Oneevening，atsupper-time，dullcrackedsoundswereheard，approaching，andsomethingredappearedinthedistanceamongthe，undulationsofthesoil。
Itwasalargepurplelitter，adornedwithostrichfeathersatthe，corners。Chainsofcrystalandgarlandsofpearlsbeatagainstthe，closedhangings。Itwasfollowedbycamelssoundingthegreatbells，thathungattheirbreasts，andhavingaroundthemhorsemencladfrom，shouldertoheelinarmourofgoldenscales。
Theyhaltedthreehundredpacesfromthecamptotaketheirround，bucklers，broadswords，andBoeotianhelmetsoutofthecaseswhich，theycarriedbehindtheirsaddles。Someremainedwiththecamels，whiletheothersresumedtheirmarch。Atlasttheensignsofthe，Republicappeared，thatistosay，stavesofbluewoodterminatedin，horses’headsorfircones。TheBarbariansallrosewithapplause;the，womenrushedtowardstheguardsoftheLegionandkissedtheirfeet。
ThelitteradvancedontheshouldersoftwelveNegroeswhowalkedin，stepwithshort，rapidstrides;theywentatrandomtorightorleft，beingembarrassedbythetent-ropes，theanimalsthatwerestraying，about，orthetripodswherefoodwasbeingcooked。Sometimesafat，hand，ladenwithrings，wouldpartiallyopenthelitter，andahoarse，voicewouldutterloudreproaches;thenthebearerswouldstopand，takeadifferentdirectionthroughthecamp。
Butthepurplecurtainswereraised，andahumanhead，impassibleand，bloated，wasseenrestingonalargepillow;theeyebrows，whichwere，likearchesofebony，meteachotheratthepoints;goldendust，sparkledinthefrizzledhair，andthefacewassowanthatitlooked，asifithadbeenpowderedwithmarbleraspings。Therestofthebody，wasconcealedbeneaththefleeceswhichfilledthelitter。
InthemansorecliningthesoldiersrecognisedtheSuffetHanno，he，whoseslacknesshadassistedtolosethebattleoftheAegatian，islands;andastohisvictoryatHecatompylosovertheLibyans，even，ifhedidbehavewithclemency，thoughttheBarbarians，itwasowing，tocupidity，forhehadsoldallthecaptivesonhisownaccount，althoughhehadreportedtheirdeathstotheRepublic。
Afterseekingforsometimeaconvenientplacefromwhichtoharangue，thesoldiers，hemadeasign;thelitterstopped，andHanno，supported，bytwoslaves，puthistotteringfeettotheground。
Heworebootsofblackfeltstrewnwithsilvermoons。Hislegswere，swathedinbandslikethosewrappedaboutamummy，andthefleshcrept，throughthecrossingsofthelinen;hisstomachcameoutbeyondthe，scarletjacketwhichcoveredhisthighs;thefoldsofhisneckfell，downtohisbreastlikethedewlapsofanox;histunic，whichwas，paintedwithflowers，wasburstingatthearm-pits;heworeascarf，a，girdle，andanampleblackcloakwithlaceddouble-sleeves。Butthe，abundanceofhisgarments，hisgreatnecklaceofbluestones，his，goldenclasps，andheavyearringsonlyrenderedhisdeformitystill，morehideous。Hemighthavebeentakenforsomebigidolrough-hewnin，ablockofstone;forapaleleprosy，whichwasspreadoverhiswhole，body，gavehimtheappearanceofaninertthing。Hisnose，however，whichwashookedlikeavulture’sbeak，wasviolentlydilatedto，breatheintheair，andhislittleeyes，withtheirgummedlashes，shonewithahardandmetalliclustre。Heheldaspatulaofaloe-wood，inhishandwherewithtoscratchhisskin。
Atlasttwoheraldssoundedtheirsilverhorns;thetumultsubsided，andHannocommencedtospeak。
HebeganwithaneulogyofthegodsandtheRepublic;theBarbarians，oughttocongratulatethemselvesonhavingservedit。Buttheymust，showthemselvesmorereasonable;timeswerehard，“andifamasterhas，onlythreeolives，isitnotrightthatheshouldkeeptwofor，himself？”
TheoldSuffetmingledhisspeechinthiswaywithproverbsand，apologues，noddinghisheadthewhiletosolicitsomeapproval。
HespokeinPunic，andthosesurroundinghim(themostalert，whohad，hastenedthitherwithouttheirarms)，wereCampanians，Gauls，and，Greeks，sothatnooneinthecrowdunderstoodhim。Hanno，perceiving，this，stoppedandreflected，swayinghimselfheavilyfromonelegto，theother。
Itoccurredtohimtocallthecaptainstogether;thenhisheralds，shoutedtheorderinGreek，thelanguagewhich，fromthetimeof，Xanthippus，hadbeenusedforcommandsintheCarthaginianarmies。
Theguardsdispersedthemobofsoldierswithstrokesofthewhip;and，thecaptainsoftheSpartanphalanxesandthechiefsoftheBarbarian，cohortssoonarrivedwiththeinsigniaoftheirrank，andinthe，armouroftheirnation。Nighthadfallen，agreattumultwasspreading，throughouttheplain;fireswereburninghereandthere;andthe，soldierskeptgoingfromonetoanotheraskingwhatthematterwas，andwhytheSuffetdidnotdistributethemoney？
HewassettingtheinfiniteburdensoftheRepublicbeforethe，captains。Hertreasurywasempty。ThetributetoRomewascrushing，her。“Wearequiteatalosswhattodo！Sheismuchtobepitied！”
Fromtimetotimehewouldrubhislimbswithhisaloe-woodspatula，orperhapshewouldbreakofftodrinkaptisanmadeoftheashesofa，weaselandasparagusboiledinvinegarfromasilvercuphandedtohim，byaslave;thenhewouldwipehislipswithascarletnapkinand，resume：
“Whatusedtobeworthashekelofsilverisnowworththreeshekels，ofgold，whilethecultivatedlandswhichwereabandonedduringthe，warbringinnothing！Ourpurpurafisheriesarenearlygone，andeven，pearlsarebecomingexhorbitant;wehavescarcelyunguentsenoughfor，theserviceofthegods！Asforthethingsofthetable，Ishallsay，nothingaboutthem;itisacalamity！Forwantofgalleysweare，withoutspices，anditisamatterofgreatdifficultytoprocure，silphiumonaccountoftherebellionsontheCyrenianfrontier。
Sicily，wheresomanyslavesusedtobehad，isnowclosedtous！Only，yesterdayIgavemoremoneyforabatherandfourscullionsthanI
usedatonetimetogiveforapairofelephants！”
Heunrolledalongpieceofpapyrus;and，withoutomittingasingle，figure，readalltheexpensesthatthegovernmenthadincurred;so，muchforrepairingthetemples，forpavingthestreets，forthe，constructionofvessels，forthecoral-fisheries，fortheenlargement，oftheSyssitia，andforenginesintheminesinthecountryofthe，Cantabrians。
ButthecaptainsunderstoodPunicaslittleasthesoldiers，although，theMercenariessalutedoneanotherinthatlanguage。Itwasusualto，placeafewCarthaginianofficersintheBarbarianarmiestoactas，interpreters;afterthewartheyhadconcealedthemselvesthroughfear，ofvengeance，andHannohadnotthoughtoftakingthemwithhim;his，hollowvoice，too，waslostinthewind。
TheGreeks，girthedintheirironwaist-belts，strainedtheirearsas，theystrovetoguessathiswords，whilethemountaineers，covered，withfurslikebears，lookedathimwithdistrust，oryawnedasthey，leanedontheirbrass-nailedclubs。TheheedlessGaulssneeredasthey，shooktheirloftyheadsofhair，andthemenofthedesertlistened，motionless，cowledintheirgarmentsofgreywool;otherskeptcoming，upbehind;theguards，crushedbythemob，staggeredontheirhorses;
theNegroesheldoutburningfirbranchesatarm’slength;andthebig，Carthaginian，mountedonagrassyhillock，continuedhisharangue。
TheBarbarians，however，weregrowingimpatient;murmuringarose，and，everyoneapostrophizedhim。Hannogesticulatedwithhisspatula;and，thosewhowishedtheotherstobequietshoutedstillmoreloudly，therebyaddingtothedin。
SuddenlyamanofmeanappearanceboundedtoHanno’sfeet，snatchedup，aherald’strumpet，blewit，andSpendius(foritwashe)announced，thathewasgoingtosaysomethingofimportance。Atthisdeclaration，whichwasrapidlyutteredinfivedifferentlanguages，Greek，Latin，Gallic，LibyanandBalearic，thecaptains，halflaughingandhalf，surprised，replied：“Speak！Speak！”
Spendiushesitated;hetrembled;atlast，addressingtheLibyanswho，werethemostnumerous，hesaidtothem：
“Youhaveallheardthisman’shorriblethreats！”
Hannomadenoexclamation，thereforehedidnotunderstandLibyan;
and，tocarryontheexperiment，Spendiusrepeatedthesamephrasein，theotherBarbariandialects。
Theylookedatoneanotherinastonishment;then，asbyatacit，agreement，andbelievingperhapsthattheyhadunderstood，theybent，theirheadsintokenofassent。
ThenSpendiusbeganinvehementtones：
“HesaidfirstthatalltheGodsoftheothernationswerebutdreams，besidestheGodsofCarthage！Hecalledyoucowards，thieves，liars，dogs，andthesonsofdogs！Butforyou(hesaidthat！)theRepublic，wouldnotbeforcedtopayexcessivetributetotheRomans;and，throughyourexcessesyouhavedraineditofperfumes，aromatics，slaves，andsilphium，foryouareinleaguewiththenomadsonthe，Cyrenianfrontier！Buttheguiltyshallbepunished！Hereadthe，enumerationoftheirtorments;theyshallbemadetoworkatthe，pavingofthestreets，attheequipmentofthevessels，atthe，adornmentoftheSyssitia，whiletherestshallbesenttoscrapethe，earthintheminesinthecountryoftheCantabrians。”
SpendiusrepeatedthesamestatementstotheGauls，Greeks，Campanians，andBalearians。TheMercenaries，recognisingseveraloftheproper，nameswhichhadmettheirears，wereconvincedthathewasaccurately，reportingtheSuffet’sspeech。Afewcriedouttohim，“Youlie！”but，theirvoicesweredrownedinthetumultoftherest;Spendiusadded：
“Haveyounotseenthathehasleftareserveofhishorse-soldiers，outsidethecamp？Atagivensignaltheywillhastenhithertoslay，youall。”
TheBarbariansturnedinthatdirection，andasthecrowdwasthen，scattering，thereappearedinthemidstofthem，andadvancingwith，theslownessofaphantom，ahumanbeing，bent，lean，entirelynaked，andcovereddowntohisflankswithlonghairbristlingwithdried，leaves，dustandthorns。Abouthisloinsandhiskneeshehadwispsof，strawandlinenrags;hissoftandearthyskinhungonhisemaciated，limbsliketattersondriedboughs;hishandstrembledwitha，continuousquivering，andashewalkedheleanedonastaffofolive-
wood。
HereachedtheNegroeswhowerebearingthetorches。Hispalegums，weredisplayedinasortofidiotictitter;hislarge，scaredeyes，gazeduponthecrowdofBarbariansaroundhim。
Bututteringacryofterrorhethrewhimselfbehindthem，shielding，himselfwiththeirbodies。“Theretheyare！Theretheyare！”he，stammeredout，pointingtotheSuffet’sguards，whoweremotionlessin，theirglitteringarmour。Theirhorses，dazzledbythelightofthe，torcheswhichcrackledinthedarkness，werepawingtheground;the，humanspectrestruggledandhowled：
“Theyhavekilledthem！”
Atthesewords，whichwerescreamedinBalearic，someBalearianscame，upandrecognisedhim;withoutansweringthemherepeated：
“Yes，allkilled，all！crushedlikegrapes！Thefineyoungmen！the，slingers！mycompanionsandyours！”
Theygavehimwinetodrink，andhewept;thenhelaunchedforthinto，speech。
Spendiuscouldscarcelyrepresshisjoy，asheexplainedthehorrors，relatedbyZarxastotheGreeksandLibyans;hecouldnotbelieve，them，soappropriatelydidtheycomein。TheBaleariansgrewpaleas，theylearnedhowtheircompanionshadperished。
Itwasatroopofthreehundredslingerswhohaddisembarkedthe，eveningbefore，andhadonthatdayslepttoolate。Whentheyreached，thesquareofKhamontheBarbariansweregone，andtheyfound，themselvesdefenceless，theirclaybulletshavingbeenputonthe，camelswiththerestofthebaggage。Theywereallowedtoadvanceinto，thestreetofSathebasfarasthebrasssheathedoakengate;thenthe，peoplewithasingleimpulsehadsprunguponthem。
Indeed，thesoldiersrememberedagreatshout;Spendius，whowas，flyingattheheadofthecolumns，hadnotheardit。
ThenthecorpseswereplacedinthearmsofthePataecgodsthat，fringedthetempleofKhamon。Theywereupbraidedwithallthecrimes，oftheMercenaries;theirgluttony，theirthefts，theirimpiety，their，disdain，andthemurderofthefishesinSalammbo’sgarden。Their，bodiesweresubjectedtoinfamousmutilations;thepriestsburned，theirhairinordertotorturetheirsouls;theywerehungupin，piecesinthemeat-shops;someevenburiedtheirteethinthem，andin，theeveningfuneral-pileswerekindledatthecross-waystofinish，them。
Theseweretheflamesthathadgleamedfromadistanceacrossthe，lake。Butsomehouseshavingtakenfire，anydeadordyingthat，remainedwerespeedilythrownoverthewalls;Zarxashadremained，amongthereedsontheedgeofthelakeuntilthefollowingday;then，hehadwanderedaboutthroughthecountry，seekingforthearmybythe，footprintsinthedust。Inthemorninghehidhimselfincaves;inthe，eveningheresumedhismarchwithhisbleedingwounds，famished，sick，livingonrootsandcarrion;atlastonedayheperceivedlanceson，thehorizon，andhehadfollowedthem，forhisreasonwasdisturbed，throughhisterrorsandmiseries。
Theindignationofthesoldiers，restrainedsolongashewas，speaking，brokeforthlikeatempest;theyweregoingtomassacrethe，guardstogetherwiththeSuffet。Afewinterposed，sayingthatthey，oughttohearhimandknowatleastwhethertheyshouldbepaid。Then，theyallcried：“Ourmoney！”Hannorepliedthathehadbroughtit。
Theyrantotheoutposts，andtheSuffet’sbaggagearrivedinthe，midstofthetents，pressedforwardbytheBarbarians。Withoutwaiting，fortheslaves，theyveryquicklyunfastenedthebaskets;inthemthey，foundhyacinthrobes，sponges，scrapers，brushes，perfumes，and，antimonypencilsforpaintingtheeyes——allbelongingtotheguards，whowererichmenandaccustomedtosuchrefinements。Nextthey，uncoveredalargebronzetubonacamel：itbelongedtotheSuffetwho，haditforbathinginduringhisjourney;forhehadtakenallmanner，ofprecautions，evengoingsofarastobringcagedweaselsfrom，Hecatompylos，whichwereburntalivetomakehisptisan。But，ashis，maladygavehimagreatappetite，therewerealsomanycomestiblesand，manywines，pickle，meatsandfishespreservedinhoney，withlittle，potsofCommagene，ormeltedgoose-fatcoveredwithsnowandchopped，straw。Therewasaconsiderablesupplyofit;themoretheyopenedthe，basketsthemoretheyfound，andlaughteraroselikeconflicting，waves。
AstothepayoftheMercenariesitnearlyfilledtwoesparto-grass，baskets;therewereevenvisibleinoneofthemsomeoftheleathern，discswhichtheRepublicusedtoeconomiseitsspecie;andasthe，Barbariansappearedgreatlysurprised，Hannotoldthemthat，their，accountsbeingverydifficult，theAncientshadnothadleisureto，examinethem。Meanwhiletheyhadsentthemthis。
Theneverythingwasindisorderandconfusion：mules，servingmen，litter，provisions，andbaggage。Thesoldierstookthecoininthe，bagstostoneHanno。Withgreatdifficultyhewasabletomountan，ass;andhefled，clingingtoitshair，howling，weeping，shaken，bruised，andcallingdownthecurseofallthegodsuponthearmy。His，broadnecklaceofpreciousstonesreboundeduptohisears。Hiscloak，whichwastoolong，andwhichtrailedbehindhim，hekeptonwithhis，teeth，andfromafartheBarbariansshoutedathim，“Begonecoward！
pig！sinkofMoloch！sweatyourgoldandyourplague！quicker！
quicker！”Theroutedescortgallopedbesidehim。
ButthefuryoftheBarbariansdidnotabate。Theyrememberedthat，severalofthemwhohadsetoutforCarthagehadnotreturned;no，doubttheyhadbeenkilled。Somuchinjusticeexasperatedthem，and，theybegantopullupthestakesoftheirtents，torolluptheir，cloaks，andtobridletheirhorses;everyonetookhishelmetand，sword，andinstantlyallwasready。Thosewhohadnoarmsrushedinto，thewoodstocutstaves。
Daydawned;thepeopleofSiccawereroused，andstirringinthe，streets。“TheyaregoingtoCarthage，“saidthey，andtherumourof，thissoonspreadthroughthecountry。
Fromeverypathandeveryravinemenarose。Shepherdswereseen，runningdownfromthemountains。
Then，whentheBarbarianshadsetout，Spendiuscircledtheplain，ridingonaPunicstallion，andattendedbyhisslave，wholedathird，horse。
Asingletentremained。Spendiusenteredit。
“Up，master！rise！wearedeparting！”
“Andwhereareyougoing？”askedMatho。
“ToCarthage！”criedSpendius。
Mathoboundeduponthehorsewhichtheslaveheldatthedoor。
CHAPTERIII
SALAMMBO
Themoonwasrisingjustabovethewaves，andonthetownwhichwas，stillwrappedindarknessthereglitteredwhiteandluminousspecks：——
thepoleofachariot，adanglingragoflinen，thecornerofawall，oragoldennecklaceonthebosomofagod。Theglassballsonthe，roofsofthetemplesbeamedlikegreatdiamondshereandthere。But，ill-definedruins，pilesofblackearth，andgardensformeddeeper，massesinthegloom，andbelowMalquafishermen’snetsstretchedfrom，onehousetoanotherlikegiganticbatsspreadingtheirwings。The，grindingofthehydraulicwheelswhichconveyedwatertothehighest，storysofthepalaces，wasnolongerheard;andthecamels，lying，ostrichfashionontheirstomachs，restedpeacefullyinthemiddleof，theterraces。Theporterswereasleepinthestreetsonthethresholds，ofthehouses;theshadowsofthecolossusesstretchedacrossthe，desertedsquares;occasionallyinthedistancethesmokeofastill，burningsacrificewouldescapethroughthebronzetiling，andthe，heavybreezewouldwafttheodoursofaromaticsblendedwiththescent，oftheseaandtheexhalationfromthesun-heatedwalls。The，motionlesswavesshonearoundCarthage，forthemoonwasspreadingher，lightatonceuponthemountain-circledgulfanduponthelakeof，Tunis，whereflamingoesformedlongrose-colouredlinesamidthebanks，ofsand，whilefurtheronbeneaththecatacombsthegreatsaltlagoon，shimmeredlikeapieceofsilver。Thebluevaultofheavensankonthe，horizoninonedirectionintothedustinessoftheplains，andinthe，otherintothemistsofthesea，andonthesummitoftheAcropolis，thepyramidalcypresstrees，fringingthetempleofEschmoun，swayed，murmuringliketheregularwavesthatbeatslowlyalongthemole，beneaththeramparts。
Salammboascendedtotheterraceofherpalace，supportedbyafemale，slavewhocarriedanirondishfilledwithlivecoals。
Inthemiddleoftheterracetherewasasmallivorybedcoveredwith，lynxskins，andcushionsmadewiththefeathersoftheparrot，a，fatidicalanimalconsecratedtothegods;andatthefourcornersrose，fourlongperfuming-pansfilledwithnard，incense，cinnamomum，and，myrrh。Theslavelittheperfumes。Salammbolookedatthepolarstar;
sheslowlysalutedthefourpointsofheaven，andkneltdownonthe，groundintheazuredustwhichwasstrewnwithgoldenstarsin，imitationofthefirmament。Thenwithbothelbowsagainsthersides，herfore-armsstraightandherhandsopen，shethrewbackherhead，beneaththeraysofthemoon，andsaid：
“ORabetna！——Baalet！——Tanith！”andhervoicewaslengthenedina，plaintivefashionasifcallingtosomeone。“Anaitis！Astarte！
Derceto！Astoreth！Mylitta！Athara！Elissa！Tiratha！——Bythehidden，symbols，bytheresoundingsistra，——bythefurrowsoftheearth，——by，theeternalsilenceandbytheeternalfruitfulness，——mistressofthe，gloomyseaandoftheazureshores，OQueenofthewateryworld，all，hail！”
Sheswayedherwholebodytwiceorthrice，andthencastherselfface，downwardsinthedustwithbotharmsoutstretched。
Buttheslavenimblyraisedher，foraccordingtotheritessomeone，mustcatchthesuppliantatthemomentofhisprostration;thistold，himthatthegodsacceptedhim，andSalammbo’snurseneverfailedin，thispiousduty。
SomemerchantsfromDarytianGaetuliahadbroughthertoCarthagewhen，quiteyoung，andafterherenfranchisementshewouldnotforsakeher，oldmasters，aswasshownbyherrightear，whichwaspiercedwitha，largehole。Apetticoatofmany-colouredstripesfittedcloselyonher，hips，andfelltoherankles，wheretwotinringsclashedtogether。
Hersomewhatflatfacewasyellowlikehertunic。Silverbodkinsof，greatlengthformedasunbehindherhead。Sheworeacoralbuttonon，thenostril，andshestoodbesidethebedmoreerectthanaHermes，andwithhereyelidscastdown。
Salammbowalkedtotheedgeoftheterrace;hereyessweptthehorizon，foraninstant，andthenwerelowereduponthesleepingtown，while，thesighthatsheheavedswelledherbosom，andgaveanundulating，movementtothewholelengthofthelongwhitesimarwhichhung，withoutclasporgirdleabouther。Hercurvedandpaintedsandalswere，hiddenbeneathaheapofemeralds，andanetofpurplethreadwas，filledwithherdisorderedhair。
Butsheraisedherheadtogazeuponthemoon，andmurmured，mingling，herspeechwithfragmentsofhymns：
“Howlightlyturnestthou，supportedbytheimpalpableether！It，brightensaboutthee，and’tisthestirofthineagitationthat，distributesthewindsandfruitfuldews。Accordingasthoudostwax，andwanetheeyesofcatsandspotsofpantherslengthenorgrow，short。Wivesshriekthynameinthepangsofchildbirth！Thoumakest，theshellstoswell，thewinetobubble，andthecorpsetoputrefy！
Thouformestthepearlsatthebottomofthesea！
“Andeverygerm，Ogoddess！fermentsinthedarkdepthsofthy，moisture。
“Whenthouappearest，quietnessisspreadabroadupontheearth;the，flowersclose，thewavesaresoothed，weariedmanstretcheshisbreast，towardthee，andtheworldwithitsoceansandmountainslooksat，itselfinthyfaceasinamirror。Thouartwhite，gentle，luminous，immaculate，helping，purifying，serene！”
ThecrescentofthemoonwasthenoverthemountainoftheHot，Springs，inthehollowformedbyitstwosummits，ontheothersideof，thegulf。Belowittherewasalittlestar，andallarounditapale，circle。Salammbowenton：
“Butthouartaterriblemistress！——Monsters，terrifyingphantoms，and，lyingdreamscomefromthee;thineeyesdevourthestonesof，buildings，andtheapesareeverilleachtimethougrowestyoung，again。
“Whithergoestthou？Whydostthouchangethyformscontinually？Now，slenderandcurvedthouglidestthroughspacelikeamastlessgalley;
andthen，amidthestars，thouartlikeashepherdkeepinghisflock。
Shiningandround，thoudostgrazethemountain-topslikethewheelof，achariot。
“OTanith！thoudostloveme？Ihavelookedsomuchonthee！Butno！
thousailestthroughthineazure，andI——Iremainonthemotionless，earth。
“Taanach，takeyournebalandplaysoftlyonthesilverstring，formy，heartissad！”
Theslaveliftedasortofharpofebonywood，tallerthanherself，andtriangularinshapelikeadelta;shefixedthepointinacrystal，globe，andwithbothhandsbegantoplay。
Thesoundsfollowedoneanotherhurriedanddeep，likethebuzzingof，bees，andwithincreasingsonorousnessfloatedawayintothenight，withthecomplainingofthewaves，andtherustlingofthegreattrees，onthesummitoftheAcropolis。
“Hush！”criedSalammbo。
“Whatailsyou，mistress？Theblowingofthebreeze，thepassingofa，cloud，everythingdisquietsyoujustnow！”
“Idonotknow，“shesaid。
“Youareweariedwithtoolongprayers！”
“Oh！Tanaach，Iwouldfainbedissolvedinthemlikeaflowerin，wine！”
“Perhapsitisthesmokeofyourperfumes？”
“No！”saidSalammbo;“thespiritofthegodsdwellsinfragrant，odours。”
Thentheslavespoketoherofherfather。Itwasthoughtthathehad，gonetowardstheambercountry，behindthepillarsofMelkarth。“But，ifhedoesnotreturn，“shesaid，“youmustnevertheless，sinceitwas，hiswill，chooseahusbandamongthesonsoftheAncients，andthen，yourgriefwillpassawayinaman’sarms。”
“Why？”askedtheyounggirl。Allthosethatshehadseenhadhorrified，herwiththeirfallow-deerlaughterandtheircoarselimbs。
“Sometimes，Tanaach，fromthedepthsofmybeingthereexhaleasit，werehotfumesheavierthanthevapoursfromavolcano。Voicescall，me，aglobeoffirerollsandmountswithinmybosom，itstiflesme，I
amatthepointofdeath;andthen，somethingsweet，flowingfrommy，browtomyfeet，passesthroughmyflesh——itisacaressenfoldingme，andIfeelmyselfcrushedasifsomegodwerestretcheduponme。Oh！
wouldthatIcouldlosemyselfinthemistsofthenight，thewaters，ofthefountains，thesapofthetrees，thatIcouldissuefrommy，body，andbebutabreath，oraray，andglide，mountuptothee，O
Mother！”
Sheraisedherarmstotheirfulllength，archingherform，whichin，itslonggarmentwasaspaleandlightasthemoon。Thenshefell，back，panting，ontheivorycouch;butTaanachpassedanamber，necklacewithdolphin’steethabouthernecktobanishterrors，and，Salammbosaidinanalmoststifledvoice：“Goandbringme，Schahabarim。”
Herfatherhadnotwishedhertoenterthecollegeofpriestesses，nor，eventobemadeatallacquaintedwiththepopularTanith。Hewas，reservingherforsomealliancethatmightservehispoliticalends;
sothatSalammbolivedaloneinthemidstofthepalace。Hermother，waslongsincedead。
Shehadgrownupwithabstinences，fastingsandpurifications，always，surroundedbygraveandexquisitethings，herbodysaturatedwith，perfumes，andhersoulfilledwithprayers。Shehadnevertastedwine，noreatenmeat，nortouchedanuncleananimal，norsetherheelsin，thehouseofdeath。
Sheknewnothingofobsceneimages，foraseachgodwasmanifestedin，differentforms，thesameprincipleoftenreceivedthewitnessof，contradictorycults，andSalammboworshippedthegoddessinher，siderealpresentation。Aninfluencehaddescendeduponthemaidenfrom，themoon;whentheplanetpasseddiminishingaway，Salammbogrewweak。
Shelanguishedthewholedaylong，andrevivedatevening。Duringan，eclipseshenearlydied。
ButRabetna，injealousy，revengedherselfforthevirginitywithdrawn，fromhersacrifices，andshetormentedSalammbowithpossessions，all，thestrongerforbeingvague，whichwerespreadthroughthisbelief，andexcitedbyit。
UnceasinglywasHamilcar’sdaughterdisquietedaboutTanith。Shehad，learnedheradventures，hertravels，andallhernames，whichshe，wouldrepeatwithouttheirhavinganydistinctsignificationforher。
Inordertopenetrateintothedepthsofherdogma，shewishedto，becomeacquainted，inthemostsecretpartofthetemple，withtheold，idolinthemagnificentmantle，whereondependedthedestiniesof，Carthage，fortheideaofagoddidnotstandoutclearlyfromhis，representation，andtohold，orevenseetheimageofone，wastotake，awaypartofhisvirtue，andinameasuretorulehim。
ButSalammboturnedaround。Shehadrecognisedthesoundofthegolden，bellswhichSchahabarimworeatthehemofhisgarment。
Heascendedthestaircases;thenatthethresholdoftheterracehe，stoppedandfoldedhisarms。
Hissunkeneyesshonelikethelampsofasepulchre;hislongthin，bodyfloatedinitslinenrobewhichwasweightedbythebells，the，latteralternatingwithballsofemeraldsathisheels。Hehadfeeble，limbs，anobliqueskullandapointedchin;hisskinseemedcoldto，thetouch，andhisyellowface，whichwasdeeplyfurrowedwith，wrinkles，wasasifitcontractedinalonging，inaneverlasting，grief。
HewasthehighpriestofTanith，anditwashewhohadeducated，Salammbo。
“Speak！”hesaid。“Whatwillyou？”
“Ihoped——youhadalmostpromisedme——“Shestammeredandwas，confused;thensuddenly：“Whydoyoudespiseme？whathaveIforgotten，intherites？Youaremymaster，andyoutoldmethatnoonewasso，accomplishedinthethingspertainingtothegoddessasI;butthere，aresomeofwhichyouwillnotspeak。Isitso，Ofather？”
SchahabarimrememberedHamilcar’sorders，andreplied：
“No，Ihavenothingmoretoteachyou！”
“Agenius，“sheresumed，“impelsmetothislove。Ihaveclimbedthe，stepsofEschmoun，godoftheplanetsandintelligences;Ihaveslept，beneaththegoldenoliveofMelkarth，patronoftheTyriancolonies;I
havepushedopenthedoorsofBaal-Khamon，theenlightenerand，fertiliser;IhavesacrificedtothesubterraneanKabiri，tothegods，ofwoods，winds，riversandmountains;but，canyouunderstand？they，arealltoofaraway，toohigh，tooinsensible，whileshe——Ifeelher，mingledinmylife;shefillsmysoul，andIquiverwithinward，startings，asthoughshewereleapinginordertoescape。MethinksI
amabouttohearhervoice，andseeherface，lightningsdazzlemeand，thenIsinkbackagainintothedarkness。”
Schahabarimwassilent。Sheentreatedhimwithsuppliantlooks。At，lasthemadeasignforthedismissaloftheslave，whowasnotof，Chanaanitishrace。Taanachdisappeared，andSchahabarim，raisingone，armintheair，began：
“Beforethegodsdarknessalonewas，andabreathingstirreddulland，indistinctastheconscienceofamaninadream。Itcontracted，creatingDesireandCloud，andfromDesireandCloudthereissued，primitiveMatter。Thiswasawater，muddy，black，icyanddeep。It，containedsenselessmonsters，incoherentportionsoftheformstobe，born，whicharepaintedonthewallsofthesanctuaries。
“ThenMattercondensed。Itbecameanegg。Itburst。Onehalfformed，theearthandtheotherthefirmament。Sun，moon，windsandclouds，appeared，andatthecrashofthethunderintelligentcreaturesawoke。
ThenEschmounspreadhimselfinthestarrysphere;Khamonbeamedin，thesun;MelkarththrusthimwithhisarmsbehindGades;theKabiri，descendedbeneaththevolcanoes，andRabetnalikeanursebentover，theworldpouringoutherlightlikemilk，andhernightlikea，mantle。”
“Andthen？”shesaid。
Hehadrelatedthesecretoftheoriginstoher，todivertherfrom，sublimerprospects;butthemaiden’sdesirekindledagainathislast，words，andSchahabarim，halfyieldingresumed：
“Sheinspiresandgovernsthelovesofmen。”
“Thelovesofmen！”repeatedSalammbodreamily。
“SheisthesoulofCarthage，“continuedthepriest;“andalthoughshe，iseverywherediffused，itisherethatshedwells，beneaththesacred，veil。”
“Ofather！”criedSalammbo，“Ishallseeher，shallInot？youwill，bringmetoher！Ihadlongbeenhesitating;Iamdevouredwith，curiositytoseeherform。Pity！helpme！letusgo？”
Herepulsedherwithavehementgesturethatwasfullofpride。
“Never！Doyounotknowthatitmeansdeath？ThehermaphroditeBaals，areunveiledtousalonewhoaremeninunderstandingandwomenin，weakness。Yourdesireissacrilege;besatisfiedwiththeknowledge，thatyoupossess！”
Shefelluponherkneesplacingtwofingersagainstherearsintoken，ofrepentance;andcrushedbythepriest’swords，andfilledatonce，withangeragainsthim，withterrorandhumiliation，sheburstinto，sobs。Schahabarimremainederect，andmoreinsensiblethanthestones，oftheterrace。Helookeddownuponherquiveringathisfeet，and，feltakindofjoyonseeinghersufferforhisdivinitywhomhe，himselfcouldnotwhollyembrace。Thebirdswerealreadysinging，a，coldwindwasblowing，andlittlecloudsweredriftinginthepaling，sky。
Suddenlyheperceivedonthehorizon，behindTunis，whatlookedlike，slightmiststrailingalongtheground;thenthesebecameagreat，curtainofdustextendingperpendicularly，and，amidthewhirlwindsof，thethrongingmass，dromedaries’heads，lancesandshieldsappeared。
ItwasthearmyoftheBarbariansadvancinguponCarthage。
CHAPTERIV
BENEATHTHEWALLSOFCARTHAGE
Somecountrypeople，ridingonassesorrunningonfoot，arrivedin，thetown，pale，breathless，andmadwithfear。Theywereflyingbefore，thearmy。IthadaccomplishedthejourneyfromSiccainthreedays，in，ordertoreachCarthageandwhollyexterminateit。
Thegateswereshut。TheBarbariansappearedalmostimmediately;but，theystoppedinthemiddleoftheisthmus，ontheedgeofthelake。
Atfirsttheymadenohostileannouncement。Severalapproachedwith，palmbranchesintheirhands。Theyweredrivenbackwitharrows，so，greatwastheterror。
Inthemorningandatnightfallprowlerswouldsometimeswanderalong，thewalls。Alittlemancarefullywrappedinacloak，andwithhis，faceconcealedbeneathaverylowvisor，wasespeciallynoticed。He，wouldremainwholehoursgazingattheaqueduct，andsopersistently，thathedoubtlesswishedtomisleadtheCarthaginiansastohisreal，designs。Anotherman，asortofgiantwhowalkedbareheaded，usedto，accompanyhim。
ButCarthagewasdefendedthroughoutthewholebreadthoftheisthmus：
firstbyatrench，thenbyagrassyrampart，andlastlybyawall，thirtycubitshigh，builtoffreestone，andintwostorys。It，containedstablesforthreehundredelephantswithstoresfortheir，caparisons，shackles，andfood;otherstablesagainforfourthousand，horseswithsuppliesofbarleyandharness，andbarracksfortwenty，thousandsoldierswitharmourandallmaterialsofwar。Towersrose，fromthesecondstory，allprovidedwithbattlements，andhaving，bronzebucklershungoncrampsontheoutside。
ThisfirstlineofwallgaveimmediatesheltertoMalqua，thesailors’
anddyers’quarter。Mastsmightbeseenwhereonpurplesailswere，drying，andonthehighestterracesclayfurnacesforheatingthe，picklewerevisible。
Behind，theloftyhousesofthecityroseinanampitheatreofcubical，form。Theywerebuiltofstone，planks，shingle，reeds，shells，and，beatenearth。Thewoodsbelongingtothetempleswerelikelakesof，verdureinthismountainofdiversely-colouredblocks。Itwaslevelled，atunequaldistancesbythepublicsquares，andwascutfromtopto，bottombycountlessintersectinglanes。Theenclosuresofthethree，oldquarterswhicharenowlostmightbedistinguished;theyrosehere，andtherelikegreatreefs，orextendedinenormousfronts，blackened，half-coveredwithflowers，andbroadlystripedbythecastingof，filth，whilestreetspassedthroughtheiryawningapertureslike，riversbeneathbridges。
ThehilloftheAcropolis，inthecentreofByrsa，washiddenbeneath，adisorderedarrayofmonuments。Thereweretempleswithwreathed，columnsbearingbronzecapitalsandmetalchains，conesofdrystones，withbandsofazure，coppercupolas，marblearchitraves，Babylonian，buttresses，obeliskspoisedontheirpointslikeinvertedtorches。
Peristylesreachedtopediments;volutesweredisplayedthrough，colonnades;granitewallssupportedtilepartitions;thewhole，mounting，half-hidden，theoneabovetheotherinamarvellousand，incomprehensiblefashion。Initmightbefeltthesuccessionofthe，ages，and，asitwere，thememorialsofforgottenfatherlands。
BehindtheAcropolistheMappalianroad，whichwaslinedwithtombs，extendedthroughredlandsinastraightlinefromtheshoretothe，catacombs;thenspaciousdwellingsoccurredatintervalsinthe，gardens，andthisthirdquarter，Megara，whichwasthenewtown，reachedasfarastheedgeofthecliff，whereroseagiantpharos，thatblazedfortheverynight。
InthisfashionwasCarthagedisplayedbeforethesoldiersquartered，intheplain。
Theycouldrecognisethemarketsandcrosswaysinthedistance，and，disputedwithoneanotherastothesitesofthetemples。Khamon’s，frontingtheSyssitia，hadgoldentiles;Melkarth，totheleftof，Eschmoun，hadbranchesofcoralonitsroofing;beyond，Tanith’s，coppercupolaswelledamongthepalmtrees;thedarkMolochwasbelow，thecisterns，inthedirectionofthepharos。Attheanglesofthe，pediments，onthetopsofthewalls，atthecornersofthesquares，everywhere，divinitieswithhideousheadsmightbeseen，colossalor，squat，withenormousbellies，orimmoderatelyflattened，openingtheir，jaws，extendingtheirarms，andholdingforks，chainsorjavelinsin，theirhands;whiletheblueoftheseastretchedawaybehindthe，streetswhichwererenderedstillsteeperbytheperspective。
Theywerefilledfrommorningtilleveningwithatumultuouspeople;
youngboysshakinglittlebells，shoutedatthedoorsofthebaths;
theshopsforhotdrinkssmoked，theairresoundedwiththenoiseof，anvils，thewhitecocks，sacredtotheSun，crowedontheterraces，theoxenthatwerebeingslaughteredbellowedinthetemples，slaves，ranaboutwithbasketsontheirheads;andinthedepthsofthe，porticoesapriestwouldsometimesappear，drapedinadarkcloak，barefooted，andwearingapointedcap。
ThespectacleaffordedbyCarthageirritatedtheBarbarians;they，admireditandexecratedit，andwouldhavelikedbothtoannihilate，itandtodwellinit。ButwhatwasthereintheMilitaryHarbour，defendedbyatriplewall？Thenbehindthetown，atthebackof，Megara，andhigherthantheAcropolis，appearedHamilcar’spalace。
Matho’seyesweredirectedthithereverymoment。Hewouldascendthe，olivetreesandleanoverwithhishandspreadoutabovehiseyebrows。
Thegardenswereempty，andthereddoorwithitsblackcrossremained，constantlyshut。
Morethantwentytimeshewalkedroundtheramparts，seekingsome，breachbywhichhemightenter。Onenighthethrewhimselfintothe，gulfandswamforthreehoursatastretch。Hereachedthefootofthe，Mappalianquarterandtriedtoclimbupthefaceofthecliff。He，coveredhiskneeswithblood，brokehisnails，andthenfellbackinto，thewavesandreturned。
Hisimpotenceexasperatedhim。HewasjealousofthisCarthagewhich，containedSalammbo，asifofsomeonewhohadpossessedher。His，nervelessnesslefthimtobereplacedbyamadandcontinualeagerness，foraction。Withflamingcheek，angryeyes，andhoarsevoice，hewould，walkwithrapidstridesthroughthecamp;orseatedontheshorehe，wouldscourhisgreatswordwithsand。Heshotarrowsatthepassing，vultures。Hisheartoverflowedintofrenziedspeech。
“Givefreecoursetoyourwrathlikearunawaychariot，“said，Spendius。“Shout，blaspheme，ravageandslay。Griefisallayedwith，blood，andsinceyoucannotsateyourlove，gorgeyourhate;itwill，sustainyou！”
Mathoresumedthecommandofhissoldiers。Hedrilledthempitilessly。
Hewasrespectedforhiscourageandespeciallyforhisstrength。
Moreoverheinspiredasortofmysticdread，anditwasbelievedthat，heconversedatnightwithphantoms。Theothercaptainswereanimated，byhisexample。Thearmysoongrewdisciplined。Fromtheirhousesthe，Carthaginianscouldhearthebugle-flourishesthatregulatedtheir，exercises。AtlasttheBarbariansdrewnear。
Tocrushthemintheisthmusitwouldhavebeennecessaryfortwo，armiestotakethemsimultaneouslyintherear，onedisembarkingat，theendofthegulfofUtica，andthesecondatthemountainofthe，HotSprings。ButwhatcouldbedonewiththesinglesacredLegion，musteringatmostsixthousandmen？Iftheenemybenttowardstheeast，theywouldjointhenomadsandinterceptthecommerceofthedesert。
Iftheyfellbacktothewest，Numidiawouldrise。Finally，lackof，provisionswouldsoonerorlaterleadthemtodevastatethe，surroundingcountrylikegrasshoppers，andtherichtrembledfortheir，finecountry-houses，theirvineyardsandtheircultivatedlands。
Hannoproposedatrociousandimpracticablemeasures，suchaspromising，aheavysumforeveryBarbarian’shead，orsettingfiretotheircamp，withshipsandmachines。HiscolleagueGisco，ontheotherhand，wishedthemtobepaid。ButtheAncientsdetestedhimowingtohis，popularity;fortheydreadedtheriskofamaster，andthroughterror，ofmonarchystrovetoweakenwhatevercontributedtoitormightre-
establishit。
Outsidethefortificationtherewerepeopleofanotherraceandof，unknownorigin，allhuntersoftheporcupine，andeatersofshell-fish，andserpents。Theyusedtogointocavestocatchhyenasalive，and，amusethemselvesbymakingthemrunintheeveningonthesandsof，Megarabetweenthestelaeofthetombs。Theirhuts，whichweremadeof，mudandwrack，hungontheclifflikeswallows’nests。Therethey，lived，withoutgovernmentandwithoutgods，pell-mell，completely，naked，atoncefeebleandfierce，andexecratedbythepeopleofall，timeonaccountoftheiruncleanfood。Onemorningthesentries，perceivedthattheywereallgone。
AtlastsomemembersoftheGreatCouncilarrivedatadecision。They，cametothecampwithoutnecklacesorgirdles，andinopensandles，likeneighbours。Theywalkedataquietpace，wavingsalutationsto，thecaptains，orstoppedtospeaktothesoldiers，sayingthatallwas，finishedandthatjusticewasabouttobedonetotheirclaims。
ManyofthemsawacampofMercenariesforthefirsttime。Insteadof，theconfusionwhichtheyhadpicturedtothemselves，thereprevailed，everywhereterriblesilenceandorder。Agrassyrampartformedalofty，wallroundthearmyimmovablebytheshockofcatapults。Thegroundin，thestreetswassprinkledwithfreshwater;throughtheholesinthe，tentstheycouldperceivetawnyeyeballsgleamingintheshade。The，pilesofpikesandhangingpanopliesdazzledthemlikemirrors。They，conversedinlowtones。Theywereafraidofupsettingsomethingwith，theirlongrobes。
Thesoldiersrequestedprovisions，undertakingtopayforthemoutof，themoneythatwasdue。
Oxen，sheep，guineafowl，fruitandlupinsweresenttothem，with，smokedscombri，thatexcellentscombriwhichCarthagedispatchedto，everyport。Buttheywalkedscornfullyaroundthemagnificentcattle，anddisparagingwhattheycoveted，offeredtheworthofapigeonfora，ram，orthepriceofapomegranateforthreegoats。TheEatersof，Uncleannesscameforwardasarbitrators，anddeclaredthattheywere，beingduped。Thentheydrewtheirswordswiththreatstoslay。
CommissariesoftheGreatCouncilwrotedownthenumberofyearsfor，whichpaywasduetoeachsoldier。Butitwasnolongerpossibleto，knowhowmanyMercenarieshadbeenengaged，andtheAncientswere，dismayedattheenormoussumwhichtheywouldhavetopay。Thereserve，ofsilphiummustbesold，andthetradingtownstaxed;theMercenaries，wouldgrowimpatient;Tuniswasalreadywiththem;andtherich，stunnedbyHanno’sragingsandhiscolleague’sreproaches，urgedany，citizenswhomightknowaBarbariantogotoseehimimmediatelyin，ordertowinbackhisfriendship，andtospeakhimfair。Suchashow，ofconfidencewouldsoothethem。
Traders，scribes，workersinthearsenal，andwholefamiliesvisited，theBarbarians。
ThesoldiersallowedalltheCarthaginianstocomein，butbyasingle，passagesonarrowthatfourmenabreastjostledoneanotherinit。
Spendius，standingagainstthebarrier，hadthemcarefullysearched;
facinghimMathowasexaminingthemultitude，tryingtorecognisesome，onewhomhemighthaveseenatSalammbo’spalace。
Thecampwaslikeatown，sofullofpeopleandofmovementwasit。
Thetwodistinctcrowdsmingledwithoutblending，onedressedinlinen，orwool，withfeltcapslikefir-cones，andtheothercladinironand，wearinghelmets。Amidservingmenanditinerantvendorstheremoved，womenofallnations，asbrownasripedates，asgreenishasolives，asyellowasoranges，soldbysailors，pickedoutofdens，stolenfrom，caravans，takeninthesackingoftowns，womenthatwerejadedwith，lovesolongastheywereyoung，andpliedwithblowswhentheywere，old，andthatdiedinroutsontheroadsidesamongthebaggageandthe，abandonedbeastsofburden。Thewivesofthenomadshadsquare，tawny，robesofdromedary’shairswingingattheirheels;musiciansfrom，Cyrenaica，wrappedinvioletgauzeandwithpaintedeyebrows，sang，squattingonmats;oldNegresseswithhangingbreastsgatheredthe，animals’dungthatwasdryinginthesuntolighttheirfires;the，Syracusanwomenhadgoldenplatesintheirhair;theLusitanianshad，necklacesofshells;theGaulsworewolfskinsupontheirwhite，bosoms;andsturdychildren，vermin-covered，nakedanduncircumcised，buttedwiththeirheadsagainstpassers-by，orcamebehindthemlike，youngtigerstobitetheirhands。
TheCarthaginianswalkedthroughthecamp，surprisedatthequantities，ofthingswithwhichitwasrunningover。Themostmiserablewere，melancholy，andtherestdissembledtheiranxiety。
Thesoldiersstruckthemontheshoulder，andexhortedthemtobegay。
Assoonastheysawanyone，theyinvitedhimtotheiramusements。If，theywereplayingatdiscus，theywouldmanagetocrushhisfeet，or，ifatboxingtofracturehisjawwiththeveryfirstblow。The，slingersterrifiedtheCarthaginianswiththeirslings，thePsylli，withtheirvipers，andthehorsemenwiththeirhorses，whiletheir，victims，addictedastheyweretopeacefuloccupations，benttheir，headsandtriedtosmileatalltheseoutrages。Some，inordertoshow，themselvesbrave，madesignsthattheyshouldliketobecomesoldiers。
Theyweresettosplitwoodandtocurrymules。Theywerebuckledup，inarmour，androlledlikecasksthroughthestreetsofthecamp。
Then，whentheywereabouttoleave，theMercenariespluckedouttheir，hairwithgrotesquecontortions。
Butmany，fromfoolishnessorprejudice，innocentlybelievedthatall，theCarthaginianswereveryrich，andtheywalkedbehindthem，entreatingthemtograntthemsomething。Theyrequestedeverything，thattheythoughtfine：aring，agirdle，sandals，thefringeofa，robe，andwhenthedespoiledCarthaginiancried——“ButIhavenothing，left。Whatdoyouwant？”theywouldreply，“Yourwife！”Otherseven，said，“Yourlife！”
Themilitaryaccountswerehandedtothecaptains，readtothe，soldiers，anddefinitivelyapproved。Thentheyclaimedtents;they，receivedthem。NextthepolemarchsoftheGreeksdemandedsomeofthe，handsomesuitsofarmourthatweremanufacturedatCarthage;theGreat，Councilvotedsumsofmoneyfortheirpurchase。Butitwasonlyfair，sothehorsemenpretended，thattheRepublicshouldindemnifythemfor，theirhorses;onehadlostthreeatsuchasiege，another，fiveduring，suchamarch，another，fourteenintheprecipices。Stallionsfrom，Hecatompyloswereofferedtothem，buttheypreferredmoney。
Nexttheydemandedthattheyshouldbepaidinmoney(inpiecesof，money，andnotinleatherncoins)forallthecornthatwasowingto，them，andatthehighestpricethatithadfetchedduringthewar;so，thattheyexactedfourhundredtimesasmuchforameasureofmealas，theyhadgivenforasackofwheat。Suchinjusticewasexasperating;
butitwasnecessary，nevertheless，tosubmit。
ThenthedelegatesfromthesoldiersandfromtheGreatCouncilswore，renewedfriendshipbytheGeniusofCarthageandthegodsofthe，Barbarians。Theyexchangedexcusesandcaresseswithoriental，demonstrativenessandverbosity。Thenthesoldiersclaimed，asaproof，offriendship，thepunishmentofthosewhohadestrangedthemfromthe，Republic。
Theirmeaning，itwaspretended，wasnotunderstood，andthey，explainedthemselvesmoreclearlybysayingthattheymusthave，Hanno’shead。
Severaltimesaday，theylefttheircamp，andwalkedalongthefoot，ofthewalls，shoutingademandthattheSuffet’sheadshouldbe，throwntothem，andholdingouttheirrobestoreceiveit。
TheGreatCouncilwouldperhapshavegivenwaybutforalast，exaction，moreoutrageousthantherest;theydemandedmaidens，chosen，fromillustriousfamilies，inmarriagefortheirchiefs。Itwasan，ideawhichhademanatedfromSpendius，andwhichmanythoughtmost，simpleandpracticable。Buttheassumptionoftheirdesiretomixwith，Punicbloodmadethepeopleindignant;andtheywerebluntlytoldthat，theyweretoreceivenomore。Thentheyexclaimedthattheyhadbeen，deceived，andthatiftheirpaydidnotarrivewithinthreedays，they，wouldthemselvesgoandtakeitinCarthage。
ThebadfaithoftheMercenarieswasnotsocompleteastheirenemies，thought。Hamilcarhadmadethemextravagantpromises，vague，itis，true，butatthesametimesolemnandreiterated。Theymighthave，believedthatwhentheydisembarkedatCarthagethetownwouldbe，abandonedtothem，andthattheyshouldhavetreasuresdividedamong，them;andwhentheysawthatscarcelytheirwageswouldbepaid，the，disillusiontouchedtheirpridenolessthantheirgreed。
HadnotDionysius，Pyrrhus，Agathocles，andthegeneralsofAlexander，furnishedexamplesofmarvellousgoodfortune？Hercules，whomthe，Chanaanitesconfoundedwiththesun，wastheidealwhichshoneonthe，horizonofarmies。Theyknewthatsimplesoldiershadworndiadems，andtheechoesofcrumblingempireswouldfurnishdreamstotheGaul，inhisoakforest，totheEthiopianamidhissands。Buttherewasa，nationalwaysreadytoturncouragetoaccount;andtherobberdriven，fromhistribe，thepatricidewanderingontheroads，theperpetrator，ofsacrilegepursuedbythegods，allwhowerestarvingorindespair，strovetoreachtheportwheretheCarthaginianbrokerwasrecruiting，soldiers。UsuallytheRepublickeptitspromises。Thistime，however，theeagernessofitsavaricehadbroughtitintoperilousdisgrace。
Numidians，Libyans，thewholeofAfricawasabouttofallupon，Carthage。Onlytheseawasopentoit，andthereitmetwiththe，Romans;sothat，likeamanassailedbymurderers，itfeltdeathall，aroundit。
ItwasquitenecessarytohaverecoursetoGisco，andtheBarbarians，acceptedhisintervention。Onemorningtheysawthechainsofthe，harbourlowered，andthreeflat-bottomedboatspassingthroughthe，canalofTaeniaenteredthelake。
Giscowasvisibleonthefirstattheprow。Behindhimrosean，enormouschest，higherthanacatafalque，andfurnishedwithrings，likehangingcrowns。Thenappearedthelegionofinterpreters，with，theirhairdressedlikesphinxes，andwithparrotstattooedontheir，breasts。Friendsandslavesfollowed，allwithoutarms，andinsuch，numbersthattheyshoulderedoneanother。Thethreelong，dangerously-
loadedbargesadvancedamidtheshoutsoftheonlookingarmy。
AssoonasGiscodisembarkedthesoldiersrantohim。Hehadasortof，tribuneerectedwithknapsacks，anddeclaredthatheshouldnotdepart，beforehehadpaidthemallinfull。
Therewasanoutburstofapplause，anditwasalongtimebeforehe，wasabletospeak。
ThenhecensuredthewrongsdonetotheRepublic，andtothe，Barbarians;thefaultlaywithafewmutineerswhohadalarmed，Carthagebytheirviolence。Thebestproofofgoodintentiononthe，partofthelatterwasthatitwashe，theeternaladversaryofthe，SuffetHanno，whowassenttothem。Theymustnotcreditthepeople，withthefollyofdesiringtoprovokebravemen，norwithingratitude，enoughnottorecognisetheirservices;andGiscobegantopaythe，soldiers，commencingwiththeLibyans。Astheyhaddeclaredthatthe，listswereuntruthful，hemadenouseofthem。
Theydefiledbeforehimaccordingtonationality，openingtheir，fingerstoshowthenumberoftheiryearsofservice;theyweremarked，insuccessionwithgreenpaintontheleftarm;thescribesdipped，intotheyawningcoffer，whileothersmadeholeswithastyleona，sheetoflead。
Amanpassedwalkingheavilylikeanox。
“Comeupbesideme，“saidtheSuffet，suspectingsomefraud;“howmany，yearshaveyouserved？”
“Twelve，“repliedtheLibyan。
Giscoslippedhisfingersunderhischin，forthechin-pieceofthe，helmetusedincourseoftimetooccasiontwocallositiesthere;these，werecalledcarobs，and“tohavethecarobs“wasanexpressionusedto，denoteaveteran。
“Thief！”exclaimedtheSuffet，“yourshouldersoughttohavewhatyour，facelacks！”andtearingoffhistunichelaidbareisbackwhichwas，coveredwithableedingscab;hewasalabourerfromHippo-Zarytus。
Hootingswereraised，andhewasdecapitated。
Assoonasnightfell，SpendiuswentandrousedtheLibyans，andsaid，tothem：
“WhentheLigurians，Greeks，Balearians，andmenofItalyarepaid，theywillreturn。Butasforyou，youwillremaininAfrica，scattered，throughyourtribes，andwithoutanymeansofdefence！Itwillbethen，thattheRepublicwilltakeitsrevenge！Mistrustthejourney！Areyou，goingtobelieveeverythingthatissaid？BoththeSuffetsareagreed，andthisoneisimposingonyou！RemembertheIslandofBones，and，Xanthippus，whomtheysentbacktoSpartainarottengalley！”
“Howarewetoproceed？”theyasked。
“Reflect！”saidSpendius。
ThetwofollowingdayswerespentinpayingthemenofMagdala，Leptis，andHecatompylos;SpendiuswentaboutamongtheGauls。
“TheyarepayingofftheLibyans，andthentheywilldischargethe，Greeks，theBalearians，theAsiaticsandalltherest！Butyou，who，arefewinnumber，willreceivenothing！Youwillseeyournative，landsnomore！Youwillhavenoships，andtheywillkillyoutosave，yourfood！”
TheGaulscametotheSuffet。Autaritus，hewhomhehadwoundedat，Hamilcar’spalace，putquestionstohim，butwasrepelledbythe，slaves，anddisappearedswearinghewouldberevenged。
Thedemandsandcomplaintsmultiplied。Themostobstinatepenetrated，atnightintotheSuffet’stent;theytookhishandsandsoughtto，movehimbymakinghimfeeltheirtoothlessmouths，theirwastedarms，andthescarsoftheirwounds。Thosewhohadnotyetbeenpaidwere，growingangry，thosewhohadreceivedthemoneydemandedmorefor，theirhorses;andvagabondsandoutlawsassumedsoldiers’armsand，declaredthattheywerebeingforgotten。Everyminutetherearrived，whirlwindsofmen，asitwere;thetentsstrainedandfell;the，multitude，thickpressedbetweentherampartsofthecamp，swayedwith，loudshoutsfromthegatestothecentre。Whenthetumultgrew，excessivelyviolentGiscowouldrestoneelbowonhisivorysceptre，andstandmotionlesslookingattheseawithhisfingersburiedinhis，beard。
MathofrequentlywentofftospeakwithSpendius;thenhewouldagain，placehimselfinfrontoftheSuffet，andGiscocouldfeelhiseyes，continuallyliketwoflamingphalaricasdartedagainsthim。Several，timestheyhurledreproachesateachotherovertheheadsofthe，crowd，butwithoutmakingthemselvesheard。Thedistribution，meanwhile，continued，andtheSuffetfoundexpedientstoremoveevery，obstacle。
TheGreekstriedtoquibbleaboutdifferencesincurrency，buthe，furnishedthemwithsuchexplanationsthattheyretiredwithouta，murmur。TheNegroesdemandedwhiteshellssuchasareusedfortrading，intheinteriorofAfrica，butwhenheofferedtosendtoCarthagefor，themtheyacceptedmoneyliketherest。
ButtheBalearianshadbeenpromisedsomethingbetter，namely，women。
TheSuffetrepliedthatawholecaravanofmaidenswasexpectedfor，them，butthejourneywaslongandwouldrequiresixmoonsmore。When，theywerefatandwellrubbedwithbenjamintheyshouldbesentin，shipstotheportsoftheBalearians。
SuddenlyZarxas，nowhandsomeandvigorous，leapedlikeamountebank，upontheshouldersofhisfriendsandcried：
“Haveyoureservedanyofthemforthecorpses？”atthesametime，pointingtothegateofKhamoninCarthage。
Thebrassplateswithwhichitwasfurnishedfromtoptobottomshone，inthesun’slatestfires，andtheBarbariansbelievedthattheycould，discernonitatrailofblood。EverytimethatGiscowishedtospeak，theirshoutsbeganagain。Atlasthedescendedwithmeasuredsteps，andshuthimselfupinhistent。
Whenheleftitatsunrisehisinterpreters，whousedtosleep，outside，didnotstir;theylayontheirbackswiththeireyesfixed，theirtonguesbetweentheirteeth，andtheirfacesofabluishcolour。
Whitemucusflowedfromtheirnostrils，andtheirlimbswerestiff，as，iftheyhadallbeenfrozenbythecoldduringthenight。Eachhada，littlenooseofrushesroundhisneck。
Fromthattimeonwardtherebellionwasunchecked。Themurderofthe，BalearianswhichhadbeenrecalledbyZarxasstrengthenedthedistrust，inspiredbySpendius。TheyimaginedthattheRepublicwasalways，tryingtodeceivethem。Anendmustbeputtoit！Theinterpreters，shouldbedispensedwith！Zarxassangwarsongswithaslingaround，hishead;Autaritusbrandishedhisgreatsword;Spendiuswhispereda，wordtooneorgaveadaggertoanother。Theboldestendeavouredto，paythemselves，whilethosewhowerelessfrenziedwishedtohavethe，distributioncontinued。Noonenowrelinquishedhisarms，andthe，angerofallcombinedintoatumultuoushatredofGisco。
Somegotupbesidehim。Solongastheyvociferatedabusetheywere，listenedtowithpatience;butiftheytriedtouttertheleastword，inhisbehalftheywereimmediatelystoned，ortheirheadswerecut，offbyasabre-strokefrombehind。Theheapofknapsackswasredder，thananaltar。
Theybecameterribleaftertheirmealandwhentheyhaddrunkwine！
ThiswasanenjoymentforbiddeninthePunicarmiesunderpainof，death，andtheyraisedtheircupsinthedirectionofCarthagein，derisionofitsdiscipline。Thentheyreturnedtotheslavesofthe，exchequerandagainbegantokill。Theword“strike，“thoughdifferent，ineachlanguage，wasunderstoodbyall。
Giscowaswellawarethathewasbeingabandonedbyhiscountry;but，inspiteofitsingratitudehewouldnotdishonourit。Whenthey，remindedhimthattheyhadbeenpromisedships，hesworebyMolochto，providethemhimselfathisownexpense，andpullingoffhisnecklace，ofbluestoneshethrewitintothecrowdasthepledgeofhisoath。
ThentheAfricansclaimedthecorninaccordancewiththeengagements，madebytheGreatCouncil。Giscospreadouttheaccountsofthe，Syssitiatracedinvioletpigmentonsheepskins;andreadoutall，thathadenteredCarthagemonthbymonthanddaybyday。
Suddenlyhestoppedwithgapingeyes，asifhehadjustdiscoveredhis，sentenceofdeathamongthefigures。
TheAncientshad，infact，fraudulentlyreducedthem，andthecorn，soldduringthemostcalamitousperiodofthewarwassetdownatso，lowaratethat，blindnessapart，itwasimpossibletobelieveit。
“Speak！”theyshouted。“Louder！Ah！heistryingtolie，thecoward！
Don’ttrusthim。”
Forsometimehehesitated。Atlastheresumedhistask。
Thesoldiers，withoutsuspectingthattheywerebeingdeceived，acceptedtheaccountsoftheSyssitiaastrue。Buttheabundancethat，hadprevailedatCarthagemadethemfuriouslyjealous。Theybrokeopen，thesycamorechest;itwasthreepartsempty。Theyhadseensuchsums，comingoutofit，thattheythoughtitinexhaustible;Giscomusthave，buriedsomeinhistent。Theyscaledtheknapsacks。Matholedthem，andastheyshouted“Themoney！themoney！”Giscoatlastreplied：
“Letyourgeneralgiveittoyou！”
