ButtheCarthaginiansmanoeuvredsoclumsilythatthesoldiersin，derisionurgedthemtositdown。Theycalledoutthattheywerejust，goingtoemptytheirbigstomachs，todustthegildingoftheirskin，andtogivethemirontodrink。
Astripofgreenclothappearedatthetopofthepoleplantedbefore，Spendius’stent：itwasthesignal。TheCarthaginianarmyrepliedto，itwithagreatnoiseoftrumpets，cymbals，flutesofasses’bones，andtympanums。TheBarbarianshadalreadyleapedoutsidethe，palisades，andwerefacingtheirenemieswithinajavelin’sthrowof，them。
ABalearicslingertookastepforward，putoneofhisclaybullets，intohisthong，andswungroundhisarm。Anivoryshieldwasshivered，andthetwoarmiesmingledtogether。
TheGreeksmadethehorsesrearandfallbackupontheirmastersby，prickingtheirnostrilswiththepointsoftheirlances。Theslaves，whoweretohurlstoneshadpickedsuchasweretoobig，andthey，accordinglyfellclosetothem。ThePunicfoot-soldiersexposedthe，rightsideincuttingwiththeirlongswords。TheBarbariansbroke，theirlines;theyslaughteredthemfreely;theystumbledoverthe，dyinganddead，quiteblindedbythebloodthatspurtedintotheir，faces。Theconfusedheapofpikes，helmets，cuirassesandswords，turnedroundabout，wideningoutandclosinginwithelastic，contractions。ThegapsincreasedmoreandmoreintheCarthaginian，cohorts，theenginescouldnotgetoutofthesand;andfinallythe，Suffet’slitter(hisgrandlitterwithcrystalpendants)，whichfrom，thebeginningmighthavebeenseentossingamongthesoldierslikea，barkonthewaves，suddenlyfoundered。Hewasnodoubtdead。The，Barbariansfoundthemselvesalone。
Thedustaroundthemfellandtheywerebeginningtosing，whenHanno，himselfappearedonthetopofanelephant。Hesatbare-headedbeneath，aparasolofbyssuswhichwascarriedbyaNegrobehindhim。His，necklaceofblueplatesflappedagainsttheflowersonhisblack，tunic;hishugearmswerecompressedwithincirclesofdiamonds，and，withopenmouthhebrandishedapikeofinordinatesize，whichspread，outattheendlikealotus，andflashedmorethanamirror。
Immediatelytheearthshook，——andtheBarbarianssawalltheelephants，ofCarthage，withtheirgilttusksandblue-paintedears，hasteningup，insingleline，clothedwithbronzeandshakingtheleatherntowers，whichwereplacedabovetheirscarletcaparisons，ineachofwhich，werethreearchersbendinglargebows。
Thesoldierswerebarelyinpossessionoftheirarms;theyhadtaken，uptheirpositionsatrandom。Theywerefrozenwithterror;theystood，undecided。
Javelins，arrows，phalaricas，andmassesofleadwerealreadybeing，showereddownuponthemfromthetowers。Someclungtothefringesof，thecaparisonsinordertoclimbup，buttheirhandswerestruckoff，withcutlassesandtheyfellbackwardsupontheswords’points。The，pikesweretooweakandbroke，andtheelephantspassedthroughthe，phalanxeslikewildboarsthroughtuftsofgrass;theypluckedupthe，stakesofthecampwiththeirtrunks，andtraverseditfromoneendto，theother，overthrowingthetentswiththeirbreasts。Allthe，Barbarianshadfled。Theywerehidingthemselvesinthehills，borderingthevalleybywhichtheCarthaginianshadcome。
ThevictoriousHannopresentedhimselfbeforethegatesofUtica。He，hadatrumpetsounded。ThethreeJudgesofthetownappearedinthe，openingofthebattlementsonthesummitofatower。
ButthepeopleofUticawouldnotreceivesuchwell-armedguests。
Hannowasfurious。Atlasttheyconsentedtoadmithimwithafeeble，escort。
Thestreetsweretoonarrowfortheelephants。Theyhadtobeleft，outside。
AssoonastheSuffetwasinthetowntheprincipalmencametogreet，him。Hehadhimselftakentothevapourbaths，andcalledforhis，cooks。
Threehoursafterwardshewasstillimmersedintheoilofcinnamomum，withwhichthebasinhadbeenfilled;andwhilehebathedheate，flamingoes’tongueswithhoniedpoppy-seedsonaspreadox-hide。
BesidehimwashisGreekphysician，motionless，inalongyellowrobe，directingthere-heatingofthebathfromtimetotime，andtwoyoung，boysleanedoverthestepsofthebasinandrubbedhislegs。But，attentiontohisbodydidnotcheckhisloveforthecommonwealth，for，hewasdictatingalettertobesenttotheGreatCouncil，andassome，prisonershadjustbeentakenhewasaskinghimselfwhatterrible，punishmentcouldbedevised。
“Stop！”saidhetoaslavewhostoodwritinginthehollowofhis，hand。“Letsomeofthembebroughttome！Iwishtoseethem！”
Andfromthebottomofthehall，fullofawhitishvapouronwhichthe，torchescastredspots，threeBarbarianswerethrustforward：a，Samnite，aSpartan，andaCappadocian。
“Proceed！”saidHanno。
“Rejoice，lightoftheBaals！yourSuffethasexterminatedthe，ravenoushounds！BlessingsontheRepublic！Giveordersforprayers！”
Heperceivedthecaptivesandburstoutlaughing：“Ah！ha！myfine，fellowsofSicca！Youarenotshoutingsoloudlyto-day！ItisI！Do，yourecogniseme？Andwhereareyourswords？Whatreallyterrible，fellows！”andhepretendedtobedesiroustohidehimselfasifhe，wereafraidofthem。“Youdemandedhorses，women，estates，magistracies，nodoubt，andpriesthoods！Whynot？Well，Iwillprovide，youwiththeestates，andsuchasyouwillnevercomeoutof！You，shallbemarriedtogibbetsthatareperfectlynew！Yourpay？itshall，bemeltedinyourmouthsinleadeningots！andIwillputyouinto，goodandveryexaltedpositionsamongtheclouds，soastobringyou，closetotheeagles！”
Thethreelong-hairedandraggedBarbarianslookedathimwithout，understandingwhathesaid。Woundedintheknees，theyhadbeenseized，byhavingropesthrownoverthem，andtheendsofthegreatchainson，theirhandstraileduponthepavement。Hannowasindignantattheir，impassibility。
“Onyourknees！onyourknees！jackals！dust！vermin！excrements！And，theymakenoreply！Enough！besilent！Letthembeflayedalive！No！
presently！”
Hewasbreathinglikeahippopotamusandrollinghiseyes。The，perfumedoiloverflowedbeneaththemassofhisbody，andclingingto，thescalesonhisskin，madeitlookpinkinthelightofthetorches。
Heresumed：
“Forfourdayswesufferedgreatlyfromthesun。Somemuleswerelost，incrossingtheMacaras。Inspiteoftheirposition，theextraordinary，courage——Ah！Demonades！howIsuffer！Havethebricksreheated，and，letthembered-hot！”
Anoiseofrakesandfurnaceswasheard。Theincensesmokedmore，stronglyinthelargeperfumingpans，andtheshampooers，whowere，quitenakedandweresweatinglikesponges，crushedapastecomposed，ofwheat，sulphur，blackwine，bitch’smilk，myrrh，galbanumand，storaxuponhisjoints。Hewasconsumedwithincessantthirst，butthe，yellow-robedmandidnotyieldtothisinclination，andheldoutto，himagoldencupinwhichviperbrothwassmoking。
“Drink！”saidhe，“thatstrengthofsun-bornserpentsmaypenetrate，intothemarrowofyourbones，andtakecourage，Oreflectionofthe，gods！Youknow，moreover，thatapriestofEschmounwatchesthose，cruelstarsroundtheDogfromwhichyourmaladyisderived。Theyare，growingpalelikethespotsonyourskin，andyouarenottodiefrom，them。”
“Oh！yes，thatisso，isitnot？”repeatedtheSuffet，“Iamnotto，diefromthem！”Andhisviolaceouslipsgaveforthabreathmore，nauseousthantheexhalationfromacorpse。Twocoalsseemedtoburn，intheplaceofhiseyes，whichhadlosttheireyebrows;amassof，wrinkledskinhungoverhisforehead;bothhisearsstoodoutfromhis，headandwerebeginningtoincreaseinsize;andthedeeplines，formingsemicirclesroundhisnostrilsgavehimastrangeand，terrifyingappearance，thelookofawildbeast。Hisunnaturalvoice，waslikearoar;hesaid：
“Perhapsyouareright，Demonades。Infacttherearemanyulcershere，whichhaveclosed。Ifeelrobust。Here！lookhowIameating！”
Andlessfromgreedinessthanfromostentation，andthedesireto，provetohimselfthathewasingoodhealth，hecutintothe，forcemeatsofcheeseandmarjoram，thebonedfish，gourds，oysters，witheggs，horse-radishes，truffles，andbrochettesofsmallbirds。As，helookedattheprisonersherevelledintheimaginationoftheir，tortures。NeverthelessherememberedSicca，andtheragecausedbyall，hiswoesfoundventintheabuseofthesethreemen。
“Ah！traitors！ah！wretches！infamous，accursedcreatures！Andyou，outragedme！——me！theSuffet！Theirservices，thepriceoftheir，blood，saythey！Ah！yes！theirblood！theirblood！”Thenspeakingto，himself：——“Allshallperish！notoneshallbesold！Itwouldbebetter，tobringthemtoCarthage！Ishouldbeseen——butdoubtless，Ihavenot，broughtchainsenough？Write：Sendme——Howmanyofthemarethere？go，andaskMuthumbal！Go！nopity！andletalltheirhandsbecutoffand，broughttomeinbaskets！”
Butstrangecriesatoncehoarseandshrillpenetratedintothehall，aboveHanno’svoiceandtherattlingofthedishesthatwerebeing，placedaroundhim。Theyincreased，andsuddenlythefurioustrumpeting，oftheelephantsburstforthasifthebattlewerebeginningagain。A
greattumultwasgoingonaroundthetown。
TheCarthaginianshadnotattemptedtopursuetheBarbarians。Theyhad，takenuptheirquartersatthefootofthewallswiththeirbaggage，mules，servingmen，andalltheirtrainofsatraps;andtheymade，merryintheirbeautifulpearl-borderedtents，whilethecampofthe，Mercenarieswasnownothingbutaheapofruinsintheplain。Spendius，hadrecoveredhiscourage。HedispatchedZarxastoMatho，scouredthe，woods，ralliedhismen(thelosseshadbeeninconsiderable)，——andthey，werere-formingtheirlinesenragedathavingbeenconqueredwithouta，fight，whentheydiscoveredavatofpetroleumwhichhadnodoubtbeen，abandonedbytheCarthaginians。ThenSpendiushadsomepigscarried，offfromthefarms，smearedthemwithbitumen，setthemonfire，and，drovethemtowardsUtica。
Theelephantswereterrifiedbytheflamesandfled。Thegroundsloped，upwards，javelinswerethrownatthem，andtheyturnedback;——andwith，greatblowsofivoryandtramplingfeettheyrippedupthe，Carthaginians，stifledthem，flattenedthem。TheBarbariansdescended，thehillbehindthem;thePuniccamp，whichwaswithoutentrenchments，wassackedatthefirstrush，andtheCarthaginianswerecrushed，againstthegates，whichwerenotopenedthroughfearofthe，Mercenaries。
Daybroke，andMatho’sfoot-soldierswereseencomingupfromthe，west。Atthesametimehorsemenappeared;theywereNarr’Havaswith，hisNumidians。Leapingravinesandbushestheyrandownthefugitives，likegreyhoundspursuinghares。Thischangeoffortuneinterruptedthe，Suffet。Hecalledouttobeassistedtoleavethevapourbath。
Thethreecaptiveswerestillbeforehim。ThenaNegro(thesamewho，hadcarriedhisparasolinthebattle)leanedovertohisear。
“Well？”repliedtheSuffetslowly。“Ah！killthem！”headdedinan，abrupttone。
TheEthiopiandrewalongdaggerfromhisgirdleandthethreeheads，fell。Oneofthemreboundedamongtheremainsofthefeast，andleaped，intothebasin，whereitfloatedforsometimewithopenmouthand，staringeyes。Themorninglightenteredthroughthechinksinthe，wall;thethreebodiesstreamedwithgreatbubbleslikethree，fountains，andasheetofbloodflowedoverthemosaicswiththeir，powderingofbluedust。TheSuffetdippedhishandintothishotmire，andrubbedhiskneeswithit：itwasacure。
Wheneveninghadcomehestoleawayfromthetownwithhisescort，and，madehiswayintothemountaintorejoinhisarmy。
Hesucceededinfindingtheremainsofit。
FourdaysafterwardhewasonthetopofadefileatGorza，whenthe，troopsunderSpendiusappearedbelow。Twentystoutlancesmighteasily，havecheckedthembyattackingtheheadoftheircolumn，butthe，Carthaginianswatchedthempassbyinastateofstupefaction。Hanno，recognisedthekingoftheNumidiansintherearguard;Narr’Havas，bowedtohim，atthesametimemakingasignwhichhedidnot，understand。
ThereturntoCarthagetookplaceamidallkindsofterrors。They，marchedonlyatnight，hidingintheolivewoodsduringtheday。There，weredeathsateveryhalting-place;severaltimestheybelieved，themselveslost。AtlasttheyreachedCapeHermaeum，wherevessels，cametoreceivethem。
Hannowassofatigued，sodesperate——thelossoftheelephantsin，particularoverwhelmedhim——thathedemandedpoisonfromDemonadesin，ordertoputanendtoitall。Moreoverhecouldalreadyfeelhimself，stretcheduponthecross。
Carthagehadnotstrengthenoughtobeindignantwithhim。Itslosses，hadamountedtoonehundredthousandninehundredandseventy-two，shekelsofsilver，fifteenthousandsixhundredandtwenty-three，shekelsofgold，eighteenelephants，fourteenmembersoftheGreat，Council，threehundredoftherich，eightthousandcitizens，corn，enoughforthreemoons，aconsiderablequantityofbaggage，andall，theenginesofwar！ThedefectionofNarr’Havaswascertain，andboth，siegeswerebeginningagain。ThearmyunderAutaritusnowextended，fromTunistoRhades。FromthetopoftheAcropolislongcolumnsof，smokemightbeseeninthecountryascendingtothesky;theywerethe，mansionsoftherich，whichwereonfire。
OnemanalonecouldhavesavedtheRepublic。Peoplerepentedthatthey，hadslightedhim，andthepeacepartyitselfvotedholocaustsfor，Hamilcar’sreturn。
ThesightofthezaimphhadupsetSalammbo。Atnightshethoughtthat，shecouldhearthefootstepsofthegoddess，andshewouldawake，terrifiedandshrieking。Everydayshesentfoodtothetemples。
Taanachwaswornoutwithexecutingherorders，andSchahabarimnever，lefther。
CHAPTERVII
HAMILCARBARCA
TheAnnounceroftheMoons，whowatchedonthesummitofthetempleof，Eschmouneverynightinordertosignalthedisturbancesoftheplanet，withhistrumpet，onemorningperceivedtowardsthewestsomething，likeabirdskimmingthesurfaceoftheseawithitslongwings。
Itwasashipwiththreetiersofoarsandwithahorsecarvedonthe，prow。Thesunwasrising;theAnnounceroftheMoonsputuphishand，beforehiseyes，andthengraspinghisclarionwithoutstretchedarms，soundedaloudbrazencryoverCarthage。
Peoplecameoutofeveryhouse;theywouldnotbelievewhatwassaid;
theydisputedwithoneanother;themolewascoveredwithpeople。At，lasttheyrecognisedHamilcar’strireme。
Itadvancedinfierceandhaughtyfashion，cleavingthefoamaround，it，thelateen-yardquitesquareandthesailbulgingdownthewhole，lengthofthemast;itsgiganticoarskepttimeastheybeatthe，water;everynowandthentheextremityofthekeel，whichwasshaped，likeaplough-share，wouldappear，andtheivory-headedhorse，rearing，bothitsfeetbeneaththespurwhichterminatedtheprow，wouldseem，tobespeedingovertheplainsofthesea。
Asitroundedthepromontorythewindceased，thesailfell，andaman，wasseenstandingbareheadedbesidethepilot。Itwashe，Hamilcar，theSuffet！Abouthissidesheworegleamingsheetsofsteel;ared，cloak，fastenedtohisshoulders，lefthisarmsvisible;twopearlsof，greatlengthhungfromhisears，andhisblack，bushybeardrestedon，hisbreast。
Thegalley，however，tossingamidtherocks，wasproceedingalongthe，sideofthemole，andthecrowdfolloweditontheflag-stones，shouting：
“Greeting！blessing！EyeofKhamon！ah！deliverus！’Tisthefaultof，therich！theywanttoputyoutodeath！Takecareofyourself，Barca！”
Hemadenoreply，asiftheloudclamourofoceansandbattleshad，completelydeafenedhim。Butwhenhewasbelowthestaircaseleading，downfromtheAcropolis，Hamilcarraisedhishead，andlookedwith，foldedarmsuponthetempleofEschmoun。Hisgazemountedhigher，still，tothegreatpuresky;heshoutedanorderinaharshvoiceto，hissailors;thetriremeleapedforward;itgrazedtheidolsetupat，thecornerofthemoletostaythestorms;andinthemerchant，harbour，whichwasfulloffilth，fragmentsofwood，andrindsof，fruit，itpushedasideandcrushedagainsttheothershipsmooredto，stakesandterminatingincrocodiles’jaws。Thepeoplehastened，thither，andsomethrewthemselvesintothewatertoswimtoit。It，wasalreadyattheveryendbeforethegatewhichbristledwithnails。
Thegaterose，andthetriremedisappearedbeneaththedeeparch。
TheMilitaryHarbourwascompletelyseparatedfromthetown;when，ambassadorsarrived，theyhadtoproceedbetweentwowallsthrougha，passagewhichhaditsoutletontheleftinfrontofthetempleof，Khamon。Thisgreatexpanseofwaterwasasroundasacup，andwas，borderedwithquaysonwhichshedswerebuiltforshelteringthe，ships。Beforeeachoftheserosetwopillarsbearingthehornsof，Ammonontheircapitalsandformingcontinuousporticoesallroundthe，basin。OnanislandinthecentrestoodahouseforthemarineSuffet。
Thewaterwassolimpidthatthebottomwasvisiblewithitspavingof，whitepebbles。Thenoiseofthestreetsdidnotreachsofar，and，Hamilcarashepassedrecognisedthetriremeswhichhehadformerly，commanded。
Notmorethantwentyperhapsremained，undershelterontheland，leaningoverontheirsidesorstandinguprightontheirkeels，with，loftypoopsandswellingprows，andcoveredwithgildingsandmystic，symbols。Thechimaerashadlosttheirwings，thePataecGodstheir，arms，thebullstheirsilverhorns;——andhalf-painted，motionless，and，rottenastheywere，yetfullofassociations，andstillemittingthe，scentofvoyages，theyallseemedtosaytohim，likemutilated，soldiersonseeingtheirmasteragain，“’Tiswe！’tiswe！andYOUtoo，arevanquished！”
NooneexceptingthemarineSuffetmightentertheadmiral’shouse。So，longastherewasnoproofofhisdeathhewasconsideredasstillin，existence。InthiswaytheAncientsavoidedamasterthemore，and，theyhadnotfailedtocomplywiththecustominrespecttoHamilcar。
TheSuffetproceededintothedesertedapartments。Ateverystephe，recognisedarmourandfurniture——familiarobjectswhichnevertheless，astonishedhim，andinaperfuming-paninthevestibulethereeven，remainedtheashesoftheperfumesthathadbeenkindledathis，departurefortheconjurationofMelkarth。Itwasnotthusthathehad，hopedtoreturn。Everythingthathehaddone，everythingthathehad，seen，unfoldeditselfinhismemory：assaults，conflagrations，legions，tempests，Drepanum，Syracuse，Lilybaeum，MountEtna，the，plateauofEryx，fiveyearsofbattles，——untilthefataldaywhenarms，hadbeenlaiddownandSicilyhadbeenlost。Thenheoncemoresawthe，woodsofcitron-trees，andherdsmenwiththeirgoatsongrey，mountains;andhisheartleapedatthethoughtoftheestablishmentof，anotherCarthagedownyonder。Hisprojectsandhisrecollections，buzzedthroughhishead，whichwasstilldizzyfromthepitchingof，thevessel;hewasoverwhelmedwithanguish，and，becomingsuddenly，weak，hefeltthenecessityofdrawingneartothegods。
Thenhewentuptothehigheststoryofhishouse，andtakinganail-
studdedstaplefromagoldenshell，whichhungonhisarm，heopeneda，smallovalchamber。
Itwassoftlylightedbymeansofdelicateblackdiscsletintothe，wallandastransparentasglass。Betweentherowsoftheseequal，discs，holes，likethosefortheurnsincolumbaria，werehollowed，out。Eachofthemcontainedarounddarkstone，whichappearedtobe，veryheavy。Onlypeopleofsuperiorunderstandinghonouredthese，abaddirs，whichhadfallenfromthemoon。Bytheirfalltheydenoted，thestars，thesky，andfire;bytheircolourdarknight，andbytheir，densitythecohesionofterrestrialthings。Astiflingatmosphere，filledthismysticplace。Theroundstoneslyinginthenicheswere，whitenedsomewhatwithsea-sandwhichthewindhadnodoubtdriven，throughthedoor。Hamilcarcountedthemoneafteranotherwiththetip，ofhisfinger;thenhehidhisfaceinasaffron-colouredveil，and，fallingonhisknees，stretchedhimselfonthegroundwithbotharms，extended。
Thedaylightoutsidewasbeginningtostrikeonthefoldingshutters，ofblacklattice-work。Arborescences，hillocks，eddies，andill-
definedanimalsappearedintheirdiaphanousthickness;andthelight，cameterrifyingandyetpeacefulasitmustbebehindthesuninthe，dullspacesoffuturecreations。Hestrovetobanishfromhisthoughts，allforms，andallsymbolsandappellationsofthegods，thathemight，thebetterapprehendtheimmutablespiritwhichoutwardappearances，tookaway。Somethingoftheplanetaryvitalitiespenetratedhim，and，hefeltwithalawiserandmoreintimatescornofdeathandofevery，accident。Whenherosehewasfilledwithserenefearlessnessandwas，proofagainstpityordread，andashischestwaschokinghewentto，thetopofthetowerwhichoverlookedCarthage。
Thetownsankdownwardsinalonghollowcurve，withitscupolas，its，temples，itsgoldenroofs，itshouses，itsclustersofpalmtreeshere，andthere，anditsglassballswithstreamingrays，whiletheramparts，formed，asitwere，thegiganticborderofthishornofplentywhich，poureditselfoutbeforehim。Farbelowhecouldseetheharbours，the，squares，theinteriorsofthecourts，theplanofthestreets，andthe，people，whoseemedverysmallandbutlittleabovethelevelofthe，pavement。Ah！ifHannohadnotarrivedtoolateonthemorningofthe，Aegatianislands！Hefastenedhiseyesontheextremehorizonand，stretchedforthhisquiveringarmsinthedirectionofRome。
ThestepsoftheAcropoliswereoccupiedbythemultitude。Inthe，squareofKhamonthepeoplewerepressingforwardstoseetheSuffet，comeout，andtheterracesweregraduallybeingloadedwithpeople;a，fewrecognisedhim，andhewassaluted;butheretiredinorderthe，bettertoexcitetheimpatienceofthepeople。
Hamilcarfoundthemostimportantmenofhispartybelowinthehall：
Istatten，Subeldia，Hictamon，Yeoubasandothers。Theyrelatedtohim，allthathadtakenplacesincetheconclusionofthepeace：thegreed，oftheAncients，thedepartureofthesoldiers，theirreturn，their，demands，thecaptureofGisco，thetheftofthezaimph，thereliefand，subsequentabandonmentofUtica;butnooneventuredtotellhimof，theeventswhichconcernedhimself。Atlasttheyseparated，tomeet，againduringthenightattheassemblyoftheAncientsinthetemple，ofMoloch。
Theyhadjustgoneoutwhenatumultaroseoutsidethedoor。Someone，wastryingtoenterinspiteoftheservants;andasthedisturbance，wasincreasingHamilcarorderedthestrangertobeshownin。
AnoldNegressmadeherappearance，broken，wrinkled，trembling，stupid-looking，wrappedtotheheelsinampleblueveils。Sheadvanced，facetofacewiththeSuffet，andtheylookedateachotherforsome，time;suddenlyHamilcarstarted;atawaveofhishandtheslaves，withdrew。Then，signingtohertowalkwithprecaution，hedrewherby，thearmintoaremoteapartment。
TheNegressthrewherselfuponthefloortokisshisfeet;heraised，herbrutally。
“Wherehaveyoulefthim，Iddibal？”
“Downthere，Master;“andextricatingherselffromherveils，she，rubbedherfacewithhersleeve;theblackcolour，thesenile，trembling，thebentfiguredisappeared，andthereremainedastrong，oldmanwhoseskinseemedtannedbysand，wind，andsea。Atuftof，whitehairroseonhisskulllikethecrestofabird;andhe，indicatedhisdisguise，asitlayontheground，withanironic，glance。
“Youhavedonewell，Iddibal！’Tiswell！”Thenpiercinghim，asit，were，withhiskeengaze：“Nooneyetsuspects？”
TheoldmansworetohimbytheKabirithatthemysteryhadbeenkept。
Theyneverlefttheircottage，whichwasthreedays’journeyfrom，Hadrumetum，onashorepeopledwithturtles，andwithpalmsonthe，dune。“Andinaccordancewithyourcommand，OMaster！Iteachhimto，hurlthejavelinandtodriveateam。”
“Heisstrong，ishenot？”
“Yes，Master，andintrepidaswell！Hehasnofearofserpents，or，thunder，orphantoms。Herunsbare-footedlikeaherdsmanalongthe，brinksofprecipices。”
“Speak！speak！”
“Heinventssnaresforwildbeasts。Wouldyoubelieveit，thatlast，moonhesurprisedaneagle;hedraggeditaway，andthebird’sblood，andthechild’swerescatteredintheairinlargedropslikedriven，roses。Theanimalinitsfuryenwrappedhiminthebeatingofits，wings;hestraineditagainsthisbreast，andasitdiedhislaughter，increased，piercingandproudliketheclashingofswords。”
Hamilcarbenthishead，dazzledbysuchpresagesofgreatness。
“Buthehasbeenforsometimerestlessanddisturbed。Hegazesatthe，sailspassingfaroutatsea;heismelancholy，herejectsbread，he，inquiresaboutthegods，andhewishestobecomeacquaintedwith，Carthage。”
“No，no！notyet！”exclaimedtheSuffet。
TheoldslaveseemedtounderstandtheperilwhichalarmedHamilcar，andheresumed：
“Howishetoberestrained？AlreadyIamobligedtomakehim，promises，andIhavecometoCarthageonlytobuyhimadaggerwitha，silverhandleandpearlsallaroundit。”Thenhetoldhow，having，perceivedtheSuffetontheterrace，hehadpassedhimselfoffonthe，wardersoftheharbourasoneofSalammbo’swomen，soastomakehis，wayintohim。
Hamilcarremainedforalongtimeapparentlylostindeliberation;at，lasthesaid：
“To-morrowyouwillpresentyourselfatsunsetbehindthepurple，factoriesinMegara，andimitateajackal’scrythreetimes。Ifyoudo，notseeme，youwillreturntoCarthageonthefirstdayofevery，moon。Forgetnothing！Lovehim！Youmayspeaktohimnowabout，Hamilcar。”
Theslaveresumedhiscostume，andtheyleftthehouseandtheharbour，together。
Hamilcarwentonhiswayaloneonfootandwithoutanescort，forthe，meetingsoftheAncientswere，underextraordinarycircumstances，alwayssecret，andwereresortedtomysteriously。
AtfirsthewentalongthewesternfrontoftheAcropolis，andthen，passedthroughtheGreenMarket，thegalleriesofKinisdo，andthe，Perfumers’suburb。Thescatteredlightswerebeingextinguished，the，broaderstreetsgrewstill，thenshadowsglidedthroughthedarkness。
Theyfollowedhim，othersappeared，andlikehimtheyalldirected，theircoursetowardstheMappaliandistrict。
ThetempleofMolochwasbuiltatthefootofasteepdefileina，sinisterspot。Frombelownothingcouldbeseenbutloftywallsrising，indefinitelylikethoseofamonstroustomb。Thenightwasgloomy，a，greyishfogseemedtoweighuponthesea，whichbeatagainstthecliff，withanoiseasofdeath-rattlesandsobs;andtheshadowsgradually，vanishedasiftheyhadpassedthroughthewalls。
Butassoonasthedoorwaywascrossedonefoundoneselfinavast，quadrangularcourtborderedbyarcades。Inthecentreroseamassof，architecturewitheightequalfaces。Itwassurmountedbycupolas，whichthrongedaroundasecondstorysupportingakindofrotunda，fromwhichsprangaconewithare-entrantcurveandterminatingina，ballonthesummit。
Fireswereburningincylindersoffiligree-workfitteduponpoles，whichmenwerecarryingtoandfro。Theselightsflickeredinthe，gustsofwindandreddenedthegoldencombswhichfastenedtheir，plaitedhaironthenapeoftheneck。Theyranaboutcallingtoone，anothertoreceivetheAncients。
Hereandthereontheflag-stoneshugelionswerecouchedlike，sphinxes，livingsymbolsofthedevouringsun。Theywereslumbering，withhalf-closedeyelids。Butrousedbythefootstepsandvoicesthey，roseslowly，cametowardstheAncients，whomtheyrecognisedbytheir，dress，andrubbedthemselvesagainsttheirthighs，archingtheirbacks，withsonorousyawns;thevapouroftheirbreathpassedacrossthe，lightofthetorches。Thestirincreased，doorsclosed，allthe，priestsfled，andtheAncientsdisappearedbeneaththecolumnswhich，formedadeepvestibuleroundthetemple。
Thesecolumnswerearrangedinsuchawaythattheircircularranks，whichwerecontainedonewithinanother，showedtheSaturnianperiod，withitsyears，theyearswiththeirmonths，andthemonthswiththeir，days，andfinallyreachedtothewallsofthesanctuary。
HereitwasthattheAncientslaidasidetheirsticksofnarwhal’s-
horn，——foralawwhichwasalwaysobservedinflictedthepunishmentof，deathuponanyoneenteringthemeetingwithanykindofweapon。
Severalworearentrepairedwithastripofpurpleatthebottomof，theirgarment，toshowthattheyhadnotbeeneconomicalintheir，dresswhenmourningfortheirrelatives，andthistestimonytotheir，afflictionpreventedtheslitfromgrowinglarger。Othershadtheir，beardsinclosedinlittlebagsofvioletskin，andfastenedtotheir，earsbytwocords。Theyallaccostedoneanotherbyembracingbreast，tobreast。TheysurroundedHamilcarwithcongratulations;theymight，havebeentakenforbrothersmeetingtheirbrotheragain。
Thesemenweregenerallythick-set，withcurvednoseslikethoseof，theAssyriancolossi。Inafew，however，themoreprominentcheek-
bone，thetallerfigure，andthenarrowerfoot，betrayedanAfrican，originandnomadancestors。Thosewholivedcontinuallyshutupin，theircounting-houseshadpalefaces;othersshowedintheirsthe，severityofthedesert，andstrangejewelssparkledonallthefingers，oftheirhands，whichwereburntbyunknownsuns。Thenavigatorsmight，bedistinguishedbytheirrollinggait，whilethemenofagriculture，smeltofthewine-press，driedherbs，andthesweatofmules。These，oldpirateshadlandsundertillage，thesemoney-grubberswouldfit，outships，theseproprietorsofcultivatedlandssupportedslaveswho，followedtrades。Allwereskilledinreligiousdiscipline，expertin，strategy，pitilessandrich。Theylookedweariedofprolongedcares。
Theirflamingeyesexpresseddistrust，andtheirhabitsoftravelling，andlying，traffickingandcommanding，gaveanappearanceofcunning，andviolence，asortofdiscreetandconvulsivebrutalitytotheir，wholedemeanour。Further，theinfluenceofthegodcastagloomupon，them。
Theyfirstpassedthroughavaultedhallwhichwasshapedlikeanegg。
Sevendoors，correspondingtothesevenplanets，displayedseven，squaresofdifferentcoloursagainstthewall。Aftertraversingalong，roomtheyenteredanothersimilarhall。
Acandelabrumcompletelycoveredwithchiselledflowerswasburningat，thefarend，andeachofitseightgoldenbranchesboreawickof，byssusinadiamondchalice。Itwasplaceduponthelastofthelong，stepsleadingtoagreataltar，thecornersofwhichterminatedin，hornsofbrass。Twolateralstaircasesledtoitsflattenedsummit;
thestonesofitcouldnotbeseen;itwaslikeamountainofheaped，cinders，andsomethingindistinctwasslowlysmokingatthetopofit。
Thenfurtherback，higherthanthecandelabrum，andmuchhigherthan，thealtar，rosetheMoloch，allofiron，andwithgapingaperturesin，hishumanbreast。Hisoutspreadwingswerestretcheduponthewall，histaperinghandsreacheddowntotheground;threeblackstones，borderedbyyellowcirclesrepresentedthreeeyeballsonhisbrow，and，hisbull’sheadwasraisedwithaterribleeffortasifinorderto，bellow。
Ebonystoolswererangedroundtheapartment。Behindeachofthemwas，abronzeshaftrestingonthreeclawsandsupportingatorch。All，theselightswerereflectedinthemother-of-pearllozengeswhich，formedthepavementofthehall。Soloftywasthelatterthatthered，colourofthewallsgrewblackasitrosetowardsthevaultedroof，andthethreeeyesoftheidolappearedfarabovelikestarshalflost，inthenight。
TheAncientssatdownontheebonystoolsafterputtingthetrainsof，theirrobesovertheirheads。Theyremainedmotionlesswiththeir，handscrossedinsidetheirbroadsleeves，andthemother-of-pearl，pavementseemedlikealuminousriverstreamingfromthealtartothe，doorandflowingbeneaththeirnakedfeet。
Thefourpontiffshadtheirplacesinthecentre，sittingbacktoback，onfourivoryseatswhichformedacross，thehigh-priestofEschmoun，inahyacinthrobe，thehigh-priestofTanithinawhitelinenrobe，thehigh-priestofKhamoninatawnywoollenrobe，andthehigh-priest，ofMolochinapurplerobe。
Hamilcaradvancedtowardsthecandelabrum。Hewalkedallroundit，lookingattheburningwicks;thenhethrewascentedpowderupon，them，andvioletflamesappearedattheextremitiesofthebranches。
Thenashrillvoicerose;anotherrepliedtoit，andthehundred，Ancients，thefourpontiffs，andHamilcar，whoremainedstanding，simultaneouslyintonedahymn，andtheirvoices——everrepeatingthe，samesyllablesandstrengtheningthesounds——rose，grewloud，became，terrible，andthensuddenlywerestill。
Therewasapauseforsometime。AtlastHamilcardrewfromhisbreast，alittlethree-headedstatuette，asblueassapphire，andplacedit，beforehim。ItwastheimageofTruth，theverygeniusofhisspeech。
Thenhereplaceditinhisbosom，andall，asifseizedwithsudden，wrath，criedout：
“Theyaregoodfriendsofyours，aretheBarbarians！Infamoustraitor！
Youcomebacktoseeusperish，doyounot？Lethimspeak！——No！no！”
Theyweretakingtheirrevengefortheconstrainttowhichpolitical，ceremonialhadjustobligedthem;andeventhoughtheyhadwishedfor，Hamilcar’sreturn，theywerenowindignantthathehadnotanticipated，theirdisasters，orratherthathehadnotenduredthemaswellas，they。
Whenthetumulthadsubsided，thepontiffofMolochrose：
“WeaskyouwhyyoudidnotreturntoCarthage？”
“Whatisthattoyou？”repliedtheSuffetdisdainfully。
Theirshoutswereredoubled。
“Ofwhatdoyouaccuseme？Imanagedthewarbadly，perhaps！Youhave，seenhowIordermybattles，youwhoconvenientlyallowBarbarians——“
“Enough！enough！”
Hewentoninalowvoicesoastomakehimselfthebetterlistened，to：
“Oh！thatistrue！Iamwrong，lightsoftheBaals;thereareintrepid，menamongyou！Gisco，rise！”Andsurveyingthestepofthealtarwith，half-closedeyelids，asifhesoughtforsomeone，herepeated：
“Rise，Gisco！Youcanaccuseme;theywillprotectyou！Butwhereis，he？”Then，asifherememberedhimself：“Ah！inhishouse，nodoubt！
surroundedbyhissons，commandinghisslaves，happy，andcountingon，thewallthenecklacesofhonourwhichhiscountryhasgiventohim！”
Theymovedaboutraisingtheirshouldersasiftheywerebeing，scourgedwiththongs。“Youdonotevenknowwhetherheislivingor，dead！”Andwithoutgivinganyheedtotheirclamourshesaidthatin，desertingtheSuffettheyhaddesertedtheRepublic。So，too，the，peacewithRome，howeveradvantageousitmightappeartothem，was，morefatalthantwentybattles。Afew——thosewhoweretheleastrich，oftheCouncilandweresuspectedofperpetualleaningstowardsthe，peopleortowardstyranny——applauded。Theiropponents，chiefsofthe，Syssitiaandadministrators，triumphedovertheminpointofnumbers;
andthemoreeminentofthemhadrangedthemselvesclosetoHanno，who，wassittingattheotherendofthehallbeforetheloftydoor，which，wasclosedbyahangingofhyacinthcolour。
Hehadcoveredtheulcersonhisfacewithpaint。Butthegolddustin，hishairhadfallenuponhisshoulders，whereitformedtwobrilliant，sheets，sothathishairappearedwhitish，fine，andfrizzledlike，wool。Hishandswereenvelopedinlinensoakedinagreasyperfume，whichdrippeduponthepavement，andhisdiseasehadnodoubt，considerablyincreased，forhiseyeswerehiddenbeneaththefoldsof，hiseyelids。Hehadthrownbackhisheadinordertosee。His，partisansurgedhimtospeak。Atlastinahoarseandhideousvoicehe，said：
“Lessarrogance，Barca！Wehaveallbeenvanquished！Eachonesupports，hisownmisfortune！Beresigned！”
“Tellusrather，“saidHamilcar，smiling，“howitwasthatyousteered，yourgalleysintotheRomanfleet？”
“Iwasdrivenbythewind，“repliedHanno。
“Youarelikearhinocerostramplingonhisdung：youaredisplaying，yourownfolly！besilent！”Andtheybegantoindulgein，recriminationsrespectingthebattleoftheAegatianislands。
Hannoaccusedhimofnothavingcometomeethim。
“ButthatwouldhaveleftEryxundefended。Yououghttohavestoodout，fromthecoast;whatpreventedyou？Ah！Iforgot！allelephantsare，afraidofthesea！”
Hamilcar’sfollowersthoughtthisjestsogoodthattheyburstout，intoloudlaughter。Thevaultrangwithitlikethebeatingof，tympanums。
Hannodenouncedtheunworthinessofsuchaninsult;thediseasehad，comeuponhimfromacoldtakenatthesiegeofHecatompylos，and，tearsfloweddownhisfacelikewinterrainonaruinedwall。
Hamilcarresumed：
“Ifyouhadlovedmeasmuchashimtherewouldbegreatjoyin，Carthagenow！HowmanytimesdidInotcalluponyou！andyoualways，refusedmemoney！”
“Wehadneedofit，“saidthechiefsoftheSyssitia。
“Andwhenthingsweredesperatewithme——wedrankmules’urineandate，thestrapsofoursandals;whenIwouldfainhavehadthebladesof，grasssoldiersandmadebattalionswiththerottennessofourdead，yourecalledthevesselsthatIhadleft！”
“Wecouldnotriskeverything，“repliedBaat-Baal，whopossessedgold，minesinDarytianGaetulia。
“Butwhatdidyoudohere，atCarthage，inyourhouses，behindyour，walls？ThereareGaulsontheEridanus，whooughttohavebeenroused，ChanaanitesatCyrenewhowouldhavecome，andwhiletheRomanssend，ambassadorstoPtolemaeus——“
“NowheisextollingtheRomanstous！”Someoneshoutedouttohim：
“Howmuchhavetheypaidyoutodefendthem？”
“AskthatoftheplainsofBrutium，oftheruinsofLocri，of，Metapontum，andofHeraclea！Ihaveburntalltheirtrees，Ihave，pillagedalltheirtemples，andeventothedeathoftheir，grandchildren’sgrandchildren——“
“Why，youdisclaimlikearhetor！”saidKapouras，averyillustrious，merchant。“Whatisitthatyouwant？”
“Isaythatwemustbemoreingeniousormoreterrible！Ifthewhole，ofAfricarejectsyouryokethereasonis，myfeeblemasters，thatyou，donotknowhowtofastenittohershoulders！Agathocles，Regulus，Coepio，anyboldmanhasonlytolandandcaptureher;andwhenthe，LibyansintheeastconcertwiththeNumidiansinthewest，andthe，Nomadscomefromthesouth，andtheRomansfromthenorth“——acryof，horrorrose——“Oh！youwillbeatyourbreasts，androllinthedust，andtearyourcloaks！Nomatter！youwillhavetogoandturnthe，mill-stoneintheSuburra，andgathergrapesonthehillsofLatium。”
Theysmotetheirrightthighstomarktheirsenseofthescandal，and，thesleevesoftheirrobesroselikelargewingsofstartledbirds。
Hamilcar，carriedawaybyaspirit，continuedhisspeech，standingon，thehigheststepofthealtar，quiveringandterrible;heraisedhis，arms，andtheraysfromthecandelabrumwhichburnedbehindhimpassed，betweenhisfingerslikejavelinsofgold。
“Youwillloseyourships，yourcountryseats，yourchariots，your，hangingbeds，andtheslaveswhorubyourfeet！Thejackalwillcrouch，inyourpalaces，andtheploughsharewillupturnyourtombs。Nothing，willbeleftbuttheeagles’screamandaheapofruins。Carthage，thouwiltfall！”
Thefourpontiffsspreadouttheirhandstoaverttheanathema。All，hadrisen。ButthemarineSuffet，beingasacerdotalmagistrateunder，theprotectionoftheSun，wasinviolatesolongastheassemblyof，therichhadnotjudgedhim。Terrorwasassociatedwiththealtar。
Theydrewback。
Hamilcarhadceasedspeaking，andwaspantingwitheyefixed，hisface，aspaleasthepearlsofhistiara，almostfrightenedathimself，and，hisspiritlostinfunerealvisions。Fromtheheightonwhichhe，stood，allthetorchesonthebronzeshaftsseemedtohimlikeavast，crownoffirelaidlevelwiththepavement;blacksmokeissuingfrom，themmountedupintothedarknessofthevault;andforsomeminutes，thesilencewassoprofoundthattheycouldhearinthedistancethe，soundofthesea。
ThentheAncientsbegantoquestiononeanother。Theirinterests，theirexistence，wereattackedbytheBarbarians。Butitwas，impossibletoconquerthemwithouttheassistanceoftheSuffet，and，inspiteoftheirpridethisconsiderationmadethemforgetevery，other。Hisfriendsweretakenaside。Therewereinterested，reconciliations，understandings，andpromises。Hamilcarwouldnottake，anyfurtherpartinanygovernment。Allconjuredhim。Theybesought，him;andasthewordtreasonoccurredintheirspeech，hefellintoa，passion。ThesoletraitorwastheGreatCouncil，forastheenlistment，ofthesoldiersexpiredwiththewar，theybecamefreeassoonasthe，warwasfinished;heevenexaltedtheirbraveryandalltheadvantages，whichmightbederivedfrominterestingthemintheRepublicby，donationsandprivileges。
ThenMagdassin，aformerprovincialgovernor，said，asherolledhis，yelloweyes：
“TrulyBarca，withyourtravellingyouhavebecomeaGreek，ora，Latin，orsomething！Whyspeakyouofrewardsforthesemen？Rather，lettenthousandBarbariansperishthanasingleoneofus！”
TheAncientsnoddedapproval，murmuring：——“Yes，isthereneedforso，muchtrouble？Theycanalwaysbehad？”
“Andtheycanbegotridofconveniently，cantheynot？Theyare，desertedastheywerebyyouinSardinia。Theenemyisapprisedofthe，roadwhichtheyaretotake，asinthecaseofthoseGaulsinSicily，orperhapstheyaredisembarkedinthemiddleofthesea。AsIwas，returningIsawtherockquitewhitewiththeirbones！”
“Whatamisfortune！”saidKapourasimpudently。
“Havetheynotgoneovertotheenemyahundredtimes？”criedthe，others。
“Why，then，“exclaimedHamilcar，“didyourecallthemtoCarthage，notwithstandingyourlaws？Andwhentheyareinyourtown，poorand，numerousamidallyourriches，itdoesnotoccurtoyoutoweakenthem，bytheslightestdivision！Afterwardsyoudismissthewholeofthem，withtheirwomenandchildren，withoutkeepingasinglehostage！Did，youexpectthattheywouldmurderthemselvestospareyouthepainof，keepingyouroaths？Youhatethembecausetheyarestrong！Youhateme，stillmore，whoamtheirmaster！Oh！Ifeltitjustnowwhenyouwere，kissingmyhandsandwereallputtingaconstraintuponyourselvesnot，tobitethem！”
Ifthelionsthatweresleepinginthecourthadcomehowlingin，the，uproarcouldnothavebeenmorefrightful。ButthepontiffofEschmoun，rose，and，standingperfectlyupright，withhiskneesclosetogether，hiselbowspressedtohisbody，andhishandshalfopen，hesaid：
“Barca，Carthagehasneedthatyoushouldtakethegeneralcommandof，thePunicforcesagainsttheMercenaries！”
“Irefuse，“repliedHamilcar。
“Wewillgiveyoufullauthority，“criedthechiefsoftheSyssitia。
“No！”
“Withnocontrol，nopartition，allthemoneythatyouwant，allthe，captives，allthebooty，fiftyzerethsoflandforeveryenemy’s，corpse。”
“No！no！becauseitisimpossibletoconquerwithyou！”
“Heisafraid！”
“Becauseyouarecowardly，greedy，ungrateful，pusillanimousandmad！”
“Heiscarefulofthem！”
“Inordertoputhimselfattheirhead，“saidsomeone。
“Andreturnagainstus，“saidanother;andfromthebottomofthehall，Hannohowled：
“Hewantstomakehimselfking！”
Thentheyboundedup，overturningtheseatsandthetorches：thecrowd，ofthemrushedtowardsthealtar;theybrandisheddaggers。But，Hamilcardivedintohissleevesanddrewfromthemtwobroad，cutlasses;andhalfstooping，hisleftfootadvanced，hiseyesflaming，andhisteethclenched，hedefiedthemashestoodtherebeneaththe，goldencandelabrum。
Thustheyhadbroughtweaponswiththemasaprecaution;itwasa，crime;theylookedwithterroratoneanother。Asallwereguilty，everyonebecamequicklyreassured;andbydegreestheyturnedtheir，backsontheSuffetandcamedownagainmaddenedwithhumiliation。For，thesecondtimetheyrecoiledbeforehim。Theyremainedstandingfor，sometime。Severalwhohadwoundedtheirfingersputthemtotheir，mouthsorrolledthemgentlyinthehemoftheirmantles，andthey，wereabouttodepartwhenHamilcarheardthesewords：
“Why！itisapieceofdelicacytoavoiddistressinghisdaughter！”
Aloudervoicewasraised：
“Nodoubt，sinceshetakesherloversfromamongtheMercenaries！”
Atfirsthetottered，thenhiseyerapidlysoughtforSchahabarim。But，thepriestofTanithhadaloneremainedinhisplace;andHamilcar，couldseeonlyhisloftycapinthedistance。Allweresneeringinhis，face。Inproportionashisanguishincreasedtheirjoyredoubled，and，thosewhowerebehindshoutedamidthehootings：
“Hewasseencomingoutofherroom！”
“OnemorninginthemonthofTammouz！”
“Itwasthethiefwhostolethezaimph！”
“Averyhandsomeman！”
“Tallerthanyou！”
Hesnatchedoffthetiara，theensignofhisrank——histiarawithits，eightmysticrows，andwithanemeraldshellinthecentre——andwith，bothhandsandwithallhisstrengthdashedittotheground;the，goldencirclesreboundedastheybroke，andthepearlsranguponthe，pavement。Thentheysawalongscaruponthewhitenessofhisbrow;it，movedlikeaserpentbetweenhiseyebrows;allhislimbstrembled。He，ascendedoneofthelateralstaircaseswhichledontothealtar，and，walkeduponthelatter！Thiswastodevotehimselftothegod，to，offerhimselfasaholocaust。Themotionofhismantleagitatedthe，lightsofthecandelabrum，whichwaslowerthanhissandals，andthe，finedustraisedbyhisfootstepssurroundedhimlikeacloudashigh，asthewaist。Hestoppedbetweenthelegsofthebrasscolossus。He，tookuptwohandfulsofthedust，themeresightofwhichmadeevery，Carthaginianshudderwithhorror，andsaid：
“BythehundredtorchesofyourIntelligences！bytheeightfiresof，theKabiri！bythestars，themeteors，andthevolcanoes！by，everythingthatburns！bythethirstofthedesertandthesaltnessof，theocean！bythecaveofHadrumetumandtheempireofSouls！by，extermination！bytheashesofyoursonsandtheashesofthebrothers，ofyourancestorswithwhichInowminglemyown！——you，theHundredof，theCouncilofCarthage，haveliedinyouraccusationofmydaughter！
AndI，HamilcarBarca，marineSuffet，chiefoftherichandrulerof，thepeople，inthepresenceofbull-headedMoloch，Iswear“——they，expectedsomethingfrightful，butheresumedinaloftierandcalmer，tone——“thatIwillnotevenspeaktoheraboutit！”
Thesacredservantsenteredwearingtheirgoldencombs，somewith，purplespongesandotherswithbranchesofpalm。Theyraisedthe，hyacinthcurtainwhichwasstretchedbeforethedoor;andthroughthe，openingofthisangletherewasvisiblebehindtheotherhallsthe，greatpinkskywhichseemedtobeacontinuationofthevaultandto，restatthehorizonuponthebluesea。Thesunwasissuingfromthe，wavesandmountingupwards。Itsuddenlystruckuponthebreastofthe，brazencolossus，whichwasdividedintosevencompartmentsclosedby，gratings。Hisred-toothedjawsopenedinahorribleyawn;hisenormous，nostrilsweredilated，thebroaddaylightanimatedhim，andgavehima，terribleandimpatientaspect，asifhewouldfainhaveleapedwithout，tominglewiththestar，thegod，andtogethertraversethe，immensities。
Thetorches，however，whichwerescatteredontheground，werestill，burning，whilehereandthereonthemother-of-pearlpavementwas，stretchedfromthemwhatlookedlikespotsofblood。TheAncientswere，reelingfromexhaustion;theyfilledtheirlungsinhalingthe，freshnessoftheair;thesweatfloweddowntheirlividfaces;they，hadshoutedsomuchthattheycouldnowscarcelymaketheirvoices，heard。ButtheirwrathagainsttheSuffetwasnotatallabated;they，hurledmenacesathimbywayoffarewells，andHamilcaransweredthem，again。
“Untilthenextnight，Barca，inthetempleofEschmoun！”
“Ishallbethere！”
“Wewillhaveyoucondemnedbytherich！”
“AndIyoubythepeople！”
“Takecarethatyoudonotendonthecross！”
“Andyouthatyouarenottorntopiecesinthestreets！”
Assoonastheywereonthethresholdofthecourttheyagainassumed，acalmdemeanour。
Theirrunnersandcoachmenwerewaitingforthematthedoor。Mostof，themdepartedonwhitemules。TheSuffetleapedintohischariotand，tookthereins;thetwoanimals，curvingtheirnecks，andrhythmically，beatingtheresoundingpebbles，wentupthewholeoftheMappalianWay，atfullgallop，andthesilvervultureattheextremityofthepole，seemedtofly，soquicklydidthechariotpassalong。
Theroadcrossedafieldplantedwithslabsofstone，whichwere，paintedonthetoplikepyramids，andhadopenhandscarvedoutinthe，centreasifallthedeadmenlyingbeneathhadstretchedthemout，towardsheaventodemandsomething。Nexttherecamescatteredcabins，builtofearth，branches，andbulrush-hurdles，andallofaconical，shape。Thesedwellings，whichbecameconstantlydenserastheroad，ascendedtowardstheSuffet’sgardens，wereirregularlyseparatedfrom，oneanotherbylittlepebblewalls，trenchesofspringwater，ropesof，esparto-grass，andnopalhedges。ButHamilcar’seyeswerefastenedon，agreattower，thethreestorysofwhichformedthreemonster，cylinders——thefirstbeingbuiltofstone，thesecondofbrick，and，thethirdallofcedar——supportingacoppercupolaupontwenty-four，pillarsofjuniper，fromwhichslenderinterlacingchainsofbrass，hungdownafterthemannerofgarlands。Thisloftyedificeoverlooked，thebuildings——theemporiumsandmercantilehouses——whichstretchedto，theright，whilethewomen’spalaceroseattheendofthecypress，trees，whichwererangedinlineliketwowallsofbronze。
Whentheechoingchariothadenteredthroughthenarrowgatewayit，stoppedbeneathabroadshedinwhichtherewereshackledhorses，eatingfromheapsofchoppedgrass。
Alltheservantshastenedup。Theyformedquiteamultitude，thosewho，workedonthecountryestateshavingbeenbroughttoCarthagethrough，fearofthesoldiers。Thelabourers，whowerecladinanimals’skins，hadchainsrivetedtotheiranklesandtrailingafterthem;the，workersinthepurplefactorieshadarmsasredasthoseof，executioners;thesailorsworegreencaps;thefishermencoral，necklaces;thehuntsmencarriednetsontheirshoulders;andthe，peoplebelongingtoMegaraworeblackorwhitetunics，leathern，drawers，andcapsofstraw，feltorlinen，accordingtotheirservice，ortheirdifferentoccupations。
Behindpressedatatteredpopulace。Theylivedwithoutemployment，remotefromtheapartments，sleptatnightinthegardens，atethe，refusefromthekitchens，——ahumanmouldinessvegetatingintheshadow，ofthepalace。Hamilcartoleratedthemfromforesightevenmorethan，fromscorn。Theyhadallputaflowerintheearintokenoftheir，joy，andmanyofthemhadneverseenhim。
Butmenwithhead-dressesliketheSphinx’s，andfurnishedwithgreat，sticks，dashedintothecrowd，strikingrightandleft。Thiswasto，drivebacktheslaves，whowerecurioustoseetheirmaster，sothat，hemightnotbeassailedbytheirnumbersorinconveniencedbytheir，smell。
Thentheyallthrewthemselvesflatontheground，crying：
“EyeofBaal，mayyourhouseflourish！”Andthroughthesepeopleas，theylaythusonthegroundintheavenueofcypresstrees，Abdalonim，theStewardofthestewards，wavingawhitemiter，advancedtowards，Hamilcarwithacenserinhishand。
Salammbowasthencomingdownthegalleystaircases。Allherslave，womenfollowedher;and，ateachofhersteps，theyalsodescended。
TheheadsoftheNegressesformedbigblackspotsonthelineofthe，bandsofthegoldenplatesclaspingtheforeheadsoftheRomanwomen。
Othershadsilverarrows，emeraldbutterflies，orlongbodkinsset，likesunsintheirhair。Rings，clasps，necklaces，fringes，and，braceletsshoneamidtheconfusionofwhite，yellow，andblue，garments;arustlingoflightmaterialbecameaudible;thepattering，ofsandalsmightbeheardtogetherwiththedullsoundofnakedfeet，astheyweresetdownonthewood;——andhereandthereatalleunuch，headandshouldersabovethem，smiledwithhisfaceinair。Whenthe，shoutingofthemenhadsubsidedtheyhidtheirfacesintheir，sleeves，andtogetherutteredastrangecrylikethehowlingofashe-
wolf，andsofrenziedandstridentwasitthatitseemedtomakethe，greatebonystaircase，withitsthrongingwomen，vibratefromtopto，bottomlikealyre。
Thewindliftedtheirveils，andtheslenderstemsofthepapyrus，plantrockedgently。ItwasthemonthofSchebazandthedepthof，winter。Thefloweringpomegranatesswelledagainsttheazureofthe，sky，andtheseadisappearedthroughthebrancheswithanislandin，thedistancehalflostinthemist。
HamilcarstoppedonperceivingSalammbo。Shehadcometohimafterthe，deathofseveralmalechildren。Moreover，thebirthofdaughterswas，consideredacalamityinthereligionsoftheSun。Thegodshad，afterwardssenthimason;buthestillfeltsomethingofthebetrayal，ofhishope，andtheshock，asitwere，ofthecursewhichhehad，utteredagainsther。Salammbo，however，continuedtoadvance。
Longbunchesofvarious-colouredpearlsfellfromherearstoher，shoulders，andasfarasherelbows。Herhairwascrispedsoasto，simulateacloud。Roundhernecksheworelittlequadrangularplates，ofgold，representingawomanbetweentworampantlions;andher，costumewasacompletereproductionoftheequipmentofthegoddess。
Herbroad-sleevedhyacinthrobefittedclosetoherfigure，widening，outbelow。Thevermiliononherlipsgaveadditionalwhitenesstoher，teeth，andtheantimonyonhereyelidsgreaterlengthtohereyes。Her，sandals，whichwerecutoutinbird’splumage，hadveryhighheels，andshewasextraordinarilypale，doubtlessonaccountofthecold。
AtlastshecameclosetoHamilcar，andwithoutlookingathim，withoutraisingherheadtohim：
“Greeting，eyeofBaalim，eternalglory！triumph！leisure！
satisfaction！riches！Longhasmyheartbeensadandthehouse，drooping。ButthereturningmasterislikerevivingTammouz;and，beneathyourgaze，Ofather，joyfulnessandanewexistencewill，everywhereprevail！”
AndtakingfromTaanach’shandsalittleoblongvasewhereinsmokeda，mixtureofmeal，butter，cardamom，andwine：“Drinkfreely，“saidshe，“ofthereturningcup，whichyourservanthasprepared！”
Hereplied：“Ablessinguponyou！”andhemechanicallygraspedthe，goldenvasewhichsheheldouttohim。
Hescannedher，however，withsuchharshattention，thatSalammbowas，troubledandstammeredout：
“Theyhavetoldyou，OMaster！”
“Yes！Iknow！”saidHamilcarinalowvoice。
Wasthisaconfession，orwasshespeakingoftheBarbarians？Andhe，addedafewvaguewordsuponthepublicembarrassmentswhichhehoped，byhissoleeffortstoclearaway。
“Ofather！”exclaimedSalammbo，“youwillnotobliteratewhatis，irreparable！”
ThenhedrewbackandSalammbowasastonishedathisamazement;for，shewasnotthinkingofCarthagebutofthesacrilegeinwhichshe，foundherselfimplicated。Thisman，whomadelegionstrembleandwhom，shehardlyknew，terrifiedherlikeagod;hehadguessed，heknew，all，somethingawfulwasabouttohappen。“Pardon！”shecried。
Hamilcarslowlybowedhishead。
Althoughshewishedtoaccuseherselfshedarednotopenherlips;and，yetshefeltstifledwiththeneedofcomplainingandbeingcomforted。
Hamilcarwasstrugglingagainstalongingtobreakhisoath。Hekept，itoutofprideorfromthedreadofputtinganendtohis，uncertainty;andhelookedintoherfacewithallhismightsoasto，layholdonwhatshekeptconcealedatthebottomofherheart。
BydegreesthepantingSalammbo，crushedbysuchheavylooks，lether，headsinkbelowhershoulders。Hewasnowsurethatshehaderredin，theembraceofaBarbarian;heshudderedandraisedbothhisfists。
Sheutteredashriekandfelldownamongherwomen，whocrowdedaround，her。
Hamilcarturnedonhisheel。Allthestewardsfollowedhim。
Thedooroftheemporiumswasopened，andheenteredavastroundhall，formwhichlongpassagesleadingtootherhallsbranchedofflikethe，spokesfromthenaveofawheel。Astonediscstoodinthecentrewith，balustradestosupportthecushionsthatwereheapedupuponcarpets。
TheSuffetwalkedatfirstwithrapidstrides;hebreathednoisily，he，struckthegroundwithhisheel，anddrewhishandacrosshisforehead，likeamanannoyedbyflies。Butheshookhishead，andashe，perceivedtheaccumulationofhisricheshebecamecalm;histhoughts，whichwereattractedbythevistasinthepassages，wanderedtothe，otherhallsthatwerefullofstillrarertreasures。Bronzeplates，silveringots，andironbarsalternatedwithpigsoftinbroughtfrom，theCassiteridesovertheDarkSea;gumsfromthecountryofthe，Blackswererunningovertheirbagsofpalmbark;andgolddustheaped，upinleathernbottleswasinsensiblycreepingoutthroughtheworn-
outseams。Delicatefilamentsdrawnfrommarineplantshungamidflax，fromEgypt，Greece，TaprobaneandJudaea;mandreporesbristledlike，largebushesatthefootofthewalls;andanindefinableodour——the，exhalationfromperfumes，leather，spices，andostrichfeathers，the，lattertiedingreatbunchesattheverytopofthevault——floated，throughtheair。Anarchwasformedabovethedoorbeforeeachpassage，withelephants’teethplaceduprightandmeetingtogetheratthe，points。
Atlastheascendedthestonedisc。Allthestewardsstoodwitharms，foldedandheadsbentwhileAbdalonimrearedhispointedmitrewitha，haughtyair。
HamilcarquestionedtheChiefoftheShips。Hewasanoldpilotwith，eyelidschafedbythewind，andwhitelocksfelltohishipsasif，dashingfoamofthetempestshadremainedonhisbeard。
HerepliedthathehadsentafleetbyGadesandThymiamatatotryto，reachEziongaberbydoublingtheSouthernHornandthepromontoryof，Aromata。
Othershadadvancedcontinuouslytowardsthewestforfourmoons，withoutmeetingwithanyshore;buttheshipsprowsbecameentangled，inweeds，thehorizonechoedcontinuallywiththenoiseofcataracts，blood-colouredmistsdarkenedthesun，aperfume-ladenbreezelulled，thecrewstosleep;andtheirmemoriesweresodisturbedthatthey，werenowunabletotellanything。However，expeditionshadascended，theriversoftheScythians，hadmadetheirwayintoColchis，andinto，thecountriesoftheJugriansandoftheEstians，hadcarriedoff，fifteenhundredmaidensintheArchipelago，andsunkallthestrange，vesselssailingbeyondCapeOestrymon，sothatthesecretofthe，routesshouldnotbeknown。KingPtolemaeuswasdetainingtheincense，fromSchesbar;Syracuse，Elathia，Corsica，andtheislandshad，furnishednothing，andtheoldpilotloweredhisvoicetoannounce，thatatriremewastakenatRusicadabytheNumidians，——“fortheyare，withthem，Master。”
Hamilcarknithisbrows;thenhesignedtotheChiefoftheJourneys，tospeak。Thisfunctionarywasenvelopedinabrown，ungirdledrobe，andhadhisheadcoveredwithalongscarfofwhitestuffwhichpassed，alongtheedgeofhislipsandfelluponhisshoulderbehind。
Thecaravanshadsetoutregularlyatthewinterequinox。Butof，fifteenhundredmendirectingtheircoursetowardstheextreme，boundariesofEthiopiawithexcellentcamels，newleathernbottles，andsuppliesofpaintedcloth，butonehadreappearedatCarthage——the，resthavingdiedoffatigueorbecomemadthroughtheterrorofthe，desert;——andhesaidthatfarbeyondtheBlackHarousch，afterpassing，theAtarantesandthecountryofthegreatapes，hehadseenimmense，kingdoms，whereinthepettiestutensilswereallofgold，ariverof，thecolourofmilkandasbroadasthesea，forestsofbluetrees，hillsofaromatics，monsterswithhumanfacesvegetatingontherocks，witheyeballswhichexpandedlikeflowerstolookatyou;andthen，crystalmountainssupportingthesunbehindlakesallcoveredwith，dragons。OthershadreturnedfromIndiawithpeacocks，pepper，andnew，textures。AstothosewhogobywayoftheSyrtesandthetempleof，Ammontopurchasechalcedony，theyhadnodoubtperishedinthesands。
ThecaravansfromGaetuliaandPhazzanahadfurnishedtheirusual，supplies;buthe，theChiefoftheJourneys，didnotventuretofit，oneoutjustnow。
Hamilcarunderstood;theMercenarieswereinoccupationofthe，country。Heleaneduponhisotherelbowwithahollowgroan;andthe，ChiefofFarmswassoafraidtospeakthathetrembledhorriblyin，spiteofhisthickshouldersandhisbigredeyeballs。Hisface，which，wasassnub-nosedasamastiff’s，wassurmountedbyanetwovenof，threadsofbark。Heworeawaist-beltofhairyleopard’sskin，wherein，gleamedtwoformidablecutlasses。
AssoonasHamilcarturnedawayhebegantocryaloudandinvokeall，theBaals。Itwasnothisfault！hecouldnothelpit！Hehadwatched，thetemperature，thesoil，thestars，hadplantedatthewinter，solsticeandprunedatthewaningofthemoon，hadinspectedthe，slavesandhadbeencarefuloftheirclothes。
ButHamilcargrewangryatthisloquacity。Heclackedhistongue，and，themanwiththecutlasseswentoninrapidtones：
“Ah，Master！theyhavepillagedeverything！sackedeverything！
destroyedeverything！Threethousandtreeshavebeencutdownat，Maschala，andatUbadathegranarieshavebeenlootedandthecisterns，filledup！AtTedestheyhavecarriedofffifteenhundredgomorsof，meal;atMarrazanatheyhavekilledtheshepherds，eatentheflocks，burntyourhouse——yourbeautifulhousewithitscedarbeams，whichyou，usedtovisitinthesummer！TheslavesatTuburbowhowerereaping，barleyfledtothemountains;andtheasses，themulesbothgreatand，small，theoxenfromTaormina，andtheantelopes，——notasingleone，left！allcarriedaway！Itisacurse！Ishallnotsurviveit！”He，wentonagainintears：“Ah！ifyouknewhowfullthecellarswere，andhowtheploughsharesshone！Ah！thefinerams！ah！thefine，bulls！——“
Hamilcar’swrathwaschokinghim。Itburstforth：
“Besilent！AmIapauperthen？Nolies！speakthetruth！Iwishto，knowallthatIhavelosttothelastshekel，tothelastcab！
Abdalonim，bringmetheaccountsoftheships，ofthecaravans，ofthe，farms，ofthehouse！Andifyourconsciencesarenotclear，woebeon，yourheads！Goout！”
Allthestewardswentoutwalkingbackwards，withtheirfiststouching，theground。
Abdalonimwentuptoasetofpigeon-holesinthewall，andfromthe，midstofthemtookoutknottedcords，stripsoflinenorpapyrus，and，sheeps’shoulder-bladesinscribedwithdelicatewriting。Helaidthem，atHamilcar’sfeet，placedinhishandsawoodenframefurnishedon，theinsidewiththreethreadsonwhichballsofgold，silver，andhorn，werestrung，andbegan：
“Onehundredandninety-twohousesintheMappaliandistrictletto，theNewCarthaginiansattherateofonebekahamoon。”
“No！itistoomuch！belenienttowardsthepoorpeople！andyouwill，trytolearnwhethertheyareattachedtotheRepublic，andwritedown，thenamesofthosewhoappeartoyoutobethemostdaring！What，next？”
Abdalonimhesitatedinsurpriseatsuchgenerosity。
Hamilcarsnatchedthestripsoflinenfromhishands。
“Whatisthis？threepalacesaroundKhamonattwelvekesitahsamonth！
Makeittwenty！Idonotwanttobeeatenupbytherich。”
TheStewardofthestewards，afteralongsalutation，resumed：
“LenttoTigillasuntiltheendoftheseasontwokikarsatthreeper，cent。maritimeinterest;toBar-Malkarthfifteenhundredshekelson，thesecurityofthirtyslaves。Buttwelvehavediedinthesalt-
marshes。”
