“Whatareyoudoing？”exclaimedMatho。
“IamgoingbacktoCarthage，“sheplacidlyreplied。
Headvancedfoldinghisarmsandwithsoterriblealookthather，heelswereimmediatelynailed，asitwere，tothespot。
“GoingbacktoCarthage！”Hestammered，and，grindinghisteeth，repeated：
“GoingbacktoCarthage！Ah！youcametotakethezaimph，toconquer，me，andthendisappear！No，no！youbelongtome！andnoonenowshall，tearyoufromhere！Oh！Ihavenotforgottentheinsolenceofyour，largetranquileyes，andhowyoucrushedmewiththehaughtinessof，yourbeauty！’Tismyturnnow！Youaremycaptive，myslave，my，servant！Call，ifyoulike，onyourfatherandhisarmy，theAncients，therich，andyourwholeaccursedpeople！Iamthemasterofthree，hundredthousandsoldiers！IwillgoandseektheminLusitania，in，theGauls，andinthedepthsofthedesert，andIwilloverthrowyour，townandburnallitstemples;thetriremesshallfloatonthewaves，ofblood！Iwillnothaveahouse，astone，orapalmtreeremaining！
AndifmenfailmeIwilldrawthebearsfromthemountainsandurge，onthelions！SeeknottoflyorIkillyou！”
Paleandwithclenchedfistshequiveredlikeaharpwhosestringsare，abouttoburst。Suddenlysobsstifledhim，andhesankdownuponhis，hams。
“Ah！forgiveme！Iamascoundrel，andvilerthanscorpions，thanmire，anddust！Justnowwhileyouwerespeakingyourbreathpassedacross，myface，andIrejoicedlikeadyingmanwhodrinkslyingflatonthe，edgeofastream。Crushme，ifonlyIfeelyourfeet！curseme，if，onlyIhearyourvoice！Donotgo！havepity！Iloveyou！Iloveyou！”
Hewasonhiskneesonthegroundbeforeher;andheencircledher，formwithbothhisarms，hisheadthrownback，andhishands，wandering;thegolddiscshangingfromhisearsgleameduponhis，bronzedneck;bigtearsrolledinhiseyeslikesilverglobes;he，sighedcaressingly，andmurmuredvaguewordslighterthanabreezeand，sweetasakiss。
Salammbowasinvadedbyaweaknessinwhichshelostallconsciousness，ofherself。Somethingatonceinwardandlofty，acommandfromthe，gods，obligedhertoyieldherself;cloudsupliftedher，andshefell，backswooninguponthebedamidthelion’shair。Thezaimphfell，and，envelopedher;shecouldseeMatho’sfacebendingdownaboveher，breast。
“Moloch，thouburnestme！”andthesoldier’skisses，moredevouring，thanflames，coveredher;shewasasthoughsweptawayinahurricane，takeninthemightofthesun。
Hekissedallherfingers，herarms，herfeet，andthelongtressesof，herhairfromoneendtotheother。
“Carryitoff，“hesaid，“whatdoIcare？takemeawaywithit！I
abandonthearmy！Irenounceeverything！BeyondGades，twentydays’
journeyintothesea，youcometoanislandcoveredwithgolddust，verdure，andbirds。Onthemountainslargeflowersfilledwithsmoking，perfumesrocklikeeternalcensers;inthecitrontrees，whichare，higherthancedars，milk-colouredserpentscausethefruittofall，upontheturfwiththediamondsintheirjaws;theairissomildthat，itkeepsyoufromdying。Oh！Ishallfindit，youwillsee。Weshall，liveincrystalgrottoescutoutatthefootofthehills。Noone，dwellsinityet，orIshallbecomethekingofthecountry。”
Hebrushedthedustoffhercothurni;hewantedhertoputaquarter，ofapomegranatebetweenherlips;heheapedupgarmentsbehindher，headtomakeacushionforher。Hesoughtformeanstoserveher，and，tohumblehimself，andheevenspreadthezaimphoverherfeetasif，itwereamererug。
“Haveyoustill，“hesaid，“thoselittlegazelle’shornsonwhichyour，necklaceshang？Youwillgivethemtome！Ilovethem！”Forhespoke，asifthewarwerefinished，andjoyfullaughsbrokefromhim。The，Mercenaries，Hamilcar，everyobstaclehadnowdisappeared。Themoon，wasglidingbetweentwoclouds。Theycouldseeitthroughanopening，inthetent。“Ah，whatnightshaveIspentgazingather！sheseemed，tomelikeaveilthathidyourface;youwouldlookatmethrough，her;thememoryofyouwasmingledwithherbeams;thenIcouldno，longerdistinguishyou！”Andwithhisheadbetweenherbreastshewept，copiously。
“Andthis，“shethought，“istheformidablemanwhomakesCarthage，tremble！”
Hefellasleep。Thendisengagingherselffromhisarmsheputonefoot，totheground，andsheperceivedthatherchainletwasbroken。
Themaidensofthegreatfamilieswereaccustomedtorespectthese，shacklesassomethingthatwasalmostreligious，andSalammbo，blushing，rolledthetwopiecesofthegoldenchainaroundherankles。
Carthage，Megara，herhouse，herroom，andthecountrythatshehad，passedthrough，whirledintumultuousyetdistinctimagesthroughher，memory。Butanabysshadyawnedandthrownthemfarbacktoan，infinitedistancefromher。
Thestormwasdeparting;dropsofwatersplashingrarely，onebyone，madethetent-roofshake。
Mathosleptlikeadrunkenman，stretchedonhisside，andwithone，armovertheedgeofthecouch。Hisbandofpearlswasraised，somewhat，anduncoveredhisbrow;histeethwerepartedinasmile;
theyshonethroughhisblackbeard，andtherewasasilentandalmost，outrageousgaietyinhishalf-closedeyelids。
Salammbolookedathimmotionless，herheadbentandherhands，crossed。
Adaggerwasdisplayedonthetableofcypress-woodattheheadofthe，bed;thesightofthegleamingbladefiredherwithasanguinary，desire。Mournfulvoiceslingeredatadistanceintheshade，andlike，achorusofgeniusesurgedheron。Sheapproachedit;sheseizedthe，steelbythehandle。AttherustlingofherdressMathohalfopened，hiseyes，puttingforthhismouthuponherhands，andthedaggerfell。
Shoutsarose;aterriblelightflashedbehindthecanvas。Mathoraised，thelatter;theyperceivedthecampoftheLibyansenvelopedingreat，flames。
Theirreedhutswereburning，andthetwistingstemsburstinthe，smokeandflewofflikearrows;blackshadowsranaboutdistractedly，ontheredhorizon。Theycouldheartheshrieksofthosewhowerein，thehuts;theelephants，oxen，andhorsesplungedinthemidstofthe，crowdcrushingittogetherwiththestoresandbaggagethatwerebeing，rescuedfromthefire。Trumpetssounded。Therewerecallsof“Matho！
Matho！”Somepeopleatthedoortriedtogetin。
“Comealong！HamilcarisburningthecampofAutaritus！”
Hemadeaspring。Shefoundherselfquitealone。
Thensheexaminedthezaimph;andwhenshehadvieweditwellshewas，surprisedthatshehadnotthehappinesswhichshehadonceimagined，toherself。Shestoodwithmelancholybeforeheraccomplisheddream。
Butthelowerpartofthetentwasraised，andamonstrousform，appeared。Salammbocouldatfirstdistinguishonlythetwoeyesanda，longwhitebeardwhichhungdowntotheground;fortherestofthe，body，whichwascumberedwiththeragsofatawnygarment，trailed，alongtheearth;andwitheveryforwardmovementthehandspassedinto，thebeardandthenfellagain。Crawlinginthiswayitreachedher，feet，andSalammborecognisedtheagedGisco。
Infact，theMercenarieshadbrokenthelegsofthecaptiveAncients，withabrassbartopreventthemfromtakingtoflight;andtheywere，allrottingpell-mellinapitinthemidstoffilth。Butthe，sturdiestofthemraisedthemselvesandshoutedwhentheyheardthe，noiseofplatters，anditwasinthiswaythatGiscohadseen，Salammbo。HehadguessedthatshewasaCarthaginianwomanbythe，littleballsofsandastrumflappingagainsthercothurni;andhavinga，presentimentofanimportantmysteryhehadsucceeded，withthe，assistanceofhiscompanions，ingettingoutofthepit;thenwith，elbowsandhandshehaddraggedhimselftwentypacesfurtheronasfar，asMatho’stent。Twovoiceswerespeakingwithinit。Hehadlistened，outsideandhadheardeverything。
“Itisyou！”shesaidatlast，almostterrified。
“Yes，itisI！”hereplied，raisinghimselfonhiswrists。“Theythink，medead，dotheynot？”
Shebentherhead。Heresumed：
“Ah！whyhavetheBaalsnotgrantedmethismercy！”Heapproachedso，closehewastouchingher。“Theywouldhavesparedmethepainof，cursingyou！”
Salammbosprangquicklyback，somuchafraidwassheofthisunclean，being，whowasashideousasalarvaandnearlyasterribleasa，phantom。
“Iamnearlyonehundredyearsold，“hesaid。“IhaveseenAgathocles;
IhaveseenRegulusandtheeaglesoftheRomanspassingoverthe，harvestsofthePunicfields！Ihaveseenalltheterrorsofbattles，andtheseaencumberedwiththewrecksofourfleets！Barbarianswhom，Iusedtocommandhavechainedmyfourlimbslikeaslavethathas，committedmurder。Mycompanionsaredyingaroundme，oneafterthe，other;theodouroftheircorpsesawakesmeinthenight;Idriveaway，thebirdsthatcometopeckouttheireyes;andyetnotforasingle，dayhaveIdespairedofCarthage！ThoughIhadseenallthearmiesof，theearthagainsther，andtheflamesofthesiegeovertoptheheight，ofthetemples，Ishouldhavestillbelievedinhereternity！Butnow，allisover！allislost！Thegodsexecrateher！Acurseuponyouwho，havequickenedherruinbyyourdisgrace！”
Sheopenedherlips。
“Ah！Iwasthere！”hecried。“Iheardyougurglingwithlovelikea，prostitute;thenhetoldyouofhisdesire，andyouallowedhimto，kissyourhands！Butifthefrenzyofyourunchastityurgedyoutoit，youshouldatleasthavedoneasdothefallowdeer，whichhide，themselvesintheircopulations，andnothavedisplayedyourshame，beneathyourfather’sveryeyes！”
“What？”shesaid。
“Ah！youdidnotknowthatthetwoentrenchmentsaresixtycubitsfrom，eachotherandthatyourMatho，intheexcessofhispride，hasposted，himselfjustinfrontofHamilcar。Yourfatheristherebehindyou;
andcouldIclimbthepathwhichleadstotheplatform，Ishouldcry，tohim：’ComeandseeyourdaughterintheBarbarian’sarms！Shehas，putonthegarmentofthegoddesstopleasehim;andinyieldingher，bodytohimshesurrenderswiththegloryofyournamethemajestyof，thegods，thevengeanceofhercountry，eventhesafetyofCarthage！’“
Themotionofhistoothlessmouthmovedhisbeardthroughoutits，length;hiseyeswereriveteduponheranddevouredher;pantingin，thedustherepeated：
“Ah！sacrilegiousone！Mayyoubeaccursed！accursed！accursed！”
Salammbohaddrawnbackthecanvas;shehelditraisedatarm’s，length，andwithoutansweringhimshelookedinthedirectionof，Hamilcar。
“Itisthisway，isitnot？”shesaid。
“Whatmattersittoyou？Turnaway！Begone！Rathercrushyourface，againsttheearth！Itisaholyspotwhichwouldbepollutedbyyour，gaze！”
Shethrewthezaimphaboutherwaist，andquicklypickedupherveils，mantle，andscarf。“Ihastenthither！”shecried;andmakingher，escapeSalammbodisappeared。
Atfirstshewalkedthroughthedarknesswithoutmeetinganyone，for，allwerebetakingthemselvestothefire;theuproarwasincreasing，andgreatflamespurpledtheskybehind;alongterracestoppedher。
Sheturnedroundtorightandleftatrandom，seekingforaladder，a，rope，astone，somethinginshorttoassisther。Shewasafraidof，Gisco，anditseemedtoherthatshoutsandfootstepswerepursuing，her。Daywasbeginningtobreak。Sheperceivedapathinthethickness，oftheentrenchment。Shetookthehemofherrobe，whichimpededher，inherteeth，andinthreeboundsshewasontheplatform。
Asonorousshoutburstforthbeneathherintheshade，thesamewhich，shehadheardatthefootofthegalleystaircase，andleaningover，sherecognisedSchahabarim’smanwithhiscoupledhorses。
Hehadwanderedallnightbetweenthetwoentrenchments;then，disquietedbythefire，hehadgonebackagaintryingtoseewhatwas，passinginMatho’scamp;and，knowingthatthisspotwasnearestto，histent，hehadnotstirredfromit，inobediencetothepriest’s，command。
Hestoodupononeofthehorses。Salammboletherselfslidedownto，him;andtheyfledatfullgallop，circlingthePuniccampinsearch，ofagate。
Mathohadre-enteredhistent。Thesmokylampgavebutlittlelight，andhealsobelievedthatSalammbowasasleep。Thenhedelicately，touchedthelion’sskinonthepalm-treebed。Hecalledbutshedid，notanswer;hequicklytoreawayastripofthecanvastoletinsome，light;thezaimphwasgone。
Theearthtrembledbeneaththrongingfeet。Shouts，neighings，and，clashingofarmourroseintheair，andclarionflourishessoundedthe，charge。Itwasasthoughahurricanewerewhirlingaroundhim。
Immoderatefrenzymadehimleapuponhisarms，andhedashedoutside。
ThelongfilesoftheBarbariansweredescendingthemountainata，run，andthePunicsquareswereadvancingagainstthemwithaheavy，andregularoscillation。Themist，rentbytheraysofthesun，formed，littlerockingcloudswhichastheyrosegraduallydiscovered，standards，helmets，andpointsofpikes。Beneaththerapidevolutions，portionsoftheearthwhichwerestillintheshadowseemedtobe，displacedbodily;inotherplacesitlookedasifhugetorrentswere，crossingoneanother，whilethornymassesstoodmotionlessbetween，them。Mathocoulddistinguishthecaptains，soldiers，heralds，and，eventheserving-men，whoweremountedonassesintherear。But，insteadofmaintaininghispositioninordertocoverthefoot-
soldiers，Narr’Havasturnedabruptlytotheright，asthoughhe，wishedhimselftobecrushedbyHamilcar。
Hishorsemenoutstrippedtheelephants，whichwereslackeningtheir，speed;andallthehorses，stretchingouttheirunbridledheads，gallopedatsofuriousaratethattheirbelliesseemedtograzethe，earth。ThensuddenlyNarr’Havaswentresolutelyuptoasentry。He，threwawayhissword，lance，andjavelins，anddisappearedamongthe，Carthaginians。
ThekingoftheNumidiansreachedHamilcar’stent，andpointingtohis，men，whowerestandingstillatadistance，hesaid：
“Barca！Ibringthemtoyou。Theyareyours。”
Thenheprostratedhimselfintokenofbondage，andtoprovehis，fidelityrecalledallhisconductfromthebeginningofthewar。
First，hehadpreventedthesiegeofCarthageandthemassacreofthe，captives;thenhehadtakennoadvantageofthevictoryoverHanno，afterthedefeatatUtica。AstotheTyriantowns，theywereonthe，frontiersofhiskingdom。Finallyhehadnottakenpartinthebattle，oftheMacaras;andhehadevenexpresslyabsentedhimselfinorderto，evadetheobligationoffightingagainsttheSuffet。
Narr’Havashadinfactwishedtoaggrandisehimselfbyencroachments，uponthePunicprovinces，andhadalternatelyassistedandforsaken，theMercenariesaccordingtothechancesofvictory。Butseeingthat，Hamilcarwouldultimatelyprovethestronger，hehadgoneovertohim;
andinhisdesertiontherewasperhapssomethingofagrudgeagainst，Matho，whetheronaccountofthecommandorofhisformerlove。
TheSuffetlistenedwithoutinterruptinghim。Themanwhothus，presentedhimselfwithanarmywherevengeancewashisduewasnotan，auxiliarytobedespised;Hamilcaratoncedivinedtheutilityofsuch，anallianceinhisgreatprojects。WiththeNumidianshewouldgetrid，oftheLibyans。ThenhewoulddrawofftheWesttotheconquestof，Iberia;and，withoutaskingNarr’Havaswhyhehadnotcomesooner，or，noticinganyofhislies，hekissedhim，strikinghisbreastthrice，againsthisown。
Itwastobringmatterstoanendandindespairthathehadfiredthe，campoftheLibyans。Thisarmycametohimlikearelieffromthe，gods;dissemblinghisjoyhereplied：
“MaytheBaalsfavouryou！IdonotknowwhattheRepublicwilldofor，you，butHamilcarisnotungrateful。”
Thetumultincreased;somecaptainsentered。Hewasarminghimselfas，hespoke。
“Come，return！Youwilluseyourhorsementobeatdowntheirinfantry，betweenyourelephantsandmine。Courage！exterminatethem！”
AndNarr’HavaswasrushingawaywhenSalammboappeared。
Sheleapeddownquicklyfromherhorse。Sheopenedheramplecloakand，spreadingoutherarmsdisplayedthezaimph。
Theleatherntent，whichwasraisedatthecorners，leftvisiblethe，entirecircuitofthemountainwithitsthrongingsoldiers，andasit，wasinthecentreSalammbocouldbeseenonallsides。Animmense，shoutingburstforth，alongcryoftriumphandhope。Thosewhowere，marchingstopped;thedyingleanedontheirelbowsandturnedroundto，blessher。AlltheBarbariansknewnowthatshehadrecoveredthe，zaimph;theysawherorbelievedthattheysawherfromadistance;
andothercries，butthoseofrageandvengeance，resoundedinspite，oftheplauditsoftheCarthaginians。Thusdidthefivearmiesin，tiersuponthemountainstampandshriekaroundSalammbo。
Hamilcar，whowasunabletospeak，noddedherhisthanks。Hiseyes，weredirectedalternatelyuponthezaimphanduponher，andhenoticed，thatherchainletwasbroken。Thenheshivered，beingseizedwitha，terriblesuspicion。Butsoonrecoveringhisimpassibilityhelooked，sidewaysatNarr’Havaswithoutturninghisface。
ThekingoftheNumidiansheldhimselfapartinadiscreetattitude;
onhisforeheadheborealittleofthedustwhichhehadtouchedwhen，prostratinghimself。AtlasttheSuffetadvancedtowardshimwitha，lookfullofgravity。
“Asarewardfortheserviceswhichyouhaverenderedme，Narr’Havas，Igiveyoumydaughter。Bemyson，“headded，“anddefendyour，father！”
Narr’Havasgaveagreatgestureofsurprise;thenhethrewhimself，uponHamilcar’shandsandcoveredthemwithkisses。
Salammbo，calmasastatue，didnotseemtounderstand。Sheblusheda，littleasshecastdownhereyelids，andherlongcurvedlashesmade，shadowsuponhercheeks。
Hamilcarwishedtounitethemimmediatelyinindissolublebetrothal。A
lancewasplacedinSalammbo’shandsandbyherofferedtoNarr’
Havas;theirthumbsweretiedtogetherwithathongofox-leather;
thencornwaspouredupontheirheads，andthegrainsthatfellaround，themranglikereboundinghail。
CHAPTERXII
THEAQUEDUCT
TwelvehoursafterwardsallthatremainedoftheMercenarieswasa，heapofwounded，dead，anddying。
Hamilcarhadsuddenlyemergedfromthebottomofthegorge，andagain，descendedthewesternslopethatlookedtowardsHippo-Zarytus，andthe，spacebeingbroaderatthisspothehadtakencaretodrawthe，Barbariansintoit。Narr’Havashadencompassedthemwithhishorse;
theSuffetmeanwhiledrovethembackandcrushedthem。Then，too，they，wereconqueredbeforehandbythelossofthezaimph;eventhosewho，carednothingaboutithadexperiencedanguishandsomethingakinto，enfeeblement。Hamilcar，notindulginghispridebyholdingthefield，ofbattle，hadretiredalittlefurtheroffonthelefttosome，heights，fromwhichhecommandedthem。
Theshapeofthecampscouldberecognisedbytheirslopingpalisades。
AlongheapofblackcinderswassmokingonthesideoftheLibyans;
thedevastatedsoilshowedundulationslikethesea，andthetents，withtheirtatteredcanvaslookedlikedimshipshalflostinthe，breakers。Cuirasses，forks，clarions，piecesofwood，ironandbrass，corn，straw，andgarmentswerescatteredaboutamongthecorpses;here，andthereaphalaricaonthepointofextinctionburnedagainstaheap，ofbaggage;insomeplacestheearthwashiddenwithshields;horses’
carcassessucceededoneanotherlikeaseriesofhillocks;legs，sandals，arms，andcoatsofmailweretobeseen，withheadsheldin，theirhelmetsbythechin-piecesandrollingaboutlikeballs;heads，ofhairwerehangingonthethorns;elephantswerelyingwiththeir，towersinpoolsofblood，withentrailsexposed，andgasping。Thefoot，trodonslimythings，andtherewereswampsofmudalthoughnorain，hadfallen。
Thisconfusionofdeadbodiescoveredthewholemountainfromtopto，bottom。
Thosewhosurvivedstirredaslittleasthedead。Squattinginunequal，groupstheylookedatoneanotherscaredandwithoutspeaking。
ThelakeofHippo-Zarytusshoneattheendofalongmeadowbeneath，thesettingsun。Totherightanagglomerationofwhitehouses，extendedbeyondagirdleofwalls;thentheseaspreadout，indefinitely;andtheBarbarians，withtheirchinsintheirhands，sighedastheythoughtoftheirnativelands。Acloudofgreydustwas，falling。
Theeveningwindblew;theneverybreastdilated，andasthefreshness，increased，theverminmightbeseentoforsakethedead，whowere，coldernow，andtorunoverthehotsand。Crows，lookingtowardsthe，dying，restedmotionlessonthetopsofthebigstones。
Whennighthadfallenyellow-haireddogs，thoseuncleanbeastswhich，followedthearmies，camequitesoftlyintothemidstofthe，Barbarians。Atfirsttheylickedtheclotsofbloodonthestilltepid，stumps;andsoontheybegantodevourthecorpses，bitingintothe，stomachsfirstofall。
Thefugitivesreappearedonebyonelikeshadows;thewomenalso，venturedtoreturn，fortherewerestillsomeofthemleft，especially，amongtheLibyans，inspiteofthedreadfulmassacreofthembythe，Numidians。
Sometookropes’endsandlightedthemtouseastorches。Othersheld，crossedpikes。Thecorpseswereplacedupontheseandwereconveyed，apart。
Theywerefoundlyingstretchedinlonglines，ontheirbacks，with，theirmouthsopen，andtheirlancesbesidethem;orelsetheywere，pileduppell-mellsothatitwasoftennecessarytodigoutawhole，heapinordertodiscoverthosetheywerewanting。Thenthetorch，wouldbepassedslowlyovertheirfaces。Theyhadreceivedcomplicated，woundsfromhideousweapons。Greenishstripshungfromtheir，foreheads;theywerecutinpieces，crushedtothemarrow，bluefrom，strangulation，orbroadlycleftbytheelephants’ivory。Althoughthey，haddiedatalmostthesametimethereexisteddifferencesbetween，theirvariousstatesofcorruption。ThemenoftheNorthwerepuffed，upwithlividswellings，whilethemorenervousAfricanslookedas，thoughtheyhadbeensmoked，andwerealreadydryingup。The，Mercenariesmightberecognisedbythetattooingontheirhands：the，oldsoldiersofAntiochusdisplayedasparrow-hawk;thosewhohad，servedinEgypt，theheadofthecynosephalus;thosewhohadserved，withtheprincesofAsia，ahatchet，apomegranate，orahammer;those，whohadservedintheGreekrepublics，theside-viewofacitadelor，thenameofanarchon;andsomeweretobeseenwhosearmswere，entirelycoveredwiththesemultipliedsymbols，whichmingledwith，theirscarsandtheirrecentwounds。
FourgreatfuneralpileswereerectedforthemenofLatinrace，the，Samnites，Etruscans，Campanians，andBruttians。
TheGreeksdugpitswiththepointsoftheirswords。TheSpartans，removedtheirredcloaksandwrappedthemroundthedead;the，Athenianslaidthemoutwiththeirfacestowardstherisingsun;the，Cantabriansburiedthembeneathaheapofpebbles;theNasamonians，bentthemdoublewithox-leatherthongs，andtheGaramantianswentand，interredthemontheshoresothattheymightbeperpetuallywashedby，thewaves。ButtheLatinsweregrievedthattheycouldnotcollectthe，ashesinurns;theNomadsregrettedtheheatofthesandsinwhich，bodiesweremummified，andtheCelts，thethreerudestonesbeneatha，rainyskyattheendofanislet-coveredgulf。
Vociferationsarose，followedbythelengthenedsilence。Thiswasto，obligethesoulstoreturn。Thentheshoutingwasresumedpersistently，atregularintervals。
Theymadeexcusestothedeadfortheirinabilitytohonourthemas，theritesprescribed：for，owingtothisdeprivation，theywouldpass，forinfiniteperiodsthroughallkindsofchancesandmetamorphoses;
theyquestionedthemandaskedthemwhattheydesired;othersloaded，themwithabuseforhavingallowedthemselvestobeconquered。
Thebloodlessfaceslyingbackhereandthereonwrecksofarmour，showedpaleinthelightofthegreatfuneral-pile;tearsprovoked，tears，thesobsbecameshriller，therecognitionsandembracingsmore，frantic。Womenstretchedthemselvesonthecorpses，mouthtomouthand，browtobrow;itwasnecessarytobeattheminordertomakethem，withdrawwhentheearthwasbeingthrownin。Theyblackenedtheir，cheeks;theycutofftheirhair;theydrewtheirownbloodandpoured，itintothepits;theygashedthemselvesinimitationofthewounds，thatdisfiguredthedead。Roaringsburstforththroughthecrashings，ofthecymbals。Somesnatchedofftheiramuletsandspatuponthem。
Thedyingrolledinthebloodymirebitingtheirmutilatedfistsin，theirrage;andforty-threeSamnites，quitea“sacredspring，“cutone，another’sthroatslikegladiators。Soonwoodforthefuneral-piles，failed，theflameswereextinguished，everyspotwasoccupied;and，wearyfromshouting，weakened，tottering，theyfellasleepcloseto，theirdeadbrethren，thosewhostillclungtolifefullofanxieties，andtheothersdesiringnevertowakeagain。
Inthegreynessofthedawnsomesoldiersappearedontheoutskirtsof，theBarbarians，andfiledpastwiththeirhelmetsraisedonthepoints，oftheirpikes;theysalutedtheMercenariesandaskedthemwhether，theyhadnomessagestosendtotheirnativelands。
Othersapproached，andtheBarbariansrecognisedsomeoftheirformer，companions。
TheSuffethadproposedtoallthecaptivesthattheyshouldservein，histroops。Severalhadfearlesslyrefused;andquiteresolvedneither，tosupportthemnortoabandonthemtotheGreatCouncil，hehadsent，themawaywithinjunctionstofightnomoreagainstCarthage。Asto，thosewhohadbeenrendereddocilebythefearoftortures，theyhad，beenfurnishedwiththeweaponstakenfromtheenemy;andtheywere，nowpresentingthemselvestothevanquished，notsomuchinorderto，seducethemasoutofanimpulseofprideandcuriosity。
Atfirsttheytoldofthegoodtreatmentwhichtheyhadreceivedfrom，theSuffet;theBarbarianslistenedtothemwithjealousyalthough，theydespisedthem。Thenatthefirstwordsofreproachthecowards，fellintoapassion;theyshowedthemfromadistancetheirownswords，andcuirassesandinvitedthemwithabusetocomeandtakethem。The，Barbarianspickedupflints;alltooktoflght;andnothingmorecould，beseenonthesummitofthemountainexceptthelance-points，projectingabovetheedgeofthepalisades。
ThentheBarbarianswereoverwhelmedwithagriefthatwasheavier，thanthehumiliationofthedefeat。Theythoughtoftheemptinessof，theircourage，andtheystoodwiththeireyesfixedandgrindingtheir，teeth。
Thesamethoughtcametothemall。Theyrushedtumultuouslyuponthe，Carthaginianprisoners。ItchancedthattheSuffet’ssoldiershadbeen，unabletodiscoverthem，andashehadwithdrawnfromthefieldof，battletheywerestillinthedeeppit。
Theywererangedonthegroundonaflattenedspot。Sentriesformeda，circleroundthem，andthewomenwereallowedtoenterthirtyorforty，atatime。Wishingtoprofitbytheshorttimethatwasallowedto，them，theyranfromonetotheother，uncertainandpanting;then，bendingoverthepoorbodiestheystruckthemwithalltheirmight，likewasherwomenbeatinglinen;shriekingtheirhusband’snamesthey，torethemwiththeirnailsandputouttheireyeswiththebodkinsof，theirhair。Themencamenextandtorturedthemfromtheirfeet，which，theycutoffattheankles，totheirforeheads，fromwhichtheytook，crownsofskintoputupontheirownheads。TheEatersofUncleanness，wereatrociousintheirdevices。Theyenvenomedthewoundsbypouring，intothemdust，vinegar，andfragmentsofpottery;otherswaited，behind;bloodflowed，andtheyrejoicedlikevintagersroundfuming，vats。
Matho，however，wasseatedontheground，attheveryplacewherehe，hadhappenedtobewhenthebattleended，hiselbowsonhisknees，and，histemplesinhishands;hesawnothing，heardnothing，andhad，ceasedtothink。
Attheshrieksofjoyutteredbythecrowdheraisedhishead。Before，himastripofcanvascaughtonaflagpole，andtrailingonthe，ground，shelteredinconfusedfashionblankets，carpets，andalion’s，skin。Herecognisedhistent;andherivetedhiseyesupontheground，asthoughHamilcar’sdaughter，whenshedisappeared，hadsunkintothe，earth。
Thetorncanvasflappedinthewind;thelongragsofitsometimes，passedacrosshismouth，andheperceivedaredmarkliketheprintof，ahand。ItwasthehandofNarr’Havas，thetokenoftheiralliance。
ThenMathorose。Hetookafirebrandwhichwasstillsmoking，and，threwitdisdainfullyuponthewrecksofhistent。Thenwiththetoe，ofhiscothurnhepushedthethingswhichfelloutbacktowardsthe，flamesothatnothingmightbeleft。
Suddenly，withoutanyonebeingabletoguessfromwhatpointhehad，sprungup，Spendiusreappeared。
Theformerslavehadfastenedtwofragmentsofalanceagainsthis，thigh;helimpedwithapiteouslook，breathingforthcomplaintsthe，while。
“Removethat，“saidMathotohim。“Iknowthatyouareabrave，fellow！”Forhewassocrushedbytheinjusticeofthegodsthathe，hadnotstrengthenoughtobeindignantwithmen。
Spendiusbeckonedtohimandledhimtoahollowofthemountain，whereZarxasandAutarituswerelyingconcealed。
Theyhadfledliketheslave，theonealthoughhewascruel，andthe，otherinspiteofhisbravery。Butwho，saidthey，couldhaveexpected，thetreacheryofNarr’Havas，theburningofthecampoftheLibyans，thelossofthezaimph，thesuddenattackbyHamilcar，and，aboveall，hismanoeuvreswhichforcedthemtoreturntothebottomofthe，mountainbeneaththeinstantblowsoftheCarthaginians？Spendiusmade，noacknowledgementofhisterror，andpersistedinmaintainingthat，hislegwasbroken。
Atlastthethreechiefsandtheschalischimaskedoneanotherwhat，decisionshouldnowbeadopted。
HamilcarclosedtheroadtoCarthageagainstthem;theywerecaught，betweenhissoldiersandtheprovincesbelongingtoNarr’Havas;the，Tyriantownswouldjointheconquerors;theBarbarianswouldfind，themselvesdriventotheedgeofthesea，andallthoseunitedforces，wouldcrushthem。Thiswouldinfalliblyhappen。
Thusnomeanspresentedthemselvesofavoidingthewar。Accordingly，theymustprosecuteittothebitterend。Buthowweretheytomake，thenecessityofaninterminablebattleunderstoodbyallthese，disheartenedpeople，whowerestillbleedingfromtheirwounds。
“Iwillundertakethat！”saidSpendius。
TwohoursafterwardsamanwhocamefromthedirectionofHippo-
Zarytusclimbedthemountainatarun。Hewavedsometabletsatarm’s，length，andasheshoutedveryloudlytheBarbarianssurroundedhim。
ThetabletshadbeendespatchedbytheGreeksoldiersinSardinia。
TheyrecommendedtheirAfricancomradestowatchoverGiscoandthe，othercaptives。ASamiantrader，oneHipponax，comingfromCarthage，hadinformedthemthataplotwasbeingorganisedtopromotetheir，escape，andtheBarbarianswereurgedtotakeeveryprecaution;the，Republicwaspowerful。
Spendius’sstratagemdidnotsucceedatfirstashehadhoped。This，assuranceofthenewperil，sofarfromexcitingfrenzy，raisedfears;
andrememberingHamilcar’swarning，latelythrownintotheirmidst，theyexpectedsomethingunlookedforandterrible。Thenightwasspent，ingreatdistress;severalevengotridoftheirweapons，soasto，softentheSuffetwhenhepresentedhimself。
Butonthefollowingday，atthethirdwatch，asecondrunner，appeared，stillmorebreathless，andblackenedwithdust。TheGreek，snatchedfromhishandarollofpapyruscoveredwithPhoenician，writing。TheMercenarieswereentreatednottobedisheartened;the，bravemenofTuniswerecomingwithlargereinforcements。
Spendiusfirstreadtheletterthreetimesinsuccession;andheldup，bytwoCappadocians，whoborehimseatedontheirshoulders，hehad，himselfconveyedfromplacetoplaceandre-readit。Forsevenhours，heharangued。
HeremindedtheMercenariesofthepromisesoftheGreatCouncil;the，Africansofthecrueltiesofthestewards，andalltheBarbariansof，theinjusticeofCarthage。TheSuffet’smildnesswasonlyabaitto，capturethem;thosewhosurrenderedwouldbesoldasslaves，andthe，vanquishedwouldperishundertorture。Astoflight，whatroutescould，theyfollow？Notanationwouldreceivethem。Whereasbycontinuing，theireffortstheywouldobtainatoncefreedom，vengeance，andmoney！
Andtheywouldnothavelongtowait，sincethepeopleofTunis，the，wholeofLibya，wasrushingtorelievethem。Heshowedtheunrolled，papyrus：“Lookatit！read！seetheirpromises！Idonotlie。”
Dogswerestrayingaboutwiththeirblackmuzzlesallplasteredwith，red。Themen’suncoveredheadsweregrowinghotintheburningsun。A
nauseoussmellexhaledfromthebadlyburiedcorpses。Someeven，projectedfromtheearthasfarasthewaist。Spendiuscalledthemto，witnesswhathewassaying;thenheraisedhisfistsinthedirection，ofHamilcar。
Matho，moreover，waswatchinghim，andtocoverhiscowardicehe，displayedanangerbywhichhegraduallyfoundhimselfcarriedaway。
DevotinghimselftothegodsheheapedcursesupontheCarthaginians。
Thetortureofthecaptiveswaschild’splay。Whysparethem，andbe，everdraggingthisuselesscattleafterone？“No！wemustputanend，toit！theirdesignsareknown！asingleonemightruinus！nopity！
Thosewhoareworthywillbeknownbythespeedoftheirlegsandthe，forceoftheirblows。”
Thentheyturnedagainuponthecaptives。Severalwerestillinthe，lastthroes;theywerefinishedbythethrustofaheelinthemouth，orastabwiththepointofajavelin。
ThentheythoughtofGisco。Nowherecouldhebeseen;theywere，disturbedwithanxiety。Theywishedatoncetoconvincethemselvesof，hisdeathandtoparticipateinit。AtlastthreeSamniteshepherds，discoveredhimatadistanceoffifteenpacesfromthespotwhere，Matho’stentlatelystood。Theyrecognisedhimbyhislongbeardand，theycalledtherest。
Stretchedonhisback，hisarmsagainsthiships，andhiskneesclose，together，helookedlikeadeadmanlaidoutforthetomb。
Neverthelesshiswastedsidesroseandfell，andhiseyes，wide-opened，inhispallidface，gazedinacontinuousandintolerablefashion。
TheBarbarianslookedathimatfirstwithgreatastonishment。Since，hehadbeenlivinginthepithehadbeenalmostforgotten;rendered，uneasybyoldmemoriestheystoodatadistanceanddidnotventureto，raisetheirhandsagainsthim。
Butthosewhowerebehindweremurmuringandpressedforwardwhena，Garamantianpassedthroughthecrowd;hewasbrandishingasickle;all，understoodhisthought;theirfacespurpled，andsmittenwithshame，theyshrieked：
“Yes！yes！”
ThemanwiththecurvedsteelapproachedGisco。Hetookhishead，and，restingituponhisknee，saweditoffwithrapidstrokes;itfell;to，greatjetsofbloodmadeaholeinthedust。Zarxasleapeduponit，andlighterthanaleopardrantowardstheCarthaginians。
ThenwhenhehadcoveredtwothirdsofthemountainhedrewGisco’s，headfromhisbreastbythebeard，whirledhisarmrapidlyseveral，times，——andthemass，whenthrownatlast，describedalongparabola，anddisappearedbehindthePunicentrenchments。
Soonattheedgeofthepalisadesthererosetwocrossedstandards，thecustomarysignforclaimingacorpse。
Thenfourheralds，chosenfortheirwidthofchest，wentoutwith，greatclarions，andspeakingthroughthebrasstubesdeclaredthat，henceforththerewouldbebetweenCarthaginiansandBarbariansneither，faith，pity，norgods，thattheyrefusedalloverturesbeforehand，and，thatenvoyswouldbesentbackwiththeirhandscutoff。
Immediatelyafterwards，SpendiuswassenttoHippo-Zarytustoprocure，provisions;theTyriancitysentthemsomethesameevening。Theyate，greedily。Thenwhentheywerestrengthenedtheyspeedilycollectedthe，remainsoftheirbaggageandtheirbrokenarms;thewomenmassed，themselvesinthecentre，andheedlessofthewoundedleftweeping，behindthem，theysetoutalongtheedgeoftheshorelikeaherdof，wolvestakingitsdeparture。
TheyweremarchinguponHippo-Zarytus，resolvedtotakeit，forthey，hadneedofatown。
Hamilcar，asheperceivedthematadistance，hadafeelingofdespair，inspiteofthepridewhichheexperiencedinseeingthemflybefore，him。Heoughttohaveattackedthemimmediatelywithfreshtroops。
Anothersimilardayandthewarwasover！Ifmatterswereprotracted，theywouldreturnwithgreaterstrength;theTyriantownswouldjoin，them;hisclemencytowardsthevanquishedhadbeenofnoavail。He，resolvedtobepitiless。
ThesameeveninghesenttheGreatCounciladromedaryladenwith，braceletscollectedfromthedead，andwithhorriblethreatsordered，anotherarmytobedespatched。
Allhadforalongtimebelievedhimlost;sothatonlearninghis，victorytheyfeltastupefactionwhichwasalmostterror。Thevaguely，announcedreturnofthezaimphcompletedthewonder。Thusthegodsand，themightofCarthageseemednowtobelongtohim。
Noneofhisenemiesventureduponcomplaintorrecrimination。Owingto，theenthusiasmofsomeandthepusillanimityoftherest，anarmyof，fivethousandmenwasreadybeforetheintervalprescribedhad，elapsed。
ThisarmypromptlymadeitswaytoUticainordertosupportthe，Suffet’srear，whilethreethousandofthemostnotablecitizens，embarkedinvesselswhichweretolandthematHippo-Zarytus，whence，theyweretodrivebacktheBarbarians。
Hannohadacceptedthecommand;butheintrustedthearmytohis，lieutenant，Magdassin，soastoleadthetroopswhichweretobe，disembarkedhimself，forhecouldnolongerenduretheshakingofthe，litter。Hisdiseasehadeatenawayhislipsandnostrils，andhad，hollowedoutalargeholeinhisface;thebackofhisthroatcouldbe，seenatadistanceoftenpaces，andheknewhimselftobesohideous，thatheworeaveiloverhisheadlikeawoman。
Hippo-Zarytuspaidnoattentiontohissummoningsnoryettothoseof，theBarbarians;buteverymorningtheinhabitantsloweredprovisions，tothelatterinbaskets，andshoutingfromthetopsofthetowers，pleadedtheexigenciesoftheRepublicandconjuredthemtowithdraw。
Bymeansofsignstheyaddressedthesameprotestationstothe，Carthaginians，whowerestationedonthesea。
Hannocontentedhimselfwithblockadingtheharbourwithoutriskingan，attack。However，hepermittedthejudgesofHippo-Zarytustoadmit，threehundredsoldiers。ThenhedepartedtotheCapeGrapes，andmade，alongcircuitsoastohemintheBarbarians，aninopportuneandeven，dangerousoperation。Hisjealousypreventedhimfromrelievingthe，Suffet;hearrestedhisspies，impededhiminallhisplans，and，compromisedthesuccessoftheenterprise。AtlastHamilcarwroteto，theGreatCounciltoridhimselfofHanno，andthelatterreturnedto，CarthagefuriousatthebasenessoftheAncientsandthemadnessof，hiscolleague。Hence，aftersomanyhopes，thesituationwasnowstill，moredeplorable;buttherewasaneffortnottoreflectuponitand，evennottotalkaboutit。
Asifallthiswerenotsufficientmisfortuneatonetime，newscame，thattheSardinianMercenarieshadcrucifiedtheirgeneral，seizedthe，strongholds，andeverywhereslaughteredthoseofChanaanitishrace。
TheRomanpeoplethreatenedtheRepublicwithimmediatehostilities，unlessshegavetwelvehundredtalentswiththewholeoftheislandof，Sardinia。TheyhadacceptedtheallianceoftheBarbarians，andthey，despatchedtothemflat-bottomedboatsladenwithmealanddriedmeat。
TheCarthaginianspursuedthese，andcapturedfivehundredmen;but，threedaysafterwardsafleetcomingfromByzacena，andconveying，provisionstoCarthage，founderedinastorm。Thegodswereevidently，declaringagainsther。
UponthisthecitizensofHippo-Zarytus，underpretenceofanalarm，madeHanno’sthreehundredmenascendtheirwalls;thencomingbehind，themtheytookthembythelegs，andsuddenlythrewthemoverthe，ramparts。Somewhowerenotkilledwerepursued，andwentanddrowned，themselvesinthesea。
Uticawasenduringthepresenceofsoldiers，forMagdassinhadacted，likeHanno，andinaccordancewithhisordersanddeaftoHamilcar’s，prayers，wassurroundingthetown。Asforthese，theyweregivenwine，mixedwithmandrake，andwerethenslaughteredintheirsleep。Atthe，sametimetheBarbariansarrived;Magdassinfled;thegateswere，opened，andthenceforwardthetwoTyriantownsdisplayedanobstinate，devotiontotheirnewfriendsandaninconceivablehatredtotheir，formerallies。
ThisabandonmentofthePuniccausewasacounselandaprecedent。
Hopesofdeliverancerevived。Populationshithertouncertainhesitated，nolonger。Everywheretherewasastir。TheSuffetlearntthis，andhe，hadnoassistancetolookfor！Hewasnowirrevocablylost。
HeimmediatelydismissedNarr’Havas，whowastoguardthebordersof，hiskingdom。Asforhimself，heresolvedtore-enterCarthageinorder，toobtainsoldiersandbeginthewaragain。
TheBarbarianspostedatHippo-Zarytusperceivedhisarmyasit，descendedthemountain。
WherecouldtheCarthaginiansbegoing？Hunger，nodoubt，wasurging，themon;and，distractedbytheirsufferings，theywerecomingin，spiteoftheirweaknesstogivebattle。Buttheyturnedtotheright：
theywerefleeing。Theymightbeovertakenandallbecrushed。The，Barbariansdashedinpursuitofthem。
TheCarthaginianswerecheckedbytheriver。Itwaswidethistimeand，thewestwindhadnotbeenblowing。Somecrossedbyswimming，andthe，restontheirshields。Theyresumedtheirmarch。Nightfell。Theywere，outofsight。
TheBarbariansdidnotstop;theywenthighertofindanarrower，place。ThepeopleofTunishastenedthither，bringingthoseofUtica，alongwiththem。Theirnumbersincreasedateverybush;andthe，Carthaginians，astheylayontheground，couldhearthetrampingof，theirfeetinthedarkness。FromtimetotimeBarcahadavolleyof，arrowsdischargedbehindhimtocheckthem，andseveralwerekilled。
WhendaybroketheywereintheArianaMountains，atthespotwhere，theroadmakesabend。
ThenMatho，whowasmarchingatthehead，thoughtthathecould，distinguishsomethinggreenonthehorizononthesummitofan，eminence。Thenthegroundsank，andobelisks，domes，andhouses，appeared！ItwasCarthage。Heleanedagainstatreetokeephimself，fromfalling，sorapidlydidhisheartbeat。
Hethoughtofallthathadcometopassinhisexistencesincethe，lasttimethathehadpassedthatway！Itwasaninfinitesurprise，it，stunnedhim。Thenhewastransportedwithjoyatthethoughtofseeing，Salammboagain。Thereasonswhichhehadforexecratingherreturned，tohisrecollection，butheveryquicklyrejectedthem。Quiveringand，withstrainingeyeballshegazedattheloftyterraceofapalace，abovethepalmtreesbeyondEschmoun;asmileofecstasylightedhis，faceasifsomegreatlighthadreachedhim;heopenedhisarms，and，sentkissesonthebreeze，andmurmured：“Come！come！”Asighswelled，hisbreast，andtwolongtearslikepearlsfelluponhisbeard。
“Whatstaysyou？”criedSpendius。“Makehaste！Forward！TheSuffetis，goingtoescapeus！Butyourkneesaretottering，andyouarelooking，atmelikeadrunkenman！”
HestampedwithimpatienceandurgedMatho，hiseyestwinklingasat，theapproachofanobjectlongaimedat。
“Ah！wehavereachedit！Wearethere！Ihavethem！”
HehadsoconvincedandtriumphantanairthatMathowassurprised，fromhistorpor，andfelthimselfcarriedawaybyit。Thesewords，comingwhenhisdistresswasatitsheight，drovehisdespairto，vengeance，andpointedtofoodforhiswrath。Heboundedupononeof，thecamelsthatwereamongthebaggage，snatchedupitshalter，and，withthelongrope，struckthestragglerswithallhismight，running，rightandleftalternately，intherearofthearmy，likeadog，drivingaflock。
Atthisthunderingvoicethelinesofmenclosedup;eventhelame，hurriedtheirsteps;theinterveningspacelessenedinthemiddleof，theisthmus。TheforemostoftheBarbariansweremarchinginthedust，raisedbytheCarthaginians。Thetwoarmieswerecomingclose，and，wereonthepointoftouching。ButtheMalquagate，theTagastegate，andthegreatgateofKhamonthrewwidetheirleaves。ThePunicsquare，divided;threecolumnswereswallowedup，andeddiedbeneaththe，porches。Soonthemass，beingtootightlypacked，couldadvanceno，further;pikesclashedintheair，andthearrowsoftheBarbarians，wereshiveringagainstthewalls。
HamilcarwastobeseenonthethresholdofKhamon。Heturnedround，andshoutedtohismentomoveaside。Hedismountedfromhishorse;
andprickingitonthecroupwiththeswordwhichheheld，sentit，againsttheBarbarians。
Itwasablackstallion，whichwasfedonballsofmeal，andwould，benditskneestoallowitsmastertomount。Whywashesendingit，away？Wasthisasacrifice？
Thenoblehorsegallopedintothemidstofthelances，knockeddown，men，and，entanglingitsfeetinitsentrails，felldown，thenrose，againwithfuriousleaps;andwhiletheyweremovingaside，tryingto，stopit，orlookingatitinsurprise，theCarthaginianshadunited，again;theyentered，andtheenormousgateshutechoingbehindthem。
Itwouldnotyield。TheBarbarianscamecrushingagainstit;——andfor，someminutestherewasanoscillationthroughoutthearmy，which，becameweakerandweaker，andatlastceased。
TheCarthaginianshadplacedsoldiersontheaqueduct，theybeganto，hurlstones，balls，andbeams。Spendiusrepresentedthatitwouldbe，bestnottopersist。TheBarbarianswentandpostedthemselvesfurther，off，allbeingquiteresolvedtolaysiegetoCarthage。
Therumourofthewar，however，hadpassedbeyondtheconfinesofthe，Punicempire;andfromthepillarsofHerculestobeyondCyrene，shepherdsmusedonitastheykepttheirflocks，andcaravanstalked，aboutitinthelightofthestars。ThisgreatCarthage，mistressof，theseas，splendidasthesun，andterribleasagod，actuallyfound，menwhoweredaringenoughtoattackher！Herfallevenhadbeen，assertedseveraltimes;andallhadbelieveditforallwishedit：the，subjectpopulations，thetributaryvillages，thealliedprovinces，the，independenthordes，thosewhoexecratedherforhertyrannyorwere，jealousofherpower，orcovetedherwealth。Thebravesthadvery，speedilyjoinedtheMercenaries。ThedefeatattheMacarashadchecked，alltherest。Atlasttheyhadrecoveredconfidence，hadgradually，advancedandapproached;andnowthemenoftheeasternregionswere，lyingonthesandhillsofClypeaontheothersideofthegulf。As，soonastheyperceivedtheBarbarianstheyshowedthemselves。
TheywerenotLibyansfromtheneighbourhoodofCarthage，whohadlong，composedthethirdarmy，butnomadsfromthetablelandofBarca，banditsfromCapePhiscusandthepromontoryofDernah，fromPhazzana，andMarmarica。Theyhadcrossedthedesert，drinkingatthebrackish，wellswalledinwithcamels’bones;theZuaeces，withtheircovering，ofostrichfeathers，hadcomeonquadrigae;theGaramantians，masked，withblackveils，rodebehindontheirpaintedmares;otherswere，mountedonasses，onagers，zebras，andbuffaloes;whilesomedragged，afterthemtheroofsoftheirsloop-shapedhutstogetherwiththeir，familiesandidols。TherewereAmmonianswithlimbswrinkledbythe，hotwaterofthesprings;Atarantians，whocursethesun;Troglodytes，whoburytheirdeadwithlaughterbeneathbranchesoftrees;andthe，hideousAuseans，whoeatgrass-hoppers;theAchyrmachidae，whoeat，lice;andthevermilion-paintedGysantians，whoeatapes。
Allwererangedalongtheedgeoftheseainagreatstraightline。
Afterwardstheyadvancedliketornadoesofsandraisedbythewind。In，thecentreoftheisthmusthethrongstopped，theMercenarieswhowere，postedinfrontofthem，closetothewalls，beingunwillingtomove。
ThenfromthedirectionofArianaappearedthemenoftheWest，the，peopleoftheNumidians。Infact，Narr’Havasgovernedonlythe，Massylians;and，moreover，astheywerepermittedbycustomtoabandon，theirkingwhenreversesweresustained，theyhadassembledonthe，Zainus，andthenhadcrosseditatHamilcar’sfirstmovement。First，wereseenrunningupallthehuntersfromMalethut-BaalandGaraphos，cladinlions’skins，andwiththestavesoftheirpikesdrivingsmall，leanhorseswithlongmanes;thenmarchedtheGaetuliansincuirasses，ofserpents’skin;thenthePharusians，wearingloftycrownsmadeof，waxandresin;andtheCaunians，Macarians，andTillabarians，each，holdingtwojavelinsandaroundshieldofhippopotamusleather。They，stoppedatthefootoftheCatacombsamongthefirstpoolsofthe，Lagoon。
ButwhentheLibyanshadmovedaway，themultitudeoftheNegroes，appearedlikeacloudonalevelwiththeground，intheplacewhich，theothershadoccupied。TheyweretherefromtheWhiteHarousch，the，BlackHarousch，thedesertofAugila，andevenfromthegreatcountry，ofAgazymba，whichisfourmonths’journeysouthoftheGaramantians，andfromregionsfurtherstill！Inspiteoftheirredwoodenjewels，thefilthoftheirblackskinmadethemlooklikemulberriesthathad，beenlongrollinginthedust。Theyhadbark-threaddrawers，dried-
grasstunics，fallow-deermuzzlesontheirheads;theyshookrods，furnishedwithrings，andbrandishedcows’tailsattheendofsticks，afterthefashionofstandards，howlingthewhilelikewolves。
ThenbehindtheNumidians，Marusians，andGaetulianspressedthe，yellowishmen，whoarespreadthroughthecedarforestsbeyondTaggir。
Theyhadcat-skinquiversflappingagainsttheirshoulders，andthey，ledinleashesenormousdogs，whichwereashighasasses，anddidnot，bark。
Finally，asthoughAfricahadnotbeensufficientlyemptied，andit，hadbeennecessarytoseekfurtherfuryintheverydregsofthe，races，menmightbeseenbehindtherest，withbeast-likeprofilesand，grinningwithidioticlaughter——wretchesravagedbyhideousdiseases，deformedpigmies，mulattoesofdoubtfulsex，albinoswhoseredeyes，blinkedinthesun;stammeringoutunintelligiblesounds，theyputa，fingerintotheirmouthstoshowthattheywerehungry。
Theconfusionofweaponswasasgreatasthatofgarmentsandpeoples。
Therewasnotadeadlyinventionthatwasnotpresent——fromwooden，daggers，stonehatchetsandivorytridents，tolongsabrestoothed，likesaws，slender，andformedofayieldingcopperblade。They，handledcutlasseswhichwereforkedintoseveralbrancheslike，antelopes’horns，billsfastenedtotheendsofropes，irontriangles，clubsandbodkins。TheEthiopiansfromtheBambotushadlittle，poisoneddartshiddenintheirhair。Manyhadbroughtpebblesinbags。
Others，emptyhanded，chatteredwiththeirteeth。
Thismultitudewasstirredwithaceaselessswell。Dromedaries，smearedalloverwithtar-likestreaks，knockeddownthewomen，who，carriedtheirchildrenontheirhips。Theprovisionsinthebaskets，werepouringout;inwalking，piecesofsalt，parcelsofgum，rotten，dates，andgourounutswerecrushedunderfoot;andsometimeson，vermin-coveredbosomstherewouldhangaslendercordsupportinga，diamondthattheSatrapshadsought，analmostfabulousstone，sufficienttopurchaseanempire。Mostofthemdidnotevenknowwhat，theydesired。Theywereimpelledbyfascinationorcuriosity;and，nomadswhohadneverseenatownwerefrightenedbytheshadowsofthe，walls。
Theisthmuswasnowhiddenbymen;andthislongsurface，whereonthe，tentswerelikehutsamidaninundation，stretchedasfarasthefirst，linesoftheotherBarbarians，whichwerestreamingwithsteeland，werepostedsymmetricallyuponbothsidesoftheaqueduct。
TheCarthaginianshadnotrecoveredfromtheterrorcausedbytheir，arrivalwhentheyperceivedthesiege-enginessentbytheTyriantowns，comingstraighttowardsthemlikemonstersandlikebuildings——with，theirmasts，arms，ropes，articulations，capitalsandcarapaces，sixty，carroballistas，eightyonagers，thirtyscorpions，fiftytollenos，twelverams，andthreegiganticcatapultswhichhurledpiecesofrock，oftheweightoffifteentalents。Massesofmenclingingtotheir，basespushedthemon;ateverystepaquiveringshookthem，andin，thiswaytheyarrivedinfrontofthewalls。
Butseveraldayswerestillneededtofinishthepreparationsforthe，siege。TheMercenaries，taughtbytheirdefeats，wouldnotrisk，themselvesinuselessengagements;andonbothsidestherewasno，haste，foritwaswellknownthataterribleactionwasabouttoopen，andthattheresultofitwouldbecompletevictoryorcomplete，extermination。
Carthagemightholdoutforalongtime;herbroadwallspresenteda，seriesofre-entrantandprojectingangles，anadvantageous，arrangementforrepellingassaults。
Neverthelessaportionhadfallendowninthedirectionofthe，Catacombs，andondarknightslightscouldbeseeninthedensof，Malquathroughthedisjointedblocks。Theseinsomeplacesoverlooked，thetopoftheramparts。ItwasherethattheMercenaries’wives，who，hadbeendrivenawaybyMatho，werelivingwiththeirnewhusbands。On，seeingthemenagaintheirheartscouldstanditnolonger。Theywaved，theirscarfsatadistance;thentheycameandchattedinthedarkness，withthesoldiersthroughthecleftinthewall，andonemorningthe，GreatCouncillearnedthattheyhadallfled。Somehadpassedthrough，betweenthestones;otherswithgreaterintrepidityhadletthemselves，downwithropes。
AtlastSpendiusresolvedtoaccomplishhisdesign。
Thewar，bykeepinghimatadistance，hadhithertopreventedhim;and，sincethereturntobeforeCarthage，itseemedtohimthatthe，inhabitantssuspectedhisenterprise。Butsoontheydiminishedthe，sentriesontheaqueduct。Therewerenottoomanypeopleforthe，defenceofthewalls。
Theformerslavepractisedhimselfforsomedaysinshootingarrowsat，theflamingoesonthelake。ThenonemoonlighteveninghebeggedMatho，tolightagreatfireofstrawinthemiddleofthenight，whileall，hismenweretoshoutatthesametime;andtakingZarxaswithhim，he，wentawayalongtheedgeofthegulfinthedirectionofTunis。
Whenonalevelwiththelastarchestheyreturnedstraighttowards，theaqueduct;theplacewasunprotected：theycrawledtothebaseof，thepillars。
Thesentriesontheplatformwerewalkingquietlyupanddown。
Toweringflamesappeared;clarionsrang;andthesoldiersonvedette，believingthattherewasanassault，rushedawayinthedirectionof，Carthage。
Onemanhadremained。Heshowedblackagainstthebackgroundofthe，sky。Themoonwasshiningbehindhim，andhisshadow，whichwasof，extravagantsize，lookedinthedistancelikeanobeliskproceeding，acrosstheplain。
Theywaiteduntilhewasinpositionjustbeforethem。Zarxasseized，hissling，butwhetherfromprudenceorfromferocitySpendiusstopped，him。“No，thewhizofthebulletwouldmakeanoise！Letme！”
Thenhebenthisbowwithallhisstrength，restingthelowerendof，itagainstthegreattoeofhisleftfoot;hetookaim，andthearrow，wentoff。
Themandidnotfall。Hedisappeared。
“Ifhewerewoundedweshouldhearhim！”saidSpendius;andhemounted，quicklyfromstorytostoryashehaddonethefirsttime，withthe，assistanceofaropeandaharpoon。Thenwhenhehadreachedthetop，andwasbesidethecorpse，heletitfallagain。TheBalearian，fastenedapickandamallettoitandturnedback。
Thetrumpetssoundednolonger。Allwasnowquiet。Spendiushadraised，oneoftheflag-stonesand，enteringthewater，hadcloseditbehind，him。
Calculatingthedistancebythenumberofhissteps，hearrivedatthe，exactspotwherehehadnoticedanobliquefissure;andforthree，hoursuntilmorningheworkedincontinuousandfuriousfashion，breathingwithdifficultythroughtheintersticesintheupperflag-
tones，assailedwithanguish，andtwentytimesbelievingthathewas，goingtodie。Atlastacrackwasheard，andahugestonericocheting，onthelowerarchesrolledtotheground，——andsuddenlyacataract，an，entireriver，fellfromtheskiesontotheplain。Theaqueduct，being，cutthroughinthecentre，wasemptyingitself。Itwasdeathto，CarthageandvictoryfortheBarbarians。
InaninstanttheawakenedCarthaginiansappearedonthewalls，the，houses，andthetemples。TheBarbarianspressedforwardwithshouts。
Theydancedindeliriumaroundthegreatwaterfall，andcameupand，wettheirheadsinitintheextravaganceoftheirjoy。
Amaninatorn，browntunicwasperceivedonthesummitofthe，aqueduct。Hestoodleaningovertheveryedgewithbothhandsonhis，hips，andwaslookingdownbelowhimasthoughastonishedathiswork。
Thenhedrewhimselfup。Hesurveyedthehorizonwithahaughtyair，whichseemedtosay：“Allthatisnowmine！”Theapplauseofthe，Barbariansburstforth，whiletheCarthaginians，comprehendingtheir，disasteratlast，shriekedwithdespair。Thenhebegantorunabout，theplatformfromoneendtotheother，——andlikeachariot-driver，triumphantattheOlympicGames，Spendius，distraughtwithpride，raisedhisarmsaloft。
CHAPTERXIII
MOLOCH
TheBarbarianshadnoneedofacircumvallationonthesideofAfrica，foritwastheirs。Buttofacilitatetheapproachtothewalls，the，entrenchmentsborderingtheditchwerethrowndown。Mathonextdivided，thearmyintogreatsemicirclessoastoencompassCarthagethe，better。ThehoplitesoftheMercenarieswereplacedinthefirstrank，andbehindthemtheslingersandhorsemen;quiteatthebackwerethe，baggage，chariots，andhorses;andtheenginesbristledinfrontof，thisthrongatadistanceofthreehundredpacesfromthetowers。
Amidtheinfinitevarietyoftheirnomenclature(whichchangedseveral，timesinthecourseofthecenturies)thesemachinesmightbereduced，totwosystems：someactedlikeslings，andtherestlikebows。
Thefirst，whichwerethecatapults，wascomposedofasquareframe，withtwoverticaluprightsandahorizontalbar。Initsanterior，portionwasacylinder，furnishedwithcables，whichheldbackagreat，beambearingaspoonforthereceptionofprojectiles;itsbasewas，caughtinaskeinoftwistedthread，andwhentheropeswereletgoit，sprangupandstruckagainstthebar，which，checkingitwithashock，multiplieditspower。
Thesecondpresentedamorecomplicatedmechanism。Across-barhadits，centrefixedonalittlepillar，andfromthispointofjunctionthere，branchedoffatrightanglesashortofchannel;twocapscontaining，twistsofhorse-hairstoodattheextremitiesofthecross-bar;two，smallbeamswerefastenedtothemtoholdtheextremitiesofarope，whichwasbroughttothebottomofthechanneluponatabletof，bronze。Thismetalplatewasreleasedbyaspring，andslidingin，groovesimpelledthearrows。
Thecatapultswerelikewisecalledonagers，afterthewildasseswhich，flingupstoneswiththeirfeet，andtheballistasscorpions，on，accountofahookwhichstooduponthetablet，andbeingloweredbya，blowofthefist，releasedthespring。
Theirconstructionrequiredlearnedcalculations;thewoodselected，hadtobeofthehardestsubstance，andtheirgearingallofbrass;
theywerestretchedwithlevers，tackle-blocks，capstansortympanums;
thedirectionoftheshootingwaschangedbymeansofstrongpivots;
theyweremovedforwardoncylinders，andthemostconsiderableof，them，whichwerebroughtpiecebypiece，weresetupinfrontofthe，enemy。
Spendiusarrangedthreegreatcatapultsoppositethethreeprinciple，angles;heplacedarambeforeeverygate，aballistabeforeevery，tower，whilecarroballistasweretomoveaboutintherear。Butitwas，necessarytoprotectthemagainstthefirethrownbythebesieged，and，firstofalltofillupthetrenchwhichseparatedthemfromthe，walls。
Theypushedforwardgalleriesformedofhurdlesofgreenreeds，and，oakensemicircleslikeenormousshieldsglidingonthreewheels;the，workerswereshelteredinlittlehutscoveredwithrawhidesand，stuffedwithwrack;thecatapultsandballistaswereprotectedbyrope，curtainswhichhadbeensteepedinvinegartorenderthem，incombustible。Thewomenandchildrenwenttoprocurestonesonthe，strand，andgatheredearthwiththeirhandsandbroughtittothe，soldiers。
TheCarthaginiansalsomadepreparations。
Hamilcarhadspeedilyreassuredthembydeclaringthattherewas，enoughwaterleftinthecisternsforonehundredandtwenty-three，days。Thisassertion，togetherwithhispresence，andaboveallthat，ofthezaimphamongthem，gavethemgoodhopes。Carthagerecovered，fromitsdejection;thosewhowerenotofChanaanitishoriginwere，carriedawaybythepassionoftherest。
Theslaveswerearmed，thearsenalswereemptied，andeverycitizen，hadhisownpostandhisownemployment。Twelvehundredofthe，fugitiveshadsurvived，andtheSuffetmadethemallcaptains;and，carpenters，armourers，blacksmiths，andgoldsmithswereintrustedwith，theengines。TheCarthaginianshadkeptafewinspiteofthe，conditionsofthepeacewithRome。Thesewererepaired。They，understoodsuchwork。
Thetwonorthernandeasternsides，beingprotectedbytheseaandthe，gulf，remainedinaccessible。OnthewallfrontingtheBarbariansthey，collectedtree-trunks，mill-stones，vasesfilledwithsulphur，and，vatsfilledwithoil，andbuiltfurnaces。Stoneswereheapeduponthe，platformsofthetowers，andthehousesborderingimmediatelyonthe，rampartwerecrammedwithsandinordertostrengthenitandincrease，itsthickness。
TheBarbariansgrewangryatthesightofthesepreparations。They，wishedtofightatonce。Theweightswhichtheyputintothecatapults，weresoextravagantlyheavythatthebeamsbroke，andtheattackwas，delayed。
AtlastonthethirteenthdayofthemonthofSchabar，——atsunrise，——a，greatblowwasheardatthegateofKhamon。
Seventy-fivesoldierswerepullingatropesarrangedatthebaseofa，giganticbeamwhichwassuspendedhorizontallybychainshangingfrom，aframework，andwhichterminatedinaram’sheadofpurebrass。It，hadbeenswathedinox-hides;itwasboundatintervalswithiron，bracelets;itwasthriceasthickasaman’sbody，onehundredand，twentycubitslong，andunderthecrowdofnakedarmspushingit，forwardanddrawingitback，itmovedtoandfrowitharegular，oscillation。
Theotherramsbeforetheothergatesbegantobeinmotion。Menmight，beseenmountingfromsteptostepinthehollowwheelsofthe，tympanums。Thepulleysandcapsgrated，theropecurtainswere，lowered，andshowersofstonesandshowersofarrowspouredforth，simultaneously;allthescatteredslingersranup。Someapproachedthe，ramparthidingpotsofresinundertheirshields;thentheywouldhurl，thesewithalltheirmight。Thishailofbullets，darts，andflames，passedabovethefirstranksintheformofacurvewhichfellbehind，thewalls。Butlongcranes，usedformastingvessels，wererearedon，thesummitoftheramparts;andfromthemtheredescendedsomeof，thoseenormouspincerswhichterminatedintwosemicirclestoothedon，theinside。Theybittherams。Thesoldiersclungtothebeamanddrew，itback。TheCarthaginianshauledinordertopullitup;andthe，actionwasprolongeduntiltheevening。
WhentheMercenariesresumedtheirtaskonthefollowingday，thetops，ofthewallswerecompletelycarpetedwithbalesofcotton，sails，and，cushions;thebattlementswerestoppedupwithmats;andalineof，forksandblades，fixeduponsticks，mightbedistinguishedamongthe，cranesontherampart。Afuriousresistanceimmediatelybegan。
Trunksoftreesfastenedtocablesfellandrosealternatelyand，batteredtherams;crampshurledbytheballistastoreawaytheroofs，ofthehuts;andstreamsofflintsandpebblespouredfromthe，platformsofthetowers。
AtlasttheramsbrokethegatesofKhamonandTagaste。Butthe，Carthaginianshadpiledupsuchanabundanceofmaterialsonthe，insidethattheleavesdidnotopen。Theyremainedstanding。
Thentheydroveaugersagainstthewalls;thesewereappliedtothe，jointsoftheblocks，soastodetachthelatter。Theengineswere，bettermanaged，themenservingthemweredividedintosquads，and，theywereworkedfrommorningtilleveningwithoutinterruptionand，withthemonotonousprecisionofaweaver’sloom。
Spendiusreturnedtothemuntiringly。Itwashewhostretchedthe，skeinsoftheballistas。Inorderthatthetwintensionsmight，completelycorrespond，theropesastheyweretightenedwerestruckon，therightandleftalternatelyuntilbothsidesgaveoutanequal，sound。Spendiuswouldmountuponthetimbers。Hewouldstrikethe，ropessoftlywiththeextremityofhisfoot，andstrainhisearslike，amusiciantuningalyre。Thenwhenthebeamofthecatapultrose，whenthepillaroftheballistatrembledwiththeshockofthespring，whenthestoneswereshootinginrays，andthedartspouringin，streams，hewouldinclinehiswholebodyandflinghisarmsintothe，airasthoughtofollowthem。
Thesoldiersadmiredhisskillandexecutedhiscommands。Inthe，gaietyoftheirworktheygaveutterancetojestsonthenamesofthe，machines。Thustheplyersforseizingtheramswerecalled“wolves，“
andthegallerieswerecoveredwith“vines“;theywerelambs，orthey，weregoingtogatherthegrapes;andastheyloadedtheirpiecesthey，wouldsaytotheonagers：“Come，pickwell！”andtothescorpions：
“Piercethemtotheheart！”Thesejokes，whichwereeverthesame，keptuptheircourage。
Neverthelessthemachinesdidnotdemolishtherampart。Itwasformed，oftwowallsandwascompletelyfilledwithearth。Theupperportions，werebeatendown，buteachtimethebesiegedraisedthemagain。Matho，orderedtheconstructionofwoodentowerswhichshouldbeashighas，thetowersofstone。Theycastturf，stakes，pebblesandchariotswith，theirwheelsintothetrenchsoastofillitupthemorequickly;but，beforethiswasaccomplishedtheimmensethrongoftheBarbarians，undulatedovertheplainwithasinglemovementandcamebeating，againstthefootofthewallslikeanoverflowingsea。
Theymovedforwardtheropeladders，straightladders，andsambucas，thelatterconsistingoftwopolesfromwhichaseriesofbamboos，terminatinginamoveablebridgewereloweredbymeansoftackling。
