthepeacefulposture，oflionstearingtheirprey。Thelastcomersstoodleaningagainstthe，treeswatchingthelowtableshalfhiddenbeneaththescarlet，coverings，andawaitingtheirturn。
Hamilcar’skitchensbeinginsufficient，theCouncilhadsentthem，slaves，ware，andbeds，andinthemiddleofthegarden，asona，battle-fieldwhentheyburnthedead，largebrightfiresmightbe，seen，atwhichoxenwereroasting。Anise-sprinkledloavesalternated，withgreatcheesesheavierthandiscuses，craterasfilledwithwine，andcantharusesfilledwithwater，togetherwithbasketsofgold，filigree-workcontainingflowers。Everyeyewasdilatedwiththejoy，ofbeingableatlasttogorgeatpleasure，andsongswerebeginning，hereandthere。
Firsttheywereservedwithbirdsandgreensauceinplatesofred，clayrelievedbydrawingsinblack，thenwitheverykindofshell-fish，thatisgatheredonthePuniccoasts，wheatenporridge，beansand，barley，andsnailsdressedwithcuminondishesofyellowamber。
Afterwardsthetableswerecoveredwithmeats，antelopeswiththeir，horns，peacockswiththeirfeathers，wholesheepcookedinsweetwine，haunchesofshe-camelsandbuffaloes，hedgehogswithgarum，fried，grasshoppers，andpreserveddormice。Largepiecesoffatfloatedin，themidstofsaffroninbowlsofTamrapanniwood。Everythingwas，runningoverwithwine，truffles，andasafoetida。Pyramidsoffruit，werecrumblinguponhoneycombs，andtheyhadnotforgottenafewof，thoseplumplittledogswithpinksilkyhairandfattenedonolive，lees，——aCarthaginiandishheldinabhorrenceamongothernations。
Surpriseatthenovelfareexcitedthegreedofthestomach。TheGauls，withtheirlonghairdrawnuponthecrownofthehead，snatchedat，thewater-melonsandlemons，andcrunchedthemupwiththerind。The，Negroes，whohadneverseenalobster，toretheirfaceswithitsred，prickles。ButtheshavenGreeks，whiterthanmarble，threwthe，leavingsoftheirplatesbehindthem，whiletheherdsmenfromBrutium，intheirwolf-skingarments，devouredinsilencewiththeirfacesin，theirportions。
Nightfell。Thevelarium，spreadoverthecypressavenue，wasdrawn，back，andtorcheswerebrought。
Theapes，sacredtothemoon，wereterrifiedonthecedartopsbythe，waveringlightsofthepetroleumasitburnedintheporphyryvases。
Theyutteredscreamswhichaffordedmirthtothesoldiers。
Oblongflamestrembledincuirassesofbrass。Everykindof，scintillationflashedfromthegem-incrusteddishes。Thecrateraswith，theirbordersofconvexmirrorsmultipliedandenlargedtheimagesof，things;thesoldiersthrongedaround，lookingattheirreflections，withamazement，andgrimacingtomakethemselveslaugh。Theytossed，theivorystoolsandgoldenspatulastooneanotheracrossthetables。
TheygulpeddownalltheGreekwinesintheirleathernbottles，the，Campanianwineenclosedinamphoras，theCantabrianwinesbroughtin，casks，withthewinesofthejujube，cinnamomumandlotus。Therewere，poolsoftheseonthegroundthatmadethefootslip。Thesmokeofthe，meatsascendedintothefoliagewiththevapourofthebreath。
Simultaneouslywereheardthesnappingofjaws，thenoiseofspeech，songs，andcups，thecrashofCampanianvasesshiveringintoa，thousandpieces，orthelimpidsoundofalargesilverdish。
Inproportionastheirintoxicationincreasedtheymoreandmore，recalledtheinjusticeofCarthage。TheRepublic，infact，exhausted，bythewar，hadallowedallthereturningbandstoaccumulateinthe，town。Gisco，theirgeneral，hadhoweverbeenprudentenoughtosend，thembackseverallyinordertofacilitatetheliquidationoftheir，pay，andtheCouncilhadbelievedthattheywouldintheendconsent，tosomereduction。Butatpresentill-willwascausedbytheinability，topaythem。Thisdebtwasconfusedinthemindsofthepeoplewith，the3200EuboictalentsexactedbyLutatius，andequallywithRome，theywereregardedasenemiestoCarthage。TheMercenariesunderstood，this，andtheirindignationfoundventinthreatsandoutbreaks。At，lasttheydemandedpermissiontoassembletocelebrateoneoftheir，victories，andthepeacepartyyielded，atthesametimerevenging，themselvesonHamilcarwhohadsostronglyupheldthewar。Ithadbeen，terminatednotwithstandingallhisefforts，sothat，despairingof，Carthage，hehadentrustedthegovernmentoftheMercenariestoGisco。
Toappointhispalacefortheirreceptionwastodrawuponhim，somethingofthehatredwhichwasbornetothem。Moreover，theexpense，mustbeexcessive，andhewouldincurnearlythewhole。
ProudofhavingbroughttheRepublictosubmit，theMercenaries，thoughtthattheywereatlastabouttoreturntotheirhomeswiththe，paymentfortheirbloodinthehoodsoftheircloaks。Butasseen，throughthemistsofintoxication，theirfatiguesseemedtothem，prodigiousandbutill-rewarded。Theyshowedoneanothertheirwounds，theytoldoftheircombats，theirtravelsandthehuntingintheir，nativelands。Theyimitatedthecriesandtheleapsofwildbeasts。
Thencameuncleanwagers;theyburiedtheirheadsintheamphorasand，drankonwithoutinterruption，likethirstydromedaries。ALusitanian，ofgiganticstatureranoverthetables，carryingamanineachhand，atarm’slength，andspittingoutfirethroughhisnostrils。Some，Lacedaemonians，whohadnottakenofftheircuirasses，wereleaping，withaheavystep。Someadvancedlikewomen，makingobscenegestures;
othersstrippednakedtofightamidthecupsafterthefashionof，gladiators，andacompanyofGreeksdancedaroundavasewhereon，nymphsweretobeseen，whileaNegrotappedwithanox-boneona，brazenbuckler。
Suddenlytheyheardaplaintivesong，asongloudandsoft，risingand，fallingintheairlikethewing-beatingofawoundedbird。
Itwasthevoiceoftheslavesintheergastulum。Somesoldiersrose，ataboundtoreleasethemanddisappeared。
Theyreturned，drivingthroughthedustamidshouts，twentymen，distinguishedbytheirgreaterpalenessofface。Smallblackfeltcaps，ofconicalshapecoveredtheirshavenheads;theyallworewooden，shoes，andyetmadeanoiseasofoldironlikedrivingchariots。
Theyreachedtheavenueofcypress，wheretheywerelostamongthe，crowdofthosequestioningthem。Oneofthemremainedapart，standing。
Throughtherentsinhistunichisshoulderscouldbeseenstriped，withlongscars。Droopinghischin，helookedroundhimwithdistrust，closinghiseyelidssomewhatagainstthedazzlinglightofthe，torches，butwhenhesawthatnoneofthearmedmenwereunfriendlyto，him，agreatsighescapedfromhisbreast;hestammered，hesneered，throughthebrighttearsthatbathedhisface。Atlastheseizeda，brimmingcantharusbyitsrings，raiseditstraightupintotheair，withhisoutstretchedarms，fromwhichhischainshungdown，andthen，lookingtoheaven，andstillholdingthecuphesaid：
“Hailfirsttothee，Baal-Eschmoun，thedeliverer，whomthepeopleof，mycountrycallAesculapius！andtoyou，geniiofthefountains，light，andwoods！andtoyou，yegodshiddenbeneaththemountainsand，inthecavernsoftheearth！andtoyou，strongmeninshiningarmour，whohavesetmefree！”
Thenheletfallthecupandrelatedhishistory。Hewascalled，Spendius。TheCarthaginianshadtakenhiminthebattleofAeginusae，andhethankedtheMercenariesoncemoreinGreek，LigurianandPunic;
hekissedtheirhands;finally，hecongratulatedthemonthebanquet，whileexpressinghissurpriseatnotperceivingthecupsoftheSacred，Legion。Thesecups，whichboreanemeraldvineoneachoftheirsix，goldenfaces，belongedtoacorpscomposedexclusivelyofyoung，patriciansofthetalleststature。Theywereaprivilege，almosta，sacerdotaldistinction，andaccordinglynothingamongthetreasuresof，theRepublicwasmorecovetedbytheMercenaries。Theydetestedthe，Legiononthisaccount，andsomeofthemhadbeenknowntorisktheir，livesfortheinconceivablepleasureofdrinkingoutofthesecups。
Accordinglytheycommandedthatthecupsshouldbebrought。Theywere，inthekeepingoftheSyssitia，companiesoftraders，whohadacommon，table。Theslavesreturned。Atthathourallthemembersofthe，Syssitiawereasleep。
“Letthembeawakened！”respondedtheMercenaries。
Afterasecondexcursionitwasexplainedtothemthatthecupswere，shutupinatemple。
“Letitbeopened！”theyreplied。
Andwhentheslavesconfessedwithtremblingthattheywereinthe，possessionofGisco，thegeneral，theycriedout：
“Lethimbringthem！”
Giscosoonappearedatthefarendofthegardenwithanescortofthe，SacredLegion。Hisfull，blackcloak，whichwasfastenedonhishead，toagoldenmitrestarredwithpreciousstones，andwhichhungall，abouthimdowntohishorse’shoofs，blendedinthedistancewiththe，colourofthenight。Hiswhitebeard，theradiancyofhishead-dress，andhistriplenecklaceofbroadblueplatesbeatingagainsthis，breast，werealonevisible。
Whenheentered，thesoldiersgreetedhimwithloudshouts，all，crying：
“Thecups！Thecups！”
Hebeganbydeclaringthatifreferencewerehadtotheircourage，theywereworthyofthem。
Thecrowdapplaudedandhowledwithjoy。
HEknewit，hewhohadcommandedthemoveryonder，andhadreturned，withthelastcohortinthelastgalley！
“True！True！”saidthey。
Nevertheless，Giscocontinued，theRepublichadrespectedtheir，nationaldivisions，theircustoms，andtheirmodesofworship;in，Carthagetheywerefree！AstothecupsoftheSacredLegion，they，wereprivateproperty。SuddenlyaGaul，whowasclosetoSpendius，sprangoverthetablesandranstraightuptoGisco，gesticulatingand，threateninghimwithtwonakedswords。
Withoutinterruptinghisspeech，theGeneralstruckhimonthehead，withhisheavyivorystaff，andtheBarbarianfell。TheGaulshowled，andtheirfrenzy，whichwasspreadingtotheothers，wouldsoonhave，sweptawaythelegionaries。Giscoshruggedhisshouldersashesaw，themgrowingpale。Hethoughtthathiscouragewouldbeuseless，againsttheseexasperatedbrutebeasts。Itwouldbebettertorevenge，himselfuponthembysomeartificelater;accordingly，hesignedto，hissoldiersandslowlywithdrew。Then，turninginthegatewaytowards，theMercenaries，hecriedtothemthattheywouldrepentofit。
Thefeastrecommenced。ButGiscomightreturn，andbysurroundingthe，suburb，whichwasbesidethelastramparts，mightcrushthemagainst，thewalls。Thentheyfeltthemselvesaloneinspiteoftheircrowd，andthegreattownsleepingbeneaththemintheshadesuddenlymade，themafraid，withitspilesofstaircases，itsloftyblackhouses，and，itsvaguegodsfiercereventhanitspeople。Inthedistanceafew，ships’-lanternswereglidingacrosstheharbour，andtherewerelights，inthetempleofKhamon。TheythoughtofHamilcar。Wherewashe？Why，hadheforsakenthemwhenpeacewasconcluded？Hisdifferenceswith，theCouncilweredoubtlessbutapretenceinordertodestroythem。
Theirunsatisfiedhaterecoileduponhim，andtheycursedhim，exasperatingoneanotherwiththeirownanger。Atthisjuncturethey，collectedtogetherbeneaththeplane-treestoseeaslavewho，with，eyeballsfixed，neckcontorted，andlipscoveredwithfoam，was，rollingontheground，andbeatingthesoilwithhislimbs。Someone，criedoutthathewaspoisoned。Allthenbelievedthemselvespoisoned。
Theyfellupontheslaves，aterribleclamourwasraised，anda，vertigoofdestructioncamelikeawhirlwinduponthedrunkenarmy。
Theystruckaboutthematrandom，theysmashed，theyslew;somehurled，torchesintothefoliage;others，leaningoverthelions’balustrade，massacredtheanimalswitharrows;themostdaringrantothe，elephants，desiringtocutdowntheirtrunksandeativory。
SomeBalearicslingers，however，whohadgoneroundthecornerofthe，palace，inordertopillagemoreconveniently，werecheckedbyalofty，barrier，madeofIndiancane。Theycutthelock-strapswiththeir，daggers，andthenfoundthemselvesbeneaththefrontthatfaced，Carthage，inanothergardenfulloftrimmedvegetation。Linesofwhite，flowersallfollowingoneanotherinregularsuccessionformedlong，parabolaslikestar-rocketsontheazure-colouredearth。Thegloomy，bushesexhaledwarmandhoniedodours。Thereweretrunksoftrees，smearedwithcinnabar，whichresembledcolumnscoveredwithblood。In，thecentreweretwelvepedestals，eachsupportingagreatglassball，andthesehollowglobeswereindistinctlyfilledwithreddishlights，likeenormousandstillpalpitatingeyeballs。Thesoldierslighted，themselveswithtorchesastheystumbledontheslopeofthedeeply，labouredsoil。
Buttheyperceivedalittlelakedividedintoseveralbasinsbywalls，ofbluestones。Solimpidwasthewavethattheflamesofthetorches，quiveredinitattheverybottom，onabedofwhitepebblesand，goldendust。Itbegantobubble，luminousspanglesglidedpast，and，greatfishwithgemsabouttheirmouths，appearednearthesurface。
Withmuchlaughterthesoldiersslippedtheirfingersintothegills，andbroughtthemtothetables。TheywerethefishoftheBarca，family，andwerealldescendedfromthoseprimordialloteswhichhad，hatchedthemysticeggwhereinthegoddesswasconcealed。Theideaof，committingasacrilegerevivedthegreedinessoftheMercenaries;they，speedilyplacedfirebeneathsomebrazenvases，andamusedthemselves，bywatchingthebeautifulfishstrugglingintheboilingwater。
Thesurgeofsoldierspressedon。Theywerenolongerafraid。They，commencedtodrinkagain。Theirraggedtunicswerewetwiththe，perfumesthatflowedinlargedropsfromtheirforeheads，andresting，bothfistsonthetables，whichseemedtothemtoberockinglike，ships，theyrolledtheirgreatdrunkeneyesaroundtodevourbysight，whattheycouldnottake。Otherswalkedamidthedishesonthepurple，tablecovers，breakingivorystools，andphialsofTyrianglassto，pieceswiththeirfeet。Songsmingledwiththedeath-rattleofthe，slavesexpiringamidthebrokencups。Theydemandedwine，meat，gold。
Theycriedoutforwomen。Theyravedinahundredlanguages。Some，thoughtthattheywereatthevapourbathsonaccountofthesteam，whichfloatedaroundthem，orelse，catchingsightofthefoliage，imaginedthattheywereatthechase，andrushedupontheircompanions，asuponwildbeasts。Theconflagrationspreadtoallthetrees，one，afteranother，andtheloftymossesofverdure，emittinglongwhite，spirals，lookedlikevolcanoesbeginningtosmoke。Theclamour，redoubled;thewoundedlionsroaredintheshade。
Inaninstantthehighestterraceofthepalacewasilluminated，the，centraldooropened，andawoman，Hamilcar’sdaughterherself，clothed，inblackgarments，appearedonthethreshold。Shedescendedthefirst，staircase，whichranobliquelyalongthefirststory，thenthesecond，andthethird，andstoppedonthelastterraceattheheadofthe，galleystaircase。Motionlessandwithheadbent，shegazeduponthe，soldiers。
Behindher，oneachside，weretwolongshadowsofpalemen，cladin，white，red-fringedrobes，whichfellstraighttotheirfeet。Theyhad，nobeard，nohair，noeyebrows。Intheirhands，whichsparkledwith，rings，theycarriedenormouslyres，andwithshrillvoicetheysanga，hymntothedivinityofCarthage。Theyweretheeunuchpriestsofthe，templeofTanith，whowereoftensummonedbySalammbotoherhouse。
Atlastshedescendedthegalleystaircase。Thepriestsfollowedher。
Sheadvancedintotheavenueofcypress，andwalkedslowlythroughthe，tablesofthecaptains，whodrewbacksomewhatastheywatchedher，pass。
Herhair，whichwaspowderedwithvioletsand，andcombinedintothe，formofatower，afterthefashionoftheChanaanitemaidens，addedto，herheight。Tressesofpearlswerefastenedtohertemples，andfell，tothecornersofhermouth，whichwasasrosyasahalf-open，pomegranate。Onherbreastwasacollectionofluminousstones，their，variegationimitatingthescalesofthemurena。Herarmswereadorned，withdiamonds，andissuednakedfromhersleevelesstunic，whichwas，starredwithredflowersonaperfectlyblackground。Betweenher，anklessheworeagoldenchainlettoregulatehersteps，andherlarge，darkpurplemantle，cutofanunknownmaterial，trailedbehindher，making，asitwere，ateachstep，abroadwavewhichfollowedher。
Thepriestsplayednearlystifledchordsontheirlyresfromtimeto，time，andintheintervalsofthemusicmightbeheardthetinklingof，thelittlegoldenchain，andtheregularpatterofherpapyrus，sandals。
Nooneasyetwasacquaintedwithher。Itwasonlyknownthatsheled，aretiredlife，engagedinpiouspractices。Somesoldiershadseenher，inthenightonthesummitofherpalacekneelingbeforethestars，amidtheeddyingsfromkindledperfuming-pans。Itwasthemoonthat，hadmadehersopale，andtherewassomethingfromthegodsthat，envelopedherlikeasubtlevapour。Hereyesseemedtogazefarbeyond，terrestrialspace。Shebentherheadasshewalked，andinherright，handshecarriedalittleebonylyre。
Theyheardhermurmur：
“Dead！Alldead！Nomorewillyoucomeobedienttomyvoiceaswhen，seatedontheedgeofthelake，Iusedtothroughseedsofthe，watermelonintoyourmouths！ThemysteryofTanithrangedinthe，depthsofyoureyesthatweremorelimpidthantheglobulesof，rivers。”Andshecalledthembytheirnames，whichwerethoseofthe，months——“Siv！Sivan！Tammouz，Eloul，Tischri，Schebar！Ah！havepity，onme，goddess！”
Thesoldiersthrongedaboutherwithoutunderstandingwhatshesaid。
Theywonderedatherattire，butsheturnedalongfrightenedlook，uponthemall，thensinkingherheadbeneathhershoulders，andwaving，herarms，sherepeatedseveraltimes：
“Whathaveyoudone？whathaveyoudone？
“Yetyouhadbread，andmeatsandoil，andallthemalobathrumofthe，granariesforyourenjoyment！IhadbroughtoxenfromHecatompylos;I
hadsenthuntersintothedesert！”Hervoiceswelled;hercheeks，purpled。Sheadded，“Where，pray，areyounow？Inaconqueredtown，or，inthepalaceofamaster？Andwhatmaster？HamilcartheSuffet，my，father，theservantoftheBaals！ItwashewhowithheldfromLutatius，thosearmsofyours，rednowwiththebloodofhisslaves！Knowyouof，anyinyourownlandsmoreskilledintheconductofbattles？Look！
ourpalacestepsareencumberedwithourvictories！Ah！desistnot！
burnit！Iwillcarryawaywithmethegeniusofmyhouse，myblack，serpentslumberingupyonderonlotusleaves！Iwillwhistleandhe，willfollowme，andifIembarkinagalleyhewillspeedinthewake，ofmyshipoverthefoamofthewaves。”
Herdelicatenostrilswerequivering。Shecrushedhernailsagainst，thegemsonherbosom。Hereyesdrooped，andsheresumed：
“Ah！poorCarthage！lamentablecity！Nolongerhastthouforthy，protectionthestrongmenofformerdayswhowentbeyondtheoceansto，buildtemplesontheirshores。Allthelandslabouredaboutthee，and，thesea-plains，ploughedbythineoars，rockedwiththyharvests。”
ThenshebegantosingtheadventuresofMelkarth，thegodofthe，Sidonians，andthefatherofherfamily。
ShetoldoftheascentofthemountainsofErsiphonia，thejourneyto，Tartessus，andthewaragainstMasisabaltoavengethequeenofthe，serpents：
“Hepursuedthefemalemonster，whosetailundulatedoverthedead，leaveslikeasilverbrook，intotheforest，andcametoaplainwhere，womenwithdragon-croupswereroundagreatfire，standingerecton，thepointsoftheirtails。Theblood-colouredmoonwasshiningwithin，apalecircle，andtheirscarlettongues，clovenliketheharpoonsof，fishermen，reachedcurlingforthtotheveryedgeoftheflame。”
ThenSalammbo，withoutpausing，relatedhowMelkarth，after，vanquishingMasisabal，placedherseveredheadontheprowofhis，ship。“Ateachthrobofthewavesitsankbeneaththefoam，butthe，sunembalmedit;itbecameharderthangold;neverthelesstheeyes，ceasednottoweep，andthetearsfellintothewatercontinually。”
ShesangallthisinanoldChanaaniteidiom，whichtheBarbariansdid，notunderstand。Theyaskedoneanotherwhatshecouldbesayingto，themwiththosefrightfulgestureswhichaccompaniedherspeech，and，mountedroundaboutheronthetables，beds，andsycamoreboughs，they，strovewithopenmouthsandcranedneckstograspthevaguestories，hoveringbeforetheirimaginations，throughthedimnessofthe，theogonies，likephantomswrappedincloud。
OnlythebeardlesspriestsunderstoodSalammbo;theirwrinkledhands，whichhungoverthestringsoftheirlyres，quivered，andfromtimeto，timetheywoulddrawforthamournfulchord;for，feeblerthanold，women，theytrembledatoncewithmysticemotion，andwiththefear，inspiredbymen。TheBarbariansheededthemnot，butlistened，continuallytothemaiden’ssong。
NonegazedatherlikeayoungNumidianchief，whowasplacedatthe，captains’tablesamongsoldiersofhisownnation。Hisgirdleso，bristledwithdartsthatitformedaswellinginhisamplecloak，whichwasfastenedonhistempleswithaleatherlace。Thecloth，partedasunderasitfelluponhisshoulders，andenvelopedhis，countenanceinshadow，sothatonlythefiresofhistwofixedeyes，couldbeseen。Itwasbychancethathewasatthefeast，hisfather，havingdomiciledhimwiththeBarcafamily，accordingtothecustomby，whichkingsusedtosendtheirchildrenintothehouseholdsofthe，greatinordertopavethewayforalliances;butNarr’Havashad，lodgedtherefoxsixmonthswithouthavinghithertoseenSalammbo，and，now，seatedonhisheels，withhisheadbrushingthehandlesofhis，javelins，hewaswatchingherwithdilatednostrils，likealeopard，crouchingamongthebamboos。
OntheothersideofthetableswasaLibyanofcolossalstature，and，withshortblackcurlyhair。Hehadretainedonlyhismilitaryjacket，thebrassplatesofwhichweretearingthepurpleofthecouch。A
necklaceofsilvermoonswastangledinhishairybreast。Hisfacewas，stainedwithsplashesofblood;hewasleaningonhisleftelbowwith，asmileonhislarge，openmouth。
Salammbohadabandonedthesacredrhythm。Withawoman’ssubtletyshe，wassimultaneouslyemployingallthedialectsoftheBarbariansin，ordertoappeasetheiranger。TotheGreeksshespokeGreek;thenshe，turnedtotheLigurians，theCampanians，theNegroes，andlisteningto，hereachonefoundagaininhervoicethesweetnessofhisnative，land。Shenow，carriedawaybythememoriesofCarthage，sangofthe，ancientbattlesagainstRome;theyapplauded。Shekindledatthe，gleamingofthenakedswords，andcriedaloudwithoutstretchedarms。
Herlyrefell，shewassilent;and，pressingbothhandsuponher，heart，sheremainedforsomeminuteswithclosedeyelidsenjoyingthe，agitationofallthesemen。
Matho，theLibyan，leanedovertowardsher。Involuntarilyshe，approachedhim，andimpelledbygratefulpride，pouredhimalong，streamofwineintoagoldencupinordertoconciliatethearmy。
“Drink！”shesaid。
Hetookthecup，andwascarryingittohislipswhenaGaul，thesame，thathadbeenhurtbyGisco，struckhimontheshoulder，whileina，jovialmannerhegaveutterancetopleasantriesinhisnativetongue。
Spendiuswasnotfaroff，andhevolunteeredtointerpretthem。
“Speak！”saidMatho。
“Thegodsprotectyou;youaregoingtobecomerich。Whenwillthe，nuptialsbe？”
“Whatnuptials？”
“Yours！forwithus，“saidtheGaul，“whenawomangivesdrinktoa，soldier，itmeansthatsheoffershimhercouch。”
HehadnotfinishedwhenNarr’Havas，withabound，drewajavelin，fromhisgirdle，and，leaninghisrightfootupontheedgeofthe，table，hurleditagainstMatho。
Thejavelinwhistledamongthecups，andpiercingtheLybian’sarm，pinneditsofirmlytothecloth，thattheshaftquiveredintheair。
Mathoquicklypluckeditout;buthewasweaponlessandnaked;atlast，heliftedtheover-ladentablewithbotharms，andflungitagainst，Narr’Havasintotheverycentreofthecrowdthatrushedbetween，them。ThesoldiersandNumidianspressedtogethersocloselythatthey，wereunabletodrawtheirswords。Mathoadvanceddealinggreatblows，withhishead。Whenheraisedit，Narr’Havashaddisappeared。He，soughtforhimwithhiseyes。Salammboalsowasgone。
Thendirectinghislookstothepalaceheperceivedthereddoorwith，theblackcrossclosingfarabove，andhedartedaway。
Theysawhimrunbetweentheprowsofthegalleys，andthenreappear，alongthethreestaircasesuntilhereachedthereddooragainstwhich，hedashedhiswholebody。Panting，heleanedagainstthewalltokeep，himselffromfalling。
Butamanhadfollowedhim，andthroughthedarkness，forthelights，ofthefeastwerehiddenbythecornerofthepalace，herecognised，Spendius。
“Begone！”saidhe。
Theslavewithoutreplyingbegantotearhistunicwithhisteeth;
thenkneelingbesideMathohetenderlytookhisarm，andfeltitin，theshadowtodiscoverthewound。
Byarayofthemoonwhichwasthenglidingbetweentheclouds，Spendiusperceivedagapingwoundinthemiddleofthearm。Herolled，thepieceofstuffaboutit，buttheothersaidirritably，“Leaveme！
leaveme！”
“Ohno！”repliedtheslave。“Youreleasedmefromtheergastulum。Iam，yours！youaremymaster！commandme！”
Mathowalkedroundtheterracebrushingagainstthewalls。Hestrained，hisearsateverystep，glancingdownintothesilentapartments，throughthespacesbetweenthegildedreeds。Atlasthestoppedwitha，lookofdespair。
“Listen！”saidtheslavetohim。“Oh！donotdespisemeformy，feebleness！Ihavelivedinthepalace。Icanwindlikeaviper，throughthewalls。Come！intheAncestor’sChamberthereisaningot，ofgoldbeneatheveryflagstone;anundergroundpathleadstotheir，tombs。”
“Well！whatmattersit？”saidMatho。
Spendiuswassilent。
Theywereontheterrace。Ahugemassofshadowstretchedbeforethem，appearingasifitcontainedvagueaccumulations，likethegigantic，billowsofablackandpetrifiedocean。
ButaluminousbarrosetowardstheEast;farbelow，ontheleft，the，canalsofMegarawerebeginningtostripetheverdureofthegardens，withtheirwindingsofwhite。Theconicalroofsoftheheptagonal，temples，thestaircases，terraces，andrampartswerebeingcarvedby，degreesuponthepalenessofthedawn;andagirdleofwhitefoam，rockedaroundtheCarthaginianpeninsula，whiletheemeraldsea，appearedasifitwerecurdledinthefreshnessofthemorning。Then，astherosyskygrewlarger，theloftyhouses，bendingoverthe，slopingsoil，rearedandmassedthemselveslikeaherdofblackgoats，comingdownfromthemountains。Thedesertedstreetslengthened;the，palm-treesthattoppedthewallshereandthereweremotionless;the，brimmingcisternsseemedlikesilverbucklerslostinthecourts;the，beacononthepromontoryofHermaeumwasbeginningtogrowpale。The，horsesofEschmoun，ontheverysummitoftheAcropolisinthecypress，wood，feelingthatthelightwascoming，placedtheirhoofsonthe，marbleparapet，andneighedtowardsthesun。
Itappeared，andSpendiusraisedhisarmswithacry。
Everythingstirredinadiffusionofred，forthegod，asifhewere，rendinghimself，nowpouredfull-rayeduponCarthagethegoldenrain，ofhisveins。Thebeaksofthegalleyssparkled，theroofofKhamon，appearedtobeallinflames，whilefarwithinthetemples，whose，doorswereopening，glimmeringsoflightcouldbeseen。Large，chariots，arrivingfromthecountry，rolledtheirwheelsoverthe，flagstonesinthestreets。Dromedaries，baggage-laden，camedownthe，ramps。Money-changersraisedthepent-housesoftheirshopsatthe，crossways，storkstooktoflight，whitesailsfluttered。Inthewood，ofTanithmightbeheardthetabourinesofthesacredcourtesans，and，thefurnacesforbakingtheclaycoffinswerebeginningtosmokeon，theMappalianpoint。
Spendiusleanedovertheterrace;histeethchatteredandherepeated：
“Ah！yes——yes——master！Iunderstandwhyyouscornedthepillageofthe，housejustnow。”
Mathowasasifhehadjustbeenawakedbythehissingofhisvoice，anddidnotseemtounderstand。Spendiusresumed：
“Ah！whatriches！andthemenwhopossessthemhavenoteventhesteel，todefendthem！”
Then，pointingwithhisrightarmoutstretchedtosomeofthepopulace，whowerecrawlingonthesandoutsidethemoletolookforgolddust：
“See！”hesaidtohim，“theRepublicislikethesewretches：bending，onthebrinkoftheocean，sheburieshergreedyarmsineveryshore，andthenoiseofthebillowssofillsherearthatshecannothear，behindherthetreadofamaster’sheel！”
HedrewMathotoquitetheotherendoftheterrace，andshowedhim，thegarden，whereinthesoldiers’swords，hangingonthetrees，were，likemirrorsinthesun。
“Butheretherearestrongmenwhosehatredisroused！andnothing，bindsthemtoCarthage，neitherfamilies，oathsnorgods！”
Mathoremainedleaningagainstthewall;Spendiuscameclose，and，continuedinalowvoice：
“Doyouunderstandme，soldier？Weshouldwalkpurple-cladlike，satraps。Weshouldbatheinperfumes;andIshouldinturnhave，slaves！Areyounotwearyofsleepingonhardground，ofdrinkingthe，vinegarofthecamps，andofcontinuallyhearingthetrumpet？Butyou，willrestlater，willyounot？Whentheypulloffyourcuirasstocast，yourcorpsetothevultures！orperhapsblind，lame，andweakyouwill，go，leaningonastick，fromdoortodoortotellofyouryouthto，pickle-sellersandlittlechildren。Rememberalltheinjusticeofyour，chiefs，thecampingsinthesnow，themarchingsinthesun，the，tyranniesofdiscipline，andtheeverlastingmenaceofthecross！And，afterallthismiserytheyhavegivenyouanecklaceofhonour，as，theyhangagirdleofbellsroundthebreastofanasstodeafeniton，itsjourney，andpreventitfromfeelingfatigue。Amanlikeyou，braverthanPyrrhus！Ifonlyyouhadwishedit！Ah！howhappywillyou，beinlargecoolhalls，withthesoundoflyres，lyingonflowers，withwomenandbuffoons！Donottellmethattheenterpriseis，impossible。HavenottheMercenariesalreadypossessedRhegiumand，otherfortifiedplacesinItaly？Whoistopreventyou？Hamilcaris，away;thepeopleexecratetherich;Giscocandonothingwiththe，cowardswhosurroundhim。Commandthem！Carthageisours;letusfall，uponit！”
“No！”saidMatho，“thecurseofMolochweighsuponme。Ifeltitin，hereyes，andjustnowIsawablackramretreatinginatemple。”
Lookingaroundhimheadded：“Butwhereisshe？”
ThenSpendiusunderstoodthatagreatdisquietpossessedhim，anddid，notventuretospeakagain。
Thetreesbehindthemwerestillsmoking;half-burnedcarcasesofapes，droppedfromtheirblackenedboughsfromtimetotimeintothemidst，ofthedishes。Drunkensoldierssnoredopen-mouthedbythesideofthe，corpses，andthosewhowerenotasleeploweredtheirheadsdazzledby，thelightofday。Thetrampledsoilwashiddenbeneathsplashesof，red。Theelephantspoisedtheirbleedingtrunksbetweenthestakesof，theirpens。Intheopengranariesmightbeseensacksofspilled，wheat，belowthegatewasathicklineofchariotswhichhadbeen，heapedupbytheBarbarians，andthepeacocksperchedinthecedars，werespreadingtheirtailsandbeginningtouttertheircry。
Matho’simmobility，however，astonishedSpendius;hewasevenpaler，thanhehadrecentlybeen，andhewasfollowingsomethingonthe，horizonwithfixedeyeballs，andwithbothfistsrestingontheedge，oftheterrace。Spendiuscroucheddown，andsoatlastdiscoveredat，whathewasgazing。Inthedistanceagoldenspeckwasturninginthe，dustontheroadtoUtica;itwasthenaveofachariotdrawnbytwo，mules;aslavewasrunningattheendofthepole，andholdingthemby，thebridle。Twowomenwereseatedinthechariot。Themanesofthe，animalswerepuffedbetweentheearsafterthePersianfashion，beneathanetworkofbluepearls。Spendiusrecognisedthem，and，restrainedacry。
Alargeveilfloatedbehindinthewind。
CHAPTERII
ATSICCA
TwodaysafterwardstheMercenariesleftCarthage。
Theyhadeachreceivedapieceofgoldontheconditionthatthey，shouldgointocampatSicca，andtheyhadbeentoldwithallsortsof，caresses：
“YouarethesavioursofCarthage！Butyouwouldstarveitifyou，remainedthere;itwouldbecomeinsolvent。Withdraw！TheRepublicwill，begratefultoyoulaterforallthiscondescension。Wearegoingto，levytaxesimmediately;yourpayshallbeinfull，andgalleysshall，beequippedtotakeyoubacktoyournativelands。”
Theydidnotknowhowtoreplytoallthistalk。Thesemen，accustomed，astheyweretowar，wereweariedbyresidenceinatown;therewas，difficultyinconvincingthem，andthepeoplemountedthewallstosee，themgoaway。
TheydefiledthroughthestreetofKhamon，andtheCirtagate，pell-mell，archerswithhoplites，captainswithsoldiers，Lusitanians，withGreeks。Theymarchedwithaboldstep，rattlingtheirheavy，cothurnionthepavingstones。Theirarmourwasdentedbythe，catapult，andtheirfacesblackenedbythesunburnofbattles。Hoarse，criesissuedfromtheirthickbears，theirtatteredcoatsofmail，flappeduponthepommelsoftheirswords，andthroughtheholesinthe，brassmightbeseentheirnakedlimbs，asfrightfulasenginesofwar。
Sarissae，axes，spears，feltcapsandbronzehelmets，allswung，togetherwithasinglemotion。Theyfilledthestreetthicklyenough，tohavemadethewallscrack，andthelongmassofarmedsoldiers，overflowedbetweentheloftybitumen-smearedhousessixstoryshigh。
Behindtheirgratingsofironorreedthewomen，withveiledheads，silentlywatchedtheBarbarianspass。
Theterraces，fortifications，andwallswerehiddenbeneaththecrowd，ofCarthaginians，whoweredressedingarmentsofblack。Thesailors’
tunicsshowedlikedropsofbloodamongthedarkmultitude，andnearly，nakedchildren，whoseskinshonebeneaththeircopperbracelets，gesticulatedinthefoliageofthecolumns，oramidthebranchesofa，palmtree。SomeoftheAncientswerepostedontheplatformofthe，towers，andpeopledidnotknowwhyapersonagewithalongbeard，stoodthusinadreamyattitudehereandthere。Heappearedinthe，distanceagainstthebackgroundofthesky，vagueasaphantomand，motionlessasstone。
All，however，wereoppressedwiththesameanxiety;itwasfearedthat，theBarbarians，seeingthemselvessostrong，mighttakeafancyto，stay。Buttheywereleavingwithsomuchgoodfaiththatthe，Carthaginiansgrewboldandmingledwiththesoldiers。They，overwhelmedthemwithprotestationsandembraces。Somewith，exaggeratedpolitenessandaudacioushypocrisyevensoughttoinduce，themnottoleavethecity。Theythrewperfumes，flowers，andpieces，ofsilvertothem。Theygavethemamuletstoavertsickness;butthey，hadspituponthemthreetimestoattractdeath，orhadenclosed，jackal’shairwithinthemtoputcowardiceintotheirhearts。Aloud，theyinvokedMelkarth’sfavour，andinawhisper，hiscurse。
Thencamethemobofbaggage，beastsofburden，andstragglers。The，sickgroanedonthebacksofdromedaries，whileotherslimpedalong，leaningonbrokenpikes。Thedrunkardscarriedleathernbottles，and，thegreedyquartersofmeat，cakes，fruits，butterwrappedinfig，leaves，andsnowinlinenbags。Someweretobeseenwithparasolsin，theirhands，andparrotsontheirshoulders。Theyhadmastiffs，gazelles，andpanthersfollowingbehindthem。WomenofLibyanrace，mountedonasses，inveighedagainsttheNegresseswhohadforsakenthe，lupanariaofMalquaforthesoldiers;manyofthemweresuckling，childrensuspendedontheirbosomsbyleathernthongs。Themuleswere，goadedoutatthepointofthesword，theirbacksbendingbeneaththe，loadoftents，whiletherewerenumbersofserving-menandwater-
carriers，emaciated，jaundicedwithfever，andfilthywithvermin，the，scumoftheCarthaginianpopulace，whohadattachedthemselvestothe，Barbarians。
Whentheyhadpassed，thegateswereshutbehindthem，butthepeople，didnotdescendfromthewalls。Thearmysoonspreadoverthebreadth，oftheisthmus。
Itpartedintounequalmasses。Thenthelancesappearedliketall，bladesofgrass，andfinallyallwaslostinatrainofdust;thoseof，thesoldierswholookedbacktowardsCarthagecouldnowonlyseeits，longwallswiththeirvacantbattlementscutoutagainsttheedgeof，thesky。
ThentheBarbariansheardagreatshout。Theythoughtthatsomefrom，amongthem(fortheydidnotknowtheirownnumber)hadremainedin，thetown，andwereamusingthemselvesbypillagingatemple。They，laughedagreatdealattheideaofthis，andthencontinuedtheir，journey。
Theywererejoicedtofindthemselves，asinformerdays，marchingall，togetherintheopencountry，andsomeoftheGreekssangtheoldsong，oftheMamertines：
“WithmylanceandswordIploughandreap;Iammasterofthe，house！ThedisarmedmanfallsatmyfeetandcallsmeLordand，GreatKing。”
Theyshouted，theyleaped，themerriestbegantotellstories;the，timeoftheirmiserieswaspast。AstheyarrivedatTunis，someof，themremarkedthatatroopofBalearicslingerswasmissing。Theywere，doubtlessnotfaroff;andnofurtherheedwaspaidtothem。
Somewenttolodgeinthehouses，otherscampedatthefootofthe，walls，andthetownspeoplecameouttochatwiththesoldiers。
Duringthewholenightfireswereseenburningonthehorizoninthe，directionofCarthage;thelightstretchedlikegianttorchesacross，themotionlesslake。Nooneinthearmycouldtellwhatfestivalwas，beingcelebrated。
OnthefollowingdaytheBarbarian’spassedthrougharegionthatwas，coveredwithcultivation。Thedomainsofthepatricianssucceededone，anotheralongtheborderoftheroute;channelsofwaterflowed，throughwoodsofpalm;therewerelong，greenlinesofolive-trees;
rose-colouredvapoursfloatedinthegorgesofthehills，whileblue，mountainsrearedthemselvesbehind。Awarmwindwasblowing。
Chameleonswerecrawlingonthebroadleavesofthecactus。
TheBarbariansslackenedtheirspeed。
Theymarchedoninisolateddetachments，orlaggedbehindoneanother，atlongintervals。Theyategrapesalongthemarginofthevines。They，layonthegrassandgazedwithstupefactionuponthelarge，artificiallytwistedhornsoftheoxen，thesheepclothedwithskins，toprotecttheirwool，thefurrowscrossingoneanothersoastoform，lozenges，andtheploughshareslikeships’anchors，withthe，pomegranatetreesthatwerewateredwithsilphium。Suchwealthofthe，soilandsuchinventionsofwisdomdazzledthem。
Intheeveningtheystretchedthemselvesonthetentswithout，unfoldingthem;andthoughtwithregretofHamilcar’sfeast，asthey，fellasleepwiththeirfacestowardsthestars。
Inthemiddleofthefollowingdaytheyhaltedonthebankofariver，amidclumpsofrose-bays。Thentheyquicklythrewasidelances，bucklersandbelts。Theybathedwithshouts，anddrewwaterintheir，helmets，whileothersdranklyingflatontheirstomachs，andallin，themidstofthebeastsofburdenwhosebaggagewasslippingfrom，them。
Spendius，whowasseatedonadromedarystoleninHamilcar’sparks，perceivedMathoatadistance，withhisarmhangingagainsthis，breast，hisheadbare，andhisfacebentdown，givinghismuledrink，andwatchingthewaterflow。Spendiusimmediatelyranthroughthe，crowdcallinghim，“Master！master！”
Mathogavehimbutscantthanksforhisblessings，butSpendiuspaid，noheedtothis，andbegantomarchbehindhim，fromtimetotime，turningrestlessglancesinthedirectionofCarthage。
HewasthesonofaGreekrhetorandaCampanianprostitute。Hehadat，firstgrownrichbydealinginwomen;then，ruinedbyashipwreck，he，hadmadewaragainsttheRomanswiththeherdsmenofSamnium。Hehad，beentakenandhadescaped;hehadbeenretaken，andhadworkedinthe，quarries，pantedinthevapour-baths，shriekedundertorture，passed，throughthehandsofmanymasters，andexperiencedeveryfrenzy。At，last，oneday，indespair，hehadflunghimselfintotheseafromthe，topofatriremewherehewasworkingattheoar。SomeofHamilcar’s，sailorshadpickedhimupwhenatthepointofdeath，andhadbrought，himtotheergastulumofMegara，atCarthage。But，asfugitiveswere，tobegivenbacktotheRomans，hehadtakenadvantageofthe，confusiontoflywiththesoldiers。
DuringthewholeofthemarchheremainednearMatho;hebroughthim，food，assistedhimtodismount，andspreadacarpetintheevening，beneathhishead。Mathoatlastwastouchedbytheseattentions，and，bydegreesunlockedhislips。
HehadbeenborninthegulfofSyrtis。Hisfatherhadtakenhimona，pilgrimagetothetempleofAmmon。Thenhehadhuntedelephantsinthe，forestsoftheGaramantes。Afterwardshehadenteredtheserviceof，Carthage。HehadbeenappointedtetrarchatthecaptureofDrepanum。
TheRepublicowedhimfourhorses，twenty-threemedimniofwheat，and，awinter’spay。Hefearedthegods，andwishedtodieinhisnative，land。
Spendiusspoketohimofhistravels，andofthepeoplesandtemples，thathehadvisited。Heknewmanythings：hecouldmakesandals，boar-
spearsandnets;hecouldtamewildbeastsandcouldcookfish。
Sometimeshewouldinterrupthimself，andutterahoarsecryfromthe，depthsofhisthroat;Matho’smulewouldquickenhispace，andothers，wouldhastenafterthem，andthenSpendiuswouldbeginagainthough，stilltornwithagony。Thissubsidedatlastontheeveningofthe，fourthday。
Theyweremarchingsidebysidetotherightofthearmyontheside，ofahill;belowthemstretchedtheplainlostinthevapoursofthe，night。Thelinesofsoldiersalsoweredefilingbelow，making，undulationsintheshade。Fromtimetotimethesepassedover，eminenceslitupbythemoon;thenstarswouldtrembleonthepoints，ofthepikes，thehelmetswouldglimmerforaninstant，allwould，disappear，andotherswouldcomeoncontinually。Startledflocks，bleatedinthedistance，andasomethingofinfinitesweetnessseemed，tosinkupontheearth。
Spendius，withhisheadthrownbackandhiseyeshalf-closed，inhaled，thefreshnessofthewindwithgreatsighs;hespreadouthisarms，movinghisfingersthathemightthebetterfeelthecaresthat，streamedoverhisbody。Hopesofvengeancecamebacktohimand，transportedhim。Hepressedhishanduponhismouthtocheckhissobs，andhalf-swooningwithintoxication，letgothehalterofhis，dromedary，whichwasproceedingwithlong，regularsteps。Mathohad，relapsedintohisformermelancholy;hislegshungdowntotheground，andthegrassmadeacontinuousrustlingasitbeatagainsthis，cothurni。
Thejourney，however，spreaditselfoutwithoutevercomingtoanend。
Attheextremityofaplaintheywouldalwaysreacharound-shaped，plateau;thentheywoulddescendagainintoavalley，andthe，mountainswhichseemedtoblockupthehorizonwould，inproportionas，theywereapproached，glideasitwerefromtheirpositions。Fromtime，totimeariverwouldappearamidtheverdureoftamariskstolose，itselfattheturningofthehills。Sometimesahugerockwouldtower，aloftliketheprowofavesselorthepedestalofsomevanished，colossus。
Atregularintervalstheymetwithlittlequadrangulartemples，which，servedasstationsforthepilgrimswhorepairedtoSicca。Theywere，closedliketombs。TheLibyansstruckgreatblowsuponthedoorsto，havethemopened。Butnooneinsideresponded。
Thenthecultivationbecamemorerare。Theysuddenlyenteredupon，beltsofsandbristlingwiththornythickets。Flocksofsheepwere，browsingamongthestones;awomanwithabluefleeceaboutherwaist，waswatchingthem。Shefledscreamingwhenshesawthesoldiers’pikes，amongtherocks。
Theyweremarchingthroughakindoflargepassageborderedbytwo，chainsofreddishcolouredhillocks，whentheirnostrilsweregreeted，withanauseousodour，andtheythoughtthattheycouldseesomething，extraordinaryonthetopofacarobtree：alion’sheadreareditself，abovetheleaves。
Theyranthither。Itwasalionwithhisfourlimbsfastenedtoa，crosslikeacriminal。Hishugemuzzlefelluponhisbreast，andhis，twofore-paws，half-hiddenbeneaththeabundanceofhismane，were，spreadoutwidelikethewingsofabird。Hisribsstoodseverallyout，beneathhisdistendedskin;hishindlegs，whichwerenailedagainst，eachother，wereraisedsomewhat，andtheblackblood，flowingthrough，hishair，hadcollectedinstalactitesattheendofhistail，which，hungdownperfectlystraightalongthecross。Thesoldiersmademerry，around;theycalledhimconsul，andRomancitizen，andthrewpebbles，intohiseyestodriveawaythegnats。
Butahundredpacesfurtherontheysawtwomore，andthenthere，suddenlyappearedalongfileofcrossesbearinglions。Somehadbeen，solongdeadthatnothingwasleftagainstthewoodbuttheremainsof，theirskeletons;otherswhichwerehalfeatenawayhadtheirjaws，twistedintohorriblegrimaces;thereweresomeenormousones;the，shaftsofthecrossesbentbeneaththem，andtheyswayedinthewind，whilebandsofcrowswheeledceaselesslyintheairabovetheirheads。
ItwasthusthattheCarthaginianpeasantsavengedthemselveswhen，theycapturedawildbeast;theyhopedtoterrifytheothersbysuch，anexample。TheBarbariansceasedtheirlaughter，andwerelonglost，inamazement。“Whatpeopleisthis，“theythought，“thatamusesitself，bycrucifyinglions！”
Theywere，besides，especiallythemenoftheNorth，vaguelyuneasy，troubled，andalreadysick。Theytoretheirhandswiththedartsof，thealoes;greatmosquitoesbuzzedintheirears，anddysentrywas，breakingoutinthearmy。TheywerewearyatnotyetseeingSicca。
Theywereafraidoflosingthemselvesandofreachingthedesert，the，countryofsandsandterrors。Manyevenwereunwillingtoadvance，further。OthersstartedbacktoCarthage。
Atlastontheseventhday，afterfollowingthebaseofamountainfor，alongtime，theyturnedabruptlytotheright，andtherethen，appearedalineofwallsrestingonwhiterocksandblendingwith，them。Suddenlytheentirecityrose;blue，yellow，andwhiteveils，movedonthewallsintherednessoftheevening。Thesewerethe，priestessesofTanith，whohadhastenedhithertoreceivethemen。
Theystoodrangedalongtherampart，strikingtabourines，playing，lyres，andshakingcrotala，whiletheraysofthesun，settingbehind，theminthemountainsofNumidia，shotbetweenthestringsoftheir，lyresoverwhichtheirnakedarmswerestretched。Atintervalstheir，instrumentswouldbecomesuddenlystill，andacrywouldbreakforth，strident，precipitate，frenzied，continuous，asortofbarkingwhich，theymadebystrikingbothcornersofthemouthwiththetongue。
Others，moremotionlessthantheSphynx，restedontheirelbowswith，theirchinsontheirhands，anddartedtheirgreatblackeyesuponthe，armyasitascended。
AlthoughSiccawasasacredtownitcouldnotholdsuchamultitude;
thetemplealone，withitsappurtenances，occupiedhalfofit。
AccordinglytheBarbariansestablishedthemselvesattheireaseonthe，plain;thosewhoweredisciplinedinregulartroops，andtherest，accordingtonationalityortheirownfancy。
TheGreeksrangedtheirtentsofskininparallellines;theIberians，placedtheircanvaspavilionsinacircle;theGaulsmadethemselves，hutsofplanks;theLibyanscabinsofdrystones，whiletheNegroes，withtheirnailshollowedouttrenchesinthesandtosleepin。Many，notknowingwheretogo，wanderedaboutamongthebaggage，andat，nightfalllaydownintheirraggedmantlesontheground。
Theplain，whichwaswhollyboundedbymountains，expandedaround，them。Hereandthereapalmtreeleanedoverasandhill，andpines，andoaksfleckedthesidesoftheprecipices：sometimestherainofa，stormwouldhangfromtheskylikealongscarf，whilethecountry，everywherewasstillcoveredwithazureandserenity;thenawarmwind，woulddrivebeforeittornadoesofdust，andastreamwoulddescendin，cascadesfromtheheightsofSicca，where，withitsroofingofgoldon，itscolumnsofbrass，rosethetempleoftheCarthaginianVenus，the，mistressoftheland。Sheseemedtofillitwithhersoul。Insuch，convulsionsofthesoil，suchalternationsoftemperature，andsuch，playsoflightwouldshemanifesttheextravaganceofhermightwith，thebeautyofhereternalsmile。Themountainsattheirsummitswere，crescent-shaped;otherswerelikewomen’sbosomspresentingtheir，swellingbreasts，andtheBarbariansfeltaheavinessthatwasfullof，delightweighingdowntheirfatigues。
Spendiushadboughtaslavewiththemoneybroughthimbyhis，dromedary。ThewholedaylonghelayasleepstretchedbeforeMatho’s，tent。Oftenhewouldawake，thinkinginhisdreamsthatheheardthe，whistlingofthethongs;withasmilehewouldpasshishandsoverthe，scarsonhislegsattheplacewherethefettershadlongbeenworn，andthenhewouldfallasleepagain。
Mathoacceptedhiscompanionship，andwhenhewentoutSpendiuswould，escorthimlikealictorwithalongswordonhisthigh;orperhaps，Mathowouldresthisarmcarelesslyontheother’sshoulder，for，Spendiuswassmall。
Oneeveningwhentheywerepassingtogetherthroughthestreetsinthe，camptheyperceivedsomemencoveredwithwhitecloaks;amongthemwas，Narr’Havas，theprinceoftheNumidians。Mathostarted。
“Yoursword！”hecried;“Iwillkillhim！”
“Notyet！”saidSpendius，restraininghim。Narr’Havaswasalready，advancingtowardshim。
Hekissedboththumbsintokenofalliance，showingnothingofthe，angerwhichhehadexperiencedatthedrunkennessofthefeast;then，hespokeatlengthagainstCarthage，butdidnotsaywhatbroughthim，amongtheBarbarians。
“Wasittobetraythem，orelsetheRepublic？”Spendiusaskedhimself;
andasheexpectedtoprofitbyeverydisorder，hefeltgratefulto，Narr’Havasforthefutureperfidiesofwhichhesuspectedhim。
ThechiefoftheNumidiansremainedamongsttheMercenaries。He，appeareddesirousofattachingMathotohimself。Hesenthimfat，goats，golddust，andostrichfeathers。TheLibyan，whowasamazedat，suchcaresses，wasindoubtwhethertorespondtothemortobecome，exasperatedatthem。ButSpendiuspacifiedhim，andMathoallowed，himselftoberuledbytheslave，remainingeverirresoluteandinan，unconquerabletorpor，likethosewhohaveoncetakenadraughtof，whichtheyaretodie。
Onemorningwhenallthreewentoutlion-hunting，Narr’Havas，concealedadaggerinhiscloak。Spendiuskeptcontinuallybehindhim，andwhentheyreturnedthedaggerhadnotbeendrawn。
AnothertimeNarr’Havastookthemalongwayoff，asfarasthe，boundariesofhiskingdom。Theycametoanarrowgorge，andNarr’
Havassmiledashedeclaredthathehadforgottentheway。Spendius，founditagain。
ButmostfrequentlyMathowouldgooffatsunrise，asmelancholyasan，augur，towanderaboutthecountry。Hewouldstretchhimselfonthe，sand，andremaintheremotionlessuntiltheevening。
Heconsultedallthesoothsayersinthearmyoneaftertheother，——
thosewhowatchthetrailofserpents，thosewhoreadthestars，and，thosewhobreatheupontheashesofthedead。Heswallowedgalbanum，seseli，andviper’svenomwhichfreezestheheart;Negrowomen，singingbarbarouswordsinthemoonlight，prickedtheskinofhis，foreheadwithgoldenstylets;heloadedhimselfwithnecklacesand，charms;heinvokedinturnBaal-Khamon，Moloch，thesevenKabiri，Tanith，andtheVenusoftheGreeks。Heengravedanameuponacopper，plate，andburieditinthesandatthethresholdofhistent。
Spendiususedtohearhimgroaningandtalkingtohimself。
Onenighthewentin。
Matho，asnakedasacorpse，waslyingonalion’sskinflatonhis，stomach，withhisfaceinbothhishands;ahanginglamplituphis，armour，whichwashookedontothetent-poleabovehishead。
“Youaresuffering？”saidtheslavetohim。“Whatisthematterwith，you？Answerme？”Andheshookhimbytheshouldercallinghimseveral，times，“Master！master！”
AtlastMatholiftedlargetroubledeyestowardshim。
“Listen！”hesaidinalowvoice，andwithafingeronhislips。“It，isthewrathoftheGods！Hamilcar’sdaughterpursuesme！Iamafraid，ofher，Spendius！”Hepressedhimselfcloseagainsthisbreastlikea，childterrifiedbyaphantom。“Speaktome！Iamsick！Iwanttoget，well！Ihavetriedeverything！Butyou，youperhapsknowsomestronger，gods，orsomeresistlessinvocation？”
“Forwhatpurpose？”askedSpendius。
Strikinghisheadwithbothhisfists，hereplied：
“Toridmeofher！”
Thenspeakingtohimselfwithlongpauseshesaid：
“Iamnodoubtthevictimofsomeholocaustwhichshehaspromisedto，thegods？——Sheholdsmefastbyachainwhichpeoplecannotsee。IfI
walk，itisshethatisadvancing;whenIstop，sheisresting！Her，eyesburnme，Ihearhervoice。Sheencompassesme，shepenetratesme。
Itseemstomethatshehasbecomemysoul！
“Andyetbetweenusthereare，asitwere，theinvisiblebillowsofa，boundlessocean！Sheisfarawayandquiteinaccessible！Thesplendour，ofherbeautyformsacloudoflightaroundher，andattimesIthink，thatIhaveneverseenher——thatshedoesnotexist——andthatitis，alladream！”
Mathoweptthusinthedarkness;theBarbariansweresleeping。
Spendius，ashelookedathim，recalledtheyoungmenwhoonceusedto，entreathimwithgoldencasesintheirhands，whenheledhisherdof，courtesansthroughthetowns;afeelingofpitymovedhim，andhe，said——
“Bestrong，mymaster！Summonyourwill，andbeseechthegodsnomore，fortheyturnnotasideatthecriesofmen！Weepinglikeacoward！
Andyouarenothumiliatedthatawomancancauseyousomuch，suffering？”
“AmIachild？”saidMatho。“DoyouthinkthatIammovedbytheir，facesandsongs？WekeptthematDrepanumtosweepoutourstables。I
haveembracedthemamidassaults，beneathfallingceilings，andwhile，thecatapultwasstillvibrating！——Butshe，Spendius，she！——“
Theslaveinterruptedhim：
“IfshewerenotHanno’sdaughter——“
“No！”criedMatho。“Shehasnothingincommonwiththedaughtersof，othermen！Haveyouseenhergreateyesbeneathhergreateyebrows，likesunsbeneathtriumphalarches？Think：whensheappearedallthe，torchesgrewpale。Hernakedbreastshonehereandtherethroughthe，diamondsofhernecklace;behindheryouperceivedasitwerethe，odourofatemple，andherwholebeingemittedsomethingthatwas，sweeterthanwineandmoreterriblethandeath。Shewalked，however，andthenshestopped。”
Heremainedgapingwithhisheadcastdownandhiseyeballsfixed。
“ButIwanther！Ineedher！Iamdyingforher！Iamtransportedwith，frenziedjoyatthethoughtofclaspingherinmyarms，andyetIhate，her，Spendius！Ishouldliketobeather！Whatistobedone？Ihavea，mindtosellmyselfandbecomeherslave！YOUhavebeenthat！Youwere，abletogetsightofher;speaktomeofher！Everynightsheascends，totheterraceofherpalace，doesshenot？Ah！thestonesmustquiver，beneathhersandals，andthestarsbenddowntoseeher！”
Hefellbackinaperfectfrenzy，witharattlinginhisthroatlikea，woundedbull。
ThenMathosang：“Hepursuedintotheforestthefemalemonster，whose，tailundulatedoverthedeadleaveslikeasilverbrook。”Andwith，lingeringtonesheimitatedSalammbo’svoice，whilehisoutspread，handswereheldliketwolighthandsonthestringsofalyre。
ToalltheconsolationsofferedbySpendius，herepeatedthesame，words;theirnightswerespentinthesewailingsandexhortations。
Mathosoughttodrownhisthoughtsinwine。Afterhisfitsof，drunkennesshewasmoremelancholystill。Hetriedtodiverthimself，athuckle-bones，andlostthegoldplatesofhisnecklaceonebyone。
HehadhimselftakentotheservantsoftheGoddess;buthecamedown，thehillsobbing，likeonereturningfromafuneral。
Spendius，onthecontrary，becamemoreboldandgay。Hewastobeseen，intheleafytavernsdiscoursinginthemidstofthesoldiers。He，mendedoldcuirasses。Hejuggledwithdaggers。Hewentandgathered，herbsinthefieldsforthesick。Hewasfacetious，dexterous，fullof，inventionandtalk;theBarbariansgrewaccustomedtohisservices，andhecametobelovedbythem。
However，theywereawaitinganambassadorfromCarthagetobringthem，mulesladenwithbasketsofgold;andeverbeginningthesame，calculationoveragain，theywouldtracefigureswiththeirfingersin，thesand。Everyonewasarranginghislifebeforehand;theywouldhave，concubines，slaves，lands;othersintendedtoburytheirtreasure，or，riskitonavessel。Buttheirtemperswereprovokedbywantof，employment;therewereconstantdisputesbetweenhorse-soldiersand，foot-soldiers，BarbariansandGreeks，whiletherewasanever-ending，dinofshrillfemalevoices。
Everydaymencameflockinginnearlynaked，andwithgrassontheir，headstoprotectthemfromthesun;theywerethedebtorsoftherich，Carthaginiansandhadbeenforcedtotillthelandsofthelatter，but，hadescaped。Libyanscamepouringinwithpeasantsruinedbythe，taxes，outlaws，andmalefactors。Thenthehordeoftraders，allthe，dealersinwineandoil，whowerefuriousatnotbeingpaid，laidthe，blameupontheRepublic。Spendiusdeclaimedagainstit。Soonthe，provisionsranlow;andtherewastalkofadvancinginabodyupon，Carthage，andcallingintheRomans。
