Butalmostallofthemlettheirhandsfallonfeelingthecoldflesh，ontheedgeoftheirlips;others，onthecontrary，devoureditwith，delight。
Thattheymightbeledawaybyexample，theyurgedoneanotheron，mutually。SuchashadatfirstrefusedwenttoseetheGaramantians，andreturnednomore。Theycookedthepiecesoncoalsatthepointof，thesword;theysaltedthemwithdust，andcontendedforthebest，morsels。Whennothingwasleftofthethreecorpses，theireyesranged，overthewholeplaintofindothers。
ButweretheynotinpossessionofCarthaginians——twentycaptives，takeninthelastencounter，whomnoonehadnoticeduptothe，present？Thesedisappeared;moreover，itwasanactofvengeance。
Then，astheymustlive，asthetasteforthisfoodhadbecome，developed，andastheyweredying，theycutthethroatsofthewater-
carriers，grooms，andalltheserving-menbelongingtothe，Mercenaries。Theykilledsomeofthemeveryday。Someatemuch，recoveredstrength，andweresadnomore。
Soonthisresourcefailed。Thenthelongingwasdirectedtothe，woundedandsick。Sincetheycouldnotrecover，itwasaswellto，releasethemfromtheirtortures;and，assoonasamanbeganto，stagger，allexclaimedthathewasnowlost，andoughttobemadeuse，offortherest。Artificeswereemployedtoacceleratetheirdeath;
thelastremnantoftheirfoulportionwasstolenfromthem;theywere，troddenonasthoughbyinadvertence;thoseinthelastthroeswishing，tomakebelievethattheywerestrong，strovetostretchouttheir，arms，torise，tolaugh。Menwhohadswoonedcametothemselvesatthe，touchofanotchedbladesawingoffalimb;——andtheystillslew，ferociouslyandneedlessly，tosatetheirfury。
Amistheavyandwarm，suchascomesinthoseregionsattheendof，winter，sankonthefourteenthdayuponthearmy。Thischangeof，temperaturebroughtnumerousdeathswithit，andcorruptionwas，developedwithfrightfulrapidityinthewarmdampnesswhichwaskept，inbythesidesofthemountain。Thedrizzlethatfelluponthe，corpsessoftenedthem，andsoonmadetheplainonebroadtractof，rottenness。Whitishvapoursfloatedoverhead;theyprickedthe，nostrils，penetratedtheskin，andtroubledthesight;andthe，Barbariansthoughtthatthroughtheexhalationsofthebreaththey，couldseethesoulsoftheircompanions。Theywereoverwhelmedwith，immensedisgust。Theywishedfornothingmore;theypreferredtodie。
Twodaysafterwardstheweatherbecamefineagain，andhungerseized，themoncemore。Itseemedtothemthattheirstomachswerebeing，wrenchedfromthemwithtongs。Thentheyrolledaboutinconvulsions，flunghandfulsofdustintotheirmouths，bittheirarms，andburst，intofranticlaughter。
Theywerestillmoretormentedbythirst，fortheyhadnotadropof，water，theleathernbottleshavingbeencompletelydriedupsincethe，ninthday。Tocheattheirneedtheyappliedtheirtonguestothemetal，platesontheirwaist-belts，theirivorypommels，andthesteelof，theirswords。Someformercaravan-leaderstightenedtheirwaistswith，ropes。Otherssuckedapebble。Theydrankurinecooledintheirbrazen，helmets。
AndtheystillexpectedthearmyfromTunis！Thelengthoftimewhich，ittookincomingwas，accordingtotheirconjectures，anassuranceof，itsearlyarrival。Besides，Matho，whowasabravefellow，wouldnot，desertthem。“’Twillbeto-morrow！”theywouldsaytooneanother;and，thento-morrowwouldpass。
Atthebeginningtheyhadofferedupprayersandvows，andpractised，allkindsofincantations。Justnowtheironlyfeelingtotheir，divinitieswasoneofhatred，andtheystrovetorevengethemselvesby，believinginthemnomore。
Menofviolentdispositionperishedfirst;theAfricansheldout，betterthantheGauls。Zarxaslaystretchedatfulllengthamongthe，Balearians，hishairoverhisarm，inert。Spendiusfoundaplantwith，broadleavesfilledabundantlywithjuice，andafterdeclaringthatit，waspoisonous，soastokeepofftherest，hefedhimselfuponit。
Theyweretooweaktoknockdowntheflyingcrowswithstones。
Sometimeswhenagypaetuswasperchedonacorpse，andhadbeen，manglingitforalongtime，amanwouldsethimselftocrawltowards，itwithajavelinbetweenhisteeth。Hewouldsupporthimselfwithone，hand，andaftertakingagoodaim，throwhisweapon。Thewhite-
featheredcreature，disturbedbythenoise，woulddesistandlook，aboutintranquilfashionlikeacormorantonarock，andwouldthen，againthrustinitshideous，yellowbeak，whiletheman，indespair，wouldfallflatonhisfaceinthedust。Somesucceededindiscovering，chameleonsandserpents。Butitwastheloveoflifethatkeptthem，alive。Theydirectedtheirsoulstothisideaexclusively，andclung，toexistencebyaneffortofthewillthatprolongedit。
Themoststoicalkeptclosetooneanother，seatedinacirclehere，andthere，amongthedeadinthemiddleoftheplain;andwrappedin，theircloakstheygavethemselvesupsilentlytotheirsadness。
Thosewhohadbeenbornintownsrecalledtheresoundingstreets，the，taverns，theatres，baths，andthebarbers’shopswheretherearetales，tobeheard。Otherscouldoncemoreseecountrydistrictsatsunset，whentheyellowcornwaves，andthegreatoxenascendthehillsagain，withtheploughsharesontheirnecks。Travellersdreamedofcisterns，huntersoftheirforests，veteransofbattles;andinthesomnolence，thatbenumbedthemtheirthoughtsjostledoneanotherwiththe，precipitancyandclearnessofdreams。Hallucinationscamesuddenly，uponthem;theysoughtforadoorinthemountaininordertoflee，andtriedtopassthroughit。Othersthoughtthattheyweresailingin，astormandgaveordersforthehandlingofaship，orelsefellback，interror，perceivingPunicbattalionsintheclouds。Thereweresome，whoimaginedthemselvesatafeast，andsang。
Manythroughastrangemaniawouldrepeatthesamewordorcontinually，makethesamegesture。Thenwhentheyhappenedtoraisetheirheads，andlookatoneanothertheywerechokedwithsobsondiscoveringthe，horribleravagesmadeintheirfaces。Somehadceasedtosuffer，and，towhileawaythehourstoldoftheperilswhichtheyhadescaped。
Deathwascertainandimminenttoall。Howmanytimeshadtheynot，triedtoopenupapassage！Astoimploretermsfromtheconqueror，by，whatmeanscouldtheydoso？TheydidnotevenknowwhereHamilcar，was。
Thewindwasblowingfromthedirectionoftheravine。Itmadethe，sandflowperpetuallyincascadesovertheportcullis;andthecloaks，andhairoftheBarbarianswerebeingcoveredwithitasthoughthe，earthwererisinguponthemanddesirousofburyingthem。Nothing，stirred;theeternalmountainseemedstillhighertothemevery，morning。
Sometimesflightsofbirdsdartedpastbeneaththeblueskyinthe，freedomoftheair。Themenclosedtheireyesthattheymightnotsee，them。
Atfirsttheyfeltabuzzingintheirears，theirnailsgrewblack，thecoldreachedtotheirbreasts;theylayupontheirsidesand，expiredwithoutacry。
OnthenineteenthdaytwothousandAsiaticsweredead，withfifteen，hundredfromtheArchipelago，eightthousandfromLibya，theyoungest，oftheMercenariesandwholetribes——inalltwentythousandsoldiers，orhalfofthearmy。
Autaritus，whohadonlyfiftyGaulsleft，wasgoingtokillhimselfin，ordertoputanendtothisstateofthings，whenhethoughthesawa，manonthetopofthemountaininfrontofhim。
Owingtohiselevationthismandidnotappeartallerthanadwarf。
However，Autaritusrecognisedashieldshapedlikeatrefoilonhis，leftarm。“ACarthaginian！”heexclaimed，andimmediatelythroughout，theplain，beforetheportcullisandbeneaththerocks，allrose。The，soldierwaswalkingalongtheedgeoftheprecipice;theBarbarians，gazedathimfrombelow。
Spendiuspickeduptheheadofanox;thenhavingformedadiademwith，twobelts，hefixeditonthehornsattheendofapoleintokenof，pacificintentions。TheCarthaginiandisappeared。Theywaited。
Atlastintheeveningasword-beltsuddenlyfellfromabovelikea，stoneloosenedfromthecliff。Itwasmadeofredleathercoveredwith，embroidery，withthreediamondstars，andstampedinthecentre，it，borethemarkoftheGreatCouncil：ahorsebeneathapalm-tree。This，wasHamilcar’sreply，thesafe-conductthathesentthem。
Theyhadnothingtofear;anychangeoffortunebroughtwithitthe，endoftheirwoes。Theyweremovedwithextravagantjoy，theyembraced，oneanother，theywept。Spendius，Autaritus，andZarxas，four，Italiotes，aNegroandtwoSpartansofferedthemselvesasenvoys。They，wereimmediatelyaccepted。Theydidnotknow，however，bywhatmeans，theyshouldgetaway。
Butacrackingsoundedinthedirectionoftherocks;andthemost，elevatedofthem，afterrockingtoandfro，reboundedtothebottom。
Infact，iftheywereimmovableonthesideoftheBarbarians——forit，wouldhavebeennecessarytourgethemupaninclineplane，andthey，were，moreover，heapedtogetherowingtothenarrownessofthegorge——
ontheothers，onthecontrary，itwassufficienttodriveagainst，themwithviolencetomakethemdescend。TheCarthaginianspushed，them，andatdaybreaktheyprojectedintotheplainlikethestepsof，animmenseruinedstaircase。
TheBarbarianswerestillunabletoclimbthem。Ladderswereheldout，fortheirassistance;allrusheduponthem。Thedischargeofa，catapultdrovethecrowdback;onlytheTenweretakenaway。
TheywalkedamidtheClinabarians，leaningtheirhandsonthehorses’
croupsforsupport。
Nowthattheirfirstjoywasovertheybegantoharbouranxieties。
Hamilcar’sdemandswouldbecruel。ButSpendiusreassuredthem。
“Iwillspeak！”Andheboastedthatheknewexcellentthingstosay，forthesafetyofthearmy。
Behindallthebushestheymetwithambushedsentries，whoprostrated，themselvesbeforethesword-beltwhichSpendiushadplacedoverhis，shoulder。
WhentheyreachedthePuniccampthecrowdflockedaroundthem，and，theythoughtthattheycouldhearwhisperingsandlaughter。Thedoor，ofatentopened。
Hamilcarwasattheverybackofitseatedonastoolbesideatable，onwhichthereshoneanakedsword。Hewassurroundedbycaptains，who，werestanding。
Hestartedbackonperceivingthesemen，andthenbentovertoexamine，them。
Theirpupilswerestrangelydilated，andtherewasagreatblack，circleroundtheireyes，whichextendedtothelowerpartsoftheir，ears;theirbluishnosesstoodoutbetweentheirhollowcheeks，which，werechinkedwithdeepwrinkles;theskinoftheirbodieswastoo，largefortheirmuscles，andwashiddenbeneathaslate-coloureddust;
theirlipsweregluedtotheiryellowteeth;theyexhaledan，infectiousodour;theymighthavebeentakenforhalf-openedtombs，forlivingsepulchres。
Inthecentreofthetent，onamatonwhichthecaptainswereabout，tositdown，therewasadishofsmokinggourds。TheBarbarians，fastenedtheireyesuponitwithashiveringinalltheirlimbs，and，tearscametotheireyelids;neverthelesstheyrestrainedthemselves。
Hamilcarturnedawaytospeaktosomeone。Thentheyallflung，themselvesuponit，flatontheground。Theirfacesweresoakedinthe，fat，andthenoiseoftheirdeglutitionwasmingledwiththesobsof，joywhichtheyuttered。Throughastonishment，doubtless，ratherthan，pity，theywereallowedtofinishthemess。Thenwhentheyhadrisen，Hamilcarwithasigncommandedthemanwhoborethesword-beltto，speak。Spendiuswasafraid;hestammered。
Hamilcar，whilelisteningtohim，keptturningroundonhisfingera，biggoldring，thesamewhichhadstampedthesealofCarthageupon，thesword-belt。Heletitfalltotheground;Spendiusimmediately，pickeditup;hisservilehabitscamebacktohiminthepresenceof，hismaster。Theothersquiveredwithindignationatsuchbaseness。
ButtheGreekraisedhisvoiceandspokeforalongtimeinrapid，insidious，andevenviolentfashion，settingforththecrimesof，Hanno，whomheknewtobeBarca’senemy，andstrivingtomove，Hamilcar’spitybythedetailsoftheirmiseriesandtherecollection，oftheirdevotion;intheendhebecameforgetfulofhimself，being，carriedawaybythewarmthofhistemper。
Hamilcarrepliedthatheacceptedtheirexcuses。Peace，then，was，abouttobeconcluded，andnowitwouldbeadefinitiveone！Buthe，requiredthattenMercenaries，chosenbyhimself，shouldbedelivered，uptohimwithoutweaponsortunics。
Theyhadnotexpectedsuchclemency;Spendiusexclaimed：“Ah！twenty，ifyouwish，master！”
“No！tenwillsuffice，“repliedHamilcarquietly。
Theyweresentoutofthetenttodeliberate。Assoonastheywere，alone，Autaritusprotestedagainstthesacrificeoftheircompanions，andZarxassaidtoSpendius：
“Whydidyounotkillhim？hisswordwastherebesideyou！”
“Him！”saidSpendius。“Him！him！”herepeatedseveraltimes，asthough，thethinghadbeenimpossible，andHamilcarwereanimmortal。
Theyweresooverwhelmedwithwearinessthattheystretchedthemselves，ontheirbacksontheground，notknowingatwhatresolutionto，arrive。
Spendiusurgedthemtoyield。Atlasttheyconsented，andwentin，again。
ThentheSuffetputhishandintothehandsofthetenBarbariansin，turn，andpressedtheirthumbs;thenherubbeditonhisgarment，for，theirviscousskingavearude，softimpressiontothetouch，agreasy，tinglingwhichinducedhorripilation。Afterwardshesaidtothem：
“YouarereallyallthechiefsoftheBarbarians，andyouhavesworn，forthem？”
“Yes！”theyreplied。
“Withoutconstraint，fromthebottomofyoursouls，withtheintention，offulfillingyourpromises？”
Theyassuredhimthattheywerereturningtotherestinorderto，fulfilthem。
“Well！”rejoinedtheSuffet，“inaccordancewiththeconvention，concludedbetweenmyself，Barca，andtheambassadorsofthe，Mercenaries，itisyouwhomIchooseandshallkeep！”
Spendiusfellswooninguponthemat。TheBarbarians，asthough，abandoninghim，pressedclosetogether;andtherewasnotaword，not，acomplaint。
Theircompanions，whowerewaitingforthem，notseeingthemreturn，believedthemselvesbetrayed。Theenvoyshadnodoubtgiventhemselves，uptotheSuffet。
Theywaitedfortwodayslonger;thenonthemorningofthethird，theirresolutionwastaken。Withropes，picks，andarrows，arranged，likerungsbetweenstripsofcanvas，theysucceededinscalingthe，rocks;andleavingtheweakest，aboutthreethousandinnumber，behind，them，theybegantheirmarchtorejointhearmyatTunis。
Abovethegorgetherestretchedameadowthinlysownwithshrubs;the，Barbariansdevouredthebuds。Afterwardstheyfoundafieldofbeans;
andeverythingdisappearedasthoughacloudofgrasshoppershad，passedthatway。Threehourslatertheyreachedasecondplateau，borderedbyabeltofgreenhills。
Amongtheundulationsofthesehillocks，silverysheavesshoneat，intervalsfromoneanother;theBarbarians，whoweredazzledbythe，sun，couldperceiveconfusedlybelowgreatblackmassessupporting，them;theserose，asthoughtheywereexpanding。Theywerelancesin，towersonelephantsterriblyarmed。
Besidesthespearsontheirbreasts，thebodkintusks，thebrass，plateswhichcoveredtheirsides，andthedaggersfastenedtotheir，knee-caps，theyhadattheextremityoftheirtusksaleathern，bracelet，inwhichthehandleofabroadcutlasswasinserted;they，hadsetoutsimultaneouslyfromthebackpartoftheplain，andwere，advancingonbothsidesinparallellines。
TheBarbarianswerefrozenwithanamelessterror。Theydidnoteven，trytoflee。Theyalreadyfoundthemselvessurrounded。
Theelephantsenteredintothismassofmen;andthespursontheir，breastsdividedit，thelancesontheirtusksupturneditlike，ploughshares;theycut，hewed，andhackedwiththescythesontheir，trunks;thetowers，whichwerefullofphalaricas，lookedlike，volcanoesonthemarch;nothingcouldbedistinguishedbutalarge，heap，whereonhumanflesh，piecesofbrassandbloodmadewhitespots，greysheetsandredfuses。Thehorribleanimalsdugoutblackfurrows，astheypassedthroughthemidstofitall。
ThefiercestwasdrivenbyaNumidianwhowascrownedwithadiademof，plumes。Hehurledjavelinswithfrightfulquickness，givingat，intervalsalongshrillwhistle。Thegreatbeasts，docileasdogs，keptaneyeonhimduringthecarnage。
Thecircleofthemnarrowedbydegrees;theweakenedBarbarians，offerednoresistance;theelephantsweresooninthecentreofthe，plain。Theylackedspace;theythrongedhalf-rearingtogether，and，theirtusksclashedagainstoneanother。SuddenlyNarr’Havasquieted，them，andwheelingroundtheytrottedbacktothehills。
Twosyntagmata，however，hadtakenrefugeontherightinabendof，ground，hadthrownawaytheirarms，andwereallkneelingwiththeir，facestowardsthePunictentsimploringmercywithupliftedarms。
Theirlegsandhandsweretied;thenwhentheywerestretchedonthe，groundbesideoneanothertheelephantswerebroughtback。
Theirbreastscrackedlikeboxesbeingforced;twowerecrushedat，everystep;thebigfeetsankintothebodieswithamotionofthe，hauncheswhichmadetheelephantsappearlame。Theywentontothe，veryend。
Thelevelsurfaceoftheplainagainbecamemotionless。Nightfell。
Hamilcarwasdelightinghimselfwiththespectacleofhisvengeance，butsuddenlyhestarted。
Hesaw，andallsaw，somemoreBarbarianssixhundredpacestothe，leftonthesummitofapeak！Infactfourhundredofthestoutest，Mercenaries，Etruscans，Libyans，andSpartanshadgainedtheheights，atthebeginning，andhadremainedthereinuncertaintyuntilnow。
Afterthemassacreoftheircompanionstheyresolvedtomaketheirway，throughtheCarthaginians;theywerealreadydescendinginserried，columns，inamarvellousandformidablefashion。
Aheraldwasimmediatelydespatchedtothem。TheSuffetneeded，soldiers;hereceivedthemunconditionally，sogreatlydidheadmire，theirbravery。Theycouldeven，saidthemanofCarthage，comea，littlenearer，toaplace，whichhepointedouttothem，wherethey，wouldfindprovisions。
TheBarbariansranthitherandspentthenightineating。Thenthe，CarthaginiansbrokeintoclamoursagainsttheSuffet’spartialityfor，theMercenaries。
Didheyieldtotheseoutburstsofinsatiablehatredorwasita，refinementoftreachery？Thenextdayhecamehimself，withoutasword，andbare-headed，withanescortofClinabarians，andannouncedtothem，thathavingtoomanytofeedhedidnotintendtokeepthem。
Nevertheless，ashewantedmenandheknewofnomeansofselecting，thegoodones，theyweretofighttogethertothedeath;hewouldthen，admittheconquerorsintohisownbody-guard。Thisdeathwasquiteas，goodasanother;——andthenmovinghissoldiersaside(forthePunic，standardshidthehorizonfromtheMercenaries)heshowedthemtheone，hundredandninety-twoelephantsunderNarr’Havas，formingasingle，straightline，theirtrunksbrandishingbroadsteelbladeslikegiant，armsholdingaxesabovetheirheads。
TheBarbarianslookedatoneanothersilently。Itwasnotdeaththat，madethemturnpale，butthehorriblecompulsiontowhichtheyfound，themselvesreduced。
Thecommunityoftheirliveshadbroughtaboutprofoundfriendship，amongthesemen。Thecamp，withmost，tooktheplaceoftheircountry;
livingwithoutafamilytheytransferredtheneedfultendernesstoa，companion，andtheywouldfallasleepinthestarlightsidebyside，underthesamecloak。Andthenintheirperpetualwanderingsthrough，allsortsofcountries，murders，andadventures，theyhadcontracted，affections，onefortheother，inwhichthestrongerprotectedthe，youngerinthemidstofbattles，helpedhimtocrossprecipices，spongedthesweatoffeversfromhisbrow，andstolefoodforhim，and，theweaker，achildperhaps，whohadbeenpickedupontheroadside，andhadthenbecomeaMercenary，repaidthisdevotionbyathousand，kindnesses。
Theyexchangedtheirnecklacesandearrings，presentswhichtheyhad，madetooneanotherinformerdays，aftergreatperil，orinhoursof，intoxication。Allaskedtodie，andnonewouldstrike。Ayoungfellow，mightbeseenhereandthere，sayingtoanotherwhosebeardwasgrey：
“No！no！youaremorerobust！youwillavengeus，killme！”andthe，manwouldreply：“Ihavefeweryearstolive！Striketotheheart，and，thinknomoreaboutit！”Brothersgazedononeanotherwithclasped，hands，andfriendbadefriendeternalfarewells，standingandweeping，uponhisshoulder。
Theythrewofftheircuirassesthatthesword-pointsmightbethrust，inthemorequickly。Thenthereappearedthemarksofthegreatblows，whichtheyhadreceivedforCarthage，andwhichlookedlike，inscriptionsoncolumns。
Theyplacedthemselvesinfourequalranks，afterthefashionof，gladiators，andbeganwithtimidengagements。Somehadevenbandaged，theireyes，andtheirswordswavedgentlythroughtheairlikeblind，men’ssticks。TheCarthaginianshooted，andshoutedtothemthatthey，werecowards。TheBarbariansbecameanimated，andsoonthecombatas，general，headlong，andterrible。
Sometimestwomenallcoveredwithbloodwouldstop，fallintoeach，other’sarms，anddiewithmutualkisses。Nonedrewback。Theyrushed，upontheextendedblades。Theirdeliriumwassofrenziedthatthe，Carthaginiansinthedistancewereafraid。
Atlasttheystopped。Theirbreastsmadeagreathoarsenoise，and，theireyeballscouldbeseenthroughtheirlonghair，whichhungdown，asthoughithadcomeoutofapurplebath。Severalwereturninground，rapidly，likepantherswoundedintheforehead。Othersstood，motionlesslookingatacorpseattheirfeet;thentheywouldsuddenly，teartheirfaceswiththeirnails，taketheirswordswithbothhands，andplungethemintotheirownbodies。
Therewerestillsixtyleft。Theyaskedfordrink。Theyweretoldby，shoutstothrowawaytheirswords，andwhentheyhaddonesowaterwas，broughttothem。
Whiletheyweredrinking，withtheirfacesburiedinthevases，sixty，Carthaginiansleapeduponthemandkilledthemwithstiletosinthe，back。
Hamilcarhaddonethistogratifytheinstinctsofhisarmy，and，by，meansofthistreachery，toattachittohisownperson。
Thewar，then，wasended;atleasthebelievedthatitwas;Matho，wouldnotresist;inhisimpatiencetheSuffetcommandedanimmediate，departure。
Hisscoutscametotellhimthataconvoyhadbeendescried，departing，towardstheLeadMountain。Hamilcardidnottroublehimselfaboutit。
TheMercenariesonceannihilated，theNomadswouldgivehimnofurther，trouble。TheimportantmatterwastotakeTunis。Headvancedbyforced，marchesuponit。
HehadsentNarr’HavastoCarthagewiththenewsofhisvictory;and，theKingoftheNumidians，proudofhissuccess，visitedSalammbo。
Shereceivedhiminhergardensunderalargesycamoretree，amid，pillowsofyellowleather，andwithTaanachbesideher。Herfacewas，coveredwithawhitescarf，which，passingoverhermouthand，forehead，allowedonlyhereyestobeseen;butherlipsshoneinthe，transparencyofthetissuelikethegemsonherfingers，forSalammbo，hadbothherhandswrappedup，anddidnotmakeagestureduringthe，wholeconversation。
Narr’HavasannouncedthedefeatoftheBarbarianstoher。Shethanked，himwithablessingfortheserviceswhichhehadrenderedtoher，father。Thenhebegantotellheraboutthewholecampaign。
Thedovesonthepalmtreesaroundthemcooedsoftly，andotherbirds，flutteredamidthegrass：ring-neckedglareolas，Tartessusquailsand，Punicguinea-fowl。Thegarden，longuncultivated，hadmultipliedits，verdure;coloquintidasmountedintothebranchesofcassias，the，asclepiaswasscatteredoverfieldsofroses，allkindsofvegetation，formedentwiningsandbowers;andhereandthere，asinthewoods，sun-rays，descendingobliquely，markedtheshadowofaleafuponthe，ground。Domesticanimals，grownwildagain，fledattheslightest，noise。Sometimesagazellemightbeseentrailingscatteredpeacocks’
feathersafteritslittleblackhoofs。Theclamoursofthedistant，townwerelostinthemurmuringofthewaves。Theskywasquiteblue，andnotasailwasvisibleonthesea。
Narr’Havashadceasedspeaking;Salammbowaslookingathimwithout，replying。Heworealinenrobewithflowerspaintedonit，andwith，goldfringesatthehem;twosilverarrowsfastenedhisplaitedhair，atthetipsofhisears;hisrighthandrestedonapike-staffadorned，withcirclesofelectrumandtuftsofhair。
Asshewatchedhimacrowdofdimthoughtsabsorbedher。Thisyoung，man，withhisgentlevoiceandfemininefigure，captivatedhereyesby，thegraceofhisperson，andseemedtoherlikeaneldersistersent，bytheBaalstoprotecther。TherecollectionofMathocameuponher，nordidsheresistthedesiretolearnwhathadbecomeofhim。
Narr’HavasrepliedthattheCarthaginianswereadvancingtowards，Tunistotakeit。Inproportionashesetforththeirchancesof，successandMatho’sweaknesses，sheseemedtorejoiceinextraordinary，hope。Herlipstrembled，herbreastpanted。Whenhefinallypromised，tokillhimhimself，sheexclaimed：“Yes！killhim！Itmustbeso！”
TheNumidianrepliedthathedesiredthisdeathardently，sincehe，wouldbeherhusbandwhenthewarwasover。
Salammbostarted，andbentherhead。
ButNarr’Havas，pursuingthesubject，comparedhislongingsto，flowerslanguishingforrain，ortolosttravellerswaitingforthe，day。Hetoldher，further，thatshewasmorebeautifulthanthemoon，betterthanthewindofmorningorthanthefaceofaguest。Hewould，bringforherfromthecountryoftheBlacksthingssuchastherewere，noneinCarthage，andtheapartmentsintheirhouseshouldbesanded，withgolddust。
Eveningfell，andodoursofbalsamwereexhaled。Foralongtimethey，lookedateachotherinsilence，andSalammbo’seyes，inthedepthsof，herlongdraperies，resembledtwostarsintheriftofacloud。Before，thesunsethewithdrew。
TheAncientsfeltthemselvesrelievedofagreatanxiety，whenheleft，Carthage。Thepeoplehadreceivedhimwithevenmoreenthusiastic，acclamationsthanonthefirstoccasion。IfHamilcarandtheKingof，theNumidianstriumphedaloneovertheMercenariesitwouldbe，impossibletoresistthem。ToweakenBarcatheythereforeresolvedto，maketheagedHanno，himwhomtheyloved，asharerinthedeliverance，ofCarthage。
Heproceededimmediatelytowardsthewesternprovinces，totakehis，vengeanceintheveryplaceswhichhadwitnessedhisshame。Butthe，inhabitantsandtheBarbariansweredead，hidden，orfled。Thenhis，angerwasventeduponthecountry。Heburnttheruinsoftheruins，he，didnotleaveasingletreenorabladeofgrass;thechildrenandthe，infirm，thatweremetwith，weretortured;hegavethewomentohis，soldierstobeviolatedbeforetheywereslaughtered。
Often，onthecrestsofthehills，blacktentswerestruckasthough，overturnedbythewind，andbroad，brilliantlybordereddiscs，which，wererecognisedasbeingchariot-wheels，revolvedwithaplaintive，soundastheygraduallydisappearedinthevalleys。Thetribes，which，hadabandonedthesiegeofCarthage，werewanderinginthisway，throughtheprovinces，waitingforanopportunity，orforsomevictory，tobegainedbytheMercenaries，inordertoreturn。But，whetherfrom，terrororfamine，theyalltooktheroadstotheirnativelands，and，disappeared。
HamilcarwasnotjealousofHanno’ssuccesses。Neverthelesshewasin，ahurrytoendmatters;hecommandedhimtofallbackuponTunis;and，Hanno，wholovedhiscountry，wasunderthewallsofthetownonthe，appointedday。
Foritsprotectionithaditsaboriginalpopulation，twelvethousand，Mercenaries，and，inaddition，alltheEatersofUncleanness，forlike，MathotheywererivetedtothehorizonofCarthage，andplebsand，schalischimgazedatitsloftywallsfromafar，lookingbackin，thoughttoboundlessenjoyments。Withthisharmonyofhatred，resistancewasbrisklyorganised。Leathernbottlesweretakentomake，helmets;allthepalm-treesinthegardenswerecutdownforlances;
cisternsweredug;whileforprovisionstheycaughtontheshoresof，thelakebigwhitefish，fedoncorpsesandfilth。Theirramparts，keptinruinsnowbythejealousyofCarthage，weresoweakthatthey，couldbethrowndownwithapushoftheshoulder。Mathostoppedupthe，holesinthemwiththestonesofthehouses。Itwasthelaststruggle;
hehopedfornothing，andyethetoldhimselfthatfortunewasfickle。
AstheCarthaginiansapproachedtheynoticedamanontherampartwho，toweredoverthebattlementsfromhisbeltupwards。Thearrowsthat，flewabouthimseemedtofrightenhimnomorethanaswarmof，swallows。Extraordinarytosay，noneofthemtouchedhim。
Hamilcarpitchedhiscamponthesouthside;Narr’Havas，tohis，right，occupiedtheplainofRhades，andHannotheshoreofthelake;
andthethreegeneralsweretomaintaintheirrespectivepositions，so，asalltoattackthewallssimultaneously。
ButHamilcarwishedfirsttoshowtheMercenariesthathewouldpunish，themlikeslaves。Hehadthetenambassadorscrucifiedbesideone，anotheronahillockinfrontofthetown。
Atthesightofthisthebesiegedforsooktherampart。
Mathohadsaidtohimselfthatifhecouldpassbetweenthewallsand，Narr’Havas’stentswithsuchrapiditythattheNumidianshadnottime，tocomeout，hecouldfallupontherearoftheCarthaginianinfantry，whowouldbecaughtbetweenhisdivisionandthoseinside。Hedashed，outwithhisveterans。
Narr’Havasperceivedhim;hecrossedtheshoreofthelake，andcame，towarnHannotodispatchmentoHamilcar’sassistance。Didhebelieve，BarcatooweaktoresisttheMercenaries？Wasitapieceoftreachery，orfolly？Noonecouldeverlearn。
Hanno，desiringtohumiliatehisrival，didnothesitate。Heshouted，orderstosoundthetrumpets，andhiswholearmyrusheduponthe，Barbarians。Thelatterreturned，andranstraightagainstthe，Carthaginians;theyknockedthemdown，crushedthemundertheirfeet，and，drivingthembackinthisway，reachedthetentofHanno，whowas，thensurroundedbythirtyCarthaginians，themostillustriousofthe，Ancients。
Heappearedstupefiedbytheiraudacity;hecalledforhiscaptains。
Everyonethrusthisfistunderhisthroat，vociferatingabuse。The，crowdpressedon;andthosewhohadtheirhandsonhimcouldscarce，retaintheirhold。However，hetriedtowhispertothem：“Iwillgave，youwhateveryouwant！Iamrich！Saveme！”Theydraggedhimalong;
heavyashewashisfeetdidnottouchtheground。TheAncientshad，beencarriedoff。Histerrorincreased。“Youhavebeatenme！Iamyour，captive！Iwillransommyself！Listentome，myfriends！”andborne，alongbyallthoseshoulderswhichwerepressedagainsthissides，he，repeated：“Whatareyougoingtodo？Whatdoyouwant？Youcansee，thatIamnotobstanite！Ihavealwaysbeengood-natured！”
Agiganticcrossstoodatthegate。TheBarbarianshowled：“Here！
here！”Butheraisedhisvoicestillhigher;andinthenamesoftheir，godshecalleduponthemtoleadhimtotheschalischim，becausehe，wishedtoconfidetohimsomethingonwhichtheirsafetydepended。
Theypaused，someassertingthatitwasrighttosummonMatho。Hewas，sentfor。
Hannofelluponthegrass;andhesawaroundhimothercrossesalso，asthoughthetorturebywhichhewasabouttoperishhadbeen，multipliedbeforehand;hemadeeffortstoconvincehimselfthathewas，mistaken，thattherewasonlyone，andeventobelievethattherewere，noneatall。Atlasthewasliftedup。
“Speak！”saidMatho。
HeofferedtogiveupHamilcar;thentheywouldenterCarthageand，bothbekings。
Mathowithdrew，signingtotheotherstomakehaste。Itwasa，stratagem，hethought，togaintime。
TheBarbarianwasmistaken;Hannowasinanextremitywhen，considerationishadtonothing，and，moreover，hesoexecrated，Hamilcarthathewouldhavesacrificedhimandallhissoldiersonthe，slightesthopeofsafety。
TheAncientswerelanguishingonthegroundatthefootofthe，crosses;ropeshadalreadybeenpassedbeneaththeirarmpits。Thenthe，oldSuffet，understandingthathemustdie，wept。
Theytoreofftheclothesthatwerestillleftonhim——andthehorror，ofhispersonappeared。Ulcerscoveredthenamelessmass;thefaton，hislegshidthenailsonhisfeet;fromhisfingerstherehungwhat，lookedlikegreenishstrips;andthetearsstreamingthroughthe，tuberclesonhischeeksgavetohisfaceanexpressionoffrightful，sadness，fortheyseemedtotakeupmoreroomthanonanotherhuman，face。Hisroyalfillet，whichwashalfunfastened，trailedwithhis，whitehairinthedust。
Theythoughtthattheyhadnoropesstrongenoughtohaulhimupto，thetopofthecross，andtheynailedhimuponit，afterthePunic，fashion，beforeitwaserected。Buthisprideawokeinhispain。He，begantooverwhelmthemwithabuse。Hefoamedandtwistedlikea，marinemonsterbeingslaughteredontheshore，andpredictedthatthey，wouldallendmorehorriblystill，andthathewouldbeavenged。
Hewas。Ontheothersideofthetown，whencetherenowescapedjets，offlamewithcolumnsofsmoke，theambassadorsfromtheMercenaries，wereintheirlastthroes。
Somewhohadswoonedatfirsthadjustrevivedinthefreshnessofthe，wind;buttheirchinsstillrestedupontheirbreasts，andtheir，bodieshadfallensomewhat，inspiteofthenailsintheirarms，which，werefastenedhigherthantheirheads;fromtheirheelsandhands，bloodfellinbig，slowdrops，asripefruitfallsfromthebranches，ofatree，——andCarthage，gulf，mountains，andplainsallappearedto，themtoberevolvinglikeanimmensewheel;sometimesacloudofdust，risingfromtheground，envelopedtheminitseddies;theyburnedwith，horriblethirst，theirtonguescurledintheirmouths，andtheyfelt，anicysweatflowingoverthemwiththeirdepartingsouls。
Neverthelesstheyhadglimpses，ataninfinitedepth，ofstreets，marchingsoldiers，andtheswingingofswords;andthetumultof，battlereachedthemdimlylikethenoiseoftheseatoshipwreckedmen，dyingonthemastsofaship。TheItaliotes，whoweresturdierthan，therest，werestillshrieking。TheLacedaemoniansweresilent，with，eyelidsclosed;Zarxas，oncesovigorous，wasbendinglikeabroken，reed;theEthiopianbesidehimhadhisheadthrownbackoverthearms，ofthecross;Autarituswasmotionless，rollinghiseyes;hisgreat，headofhair，caughtinacleftinthewood，fellstraightuponhis，forehead，andhisdeath-rattleseemedrathertobearoarofanger。As，toSpendius，astrangecouragehadcometohim;hedespisedlifenow，inthecertaintywhichhepossessedofanalmostimmediateandan，eternalemancipation，andheawaiteddeathwithimpassibility。
Amidtheirswooning，theysometimesstartedatthebrushingof，featherspassingacrosstheirlips。Largewingsswungshadowsaround，them，croakingssoundedintheair;andasSpendius’scrosswasthe，highest，itwasuponhisthatthefirstvulturealighted。Thenhe，turnedhisfacetowardsAutaritus，andsaidslowlytohimwithan，unaccountablesmile：
“DoyourememberthelionsontheroadtoSicca？”
“Theywereourbrothers！”repliedtheGaul，asheexpired。
TheSuffet，meanwhile，hadboredthroughthewallsandreachedthe，citadel。Thesmokesuddenlydisappearedbeforeagustofwind，discoveringthehorizonasfarasthewallsofCarthage;heeven，thoughtthathecoulddistinguishpeoplewatchingontheplatformof，Eschmoun;then，bringingbackhiseyes，heperceivedthirtycrossesof，extravagantsizeontheshoreoftheLake，totheleft。
Infact，torenderthemstillmorefrightful，theyhadbeen，constructedwithtent-polesfastenedendtoend，andthethirty，corpsesoftheAncientsappearedhighupinthesky。Theyhadwhat，lookedlikewhitebutterfliesontheirbreasts;thesewerethe，feathersofthearrowswhichhadbeenshotatthemfrombelow。
Abroadgoldribbonshoneonthesummitofthehighest;ithungdown，totheshoulder，therebeingnoarmonthatside，andHamilcarhad，somedifficultyinrecognisingHanno。Hisspongyboneshadgivenway，undertheironpins，portionsofhislimbshadcomeoff，andnothing，wasleftonthecrossbutshapelessremains，likethefragmentsof，animalsthatarehunguponhuntsmen’sdoors。
TheSuffetcouldnothaveknownanythingaboutit;thetowninfront，ofhimmaskedeverythingthatwasbeyondandbehind;andthecaptains，whohadbeensuccessivelysenttothetwogeneralshadnotre-
appeared。Thenfugitivesarrivedwiththetaleoftherout，andthe，Punicarmyhalted。Thiscatastrophe，fallinguponthemasitdidin，themidstoftheirvictory，stupefiedthem。Hamilcar’sorderswereno，longerlistenedto。
Mathotookadvantageofthistocontinuehisravagesamongthe，Numidians。
Hanno’scamphavingbeenoverthrown，hehadreturnedagainstthem。The，elephantscameout;buttheMercenariesadvancedthroughtheplain，shakingaboutflamingfirebrands，whichtheyhadpluckedfromthe，walls，andthegreatbeasts，infright，ranheadlongintothegulf，wheretheykilledoneanotherintheirstruggles，orweredrowned，beneaththeweightoftheircuirasses。Narr’Havashadalready，launchedhiscavalry;allthrewthemselvesfacedownwardsuponthe，ground;then，whenthehorseswerewithinthreepacesofthem，they，sprangbeneaththeirbellies，rippedthemopenwithdagger-strokes，andhalftheNumidianshadperishedwhenBarcacameup。
TheexhaustedMercenariescouldnotwithstandhistroops。Theyretired，ingoodordertothemountainoftheHotSprings。TheSuffetwas，prudentenoughnottopursuethem。Hedirectedhiscoursetothe，mouthsoftheMacaras。
Tuniswashis;butitwasnownothingbutaheapofsmokingrubbish。
Theruinsfellthroughthebreachesinthewallstothecentreofthe，plain;quiteinthebackground，betweentheshoresofthegulf，the，corpsesoftheelephantsdriftingbeforethewindconflicted，likean，archipelagoofblackrocksfloatingonthewater。
Narr’Havashaddrainedhisforestsoftheseanimals，takingyoungand，old，maleandfemale，tokeepupthewar，andthemilitaryforceof，hiskingdomcouldnotrepairtheloss。Thepeoplewhohadseenthem，perishingatadistanceweregrievedatit;menlamentedinthe，streets，callingthembytheirnameslikedeceasedfriends：“Ah！the，Invincible！theVictory！theThunderer！theSwallow！”Onthefirst，day，too，therewasnotalkexceptofthedeadcitizens。Butonthe，morrowthetentsoftheMercenarieswereseenonthemountainofthe，HotSprings。Thensodeepwasthedespairthatmanypeople，especially，women，flungthemselvesheadlongfromthetopoftheAcropolis。
Hamilcar’sdesignswerenotknown。Helivedaloneinhistentwith，nonenearhimbutayoungboy，andnooneeveratewiththem，noteven，exceptingNarr’Havas。Neverthelessheshowedgreatdeferencetothe，latterafterHanno’sdefeat;butthekingoftheNumidianshadtoo，greataninterestinbecominghissonnottodistrusthim。
Thisinertnessveiledskilfulmanoeuvres。Hamilcarseducedtheheads，ofthevillagesbyallsortsofartifices;andtheMercenarieswere，hunted，repulsed，andenclosedlikewildbeasts。Assoonasthey，enteredawood，thetreescaughtfirearoundthem;whentheydrankof，aspringitwaspoisoned;thecavesinwhichtheyhidinorderto，sleepwerewalledup。Theiroldaccomplices，thepopulationswhohad，hithertodefendedthem，nowpursuedthem;andtheycontinually，recognisedCarthaginianarmourinthesebands。
Manyhadtheirfacesconsumedwithredtetters;this，theythought，hadcometothemthroughtouchingHanno。Othersimaginedthatitwas，becausetheyhadeatenSalammbo’sfishes，andfarfromrepentingof，it，theydreamedofevenmoreabominablesacrileges，sothatthe，abasementofthePunicGodsmightbestillgreater。Theywouldfain，haveexterminatedthem。
Inthiswaytheylingeredforthreemonthsalongtheeasterncoast，andthenbehindthemountainofSelloum，andasfarasthefirstsands，ofthedesert。Theysoughtforaplaceofrefuge，nomatterwhere。
UticaandHippo-Zarytusalonehadnotbetrayedthem;butHamilcarwas，encompassingthesetwotowns。Thentheywentnorthwardsathaphazard，withoutevenknowingthevariousroutes。Theirmanymiserieshad，confusedtheirunderstandings。
Theonlyfeelingleftthemwasoneofexasperation，whichwenton，developing;andonedaytheyfoundthemselvesagaininthegorgesof，CobusandoncemorebeforeCarthage！
Thentheactionsmultiplied。Fortuneremainedequal;butbothsides，weresoweariedthattheywouldwillinglyhaveexchangedthese，skirmishesforagreatbattle，providedthatitwerereallythelast。
MathowasinclinedtocarrythisproposalhimselftotheSuffet。One，ofhisLibyansdevotedhimselfforthepurpose。Allwereconvincedas，theysawhimdepartthathewouldnotreturn。
Hereturnedthesameevening。
Hamilcaracceptedthechallenge。Theencountershouldtakeplacethe，followingdayatsunrise，intheplainofRhades。
TheMercenarieswishedtoknowwhetherhehadsaidanythingmore，and，theLibyanadded：
“AsIremainedinhispresence，heaskedmewhatIwaswaitingfor。
’Tobekilled！’Ireplied。Thenherejoined：’No！begone！thatwillbe，to-morrowwiththerest。’“
ThisgenerosityastonishedtheBarbarians;somewereterrifiedbyit，andMathoregrettedthattheemissaryhadnotbeenkilled。
HehadstillremainingthreethousandAfricans，twelvehundredGreeks，fifteenhundredCampanians，twohundredIberians，fourhundred，Etruscans，fivehundredSamnites，fortyGauls，andatroopofNaffurs，nomadbanditsmetwithinthedateregion——inallseventhousandtwo，hundredandnineteensoldiers，butnotonecompletesyntagmata。They，hadstoppeduptheholesintheircuirasseswiththeshoulder-blades，ofquadrupeds，andreplacedtheirbrasscothurniwithwornsandals。
Theirgarmentswereweightedwithcopperorsteelplates;theircoats，ofmailhungintattersaboutthem，andscarsappearedlikepurple，threadsthroughthehairontheirarmsandfaces。
Thewraithsoftheirdeadcompanionscamebacktotheirsoulsand，increasedtheirenergy;theyfelt，inaconfusedway，thattheywere，theministersofagoddiffusedintheheartsoftheoppressed，and，werethepontiffs，sotospeak，ofuniversalvengeance！Thentheywere，enragedwithgriefatwhatwasextravagantinjustice，andaboveallby，thesightofCarthageonthehorizon。Theysworeanoathtofightfor，oneanotheruntildeath。
Thebeastsofburdenwerekilled，andasmuchaspossiblewaseatenso，astogainstrength;afterwardstheyslept。Someprayed，turning，towardsdifferentconstellations。
TheCarthaginiansarrivedfirstintheplain。Theyrubbedtheedgesof，theirshieldswithoiltomakethearrowsglideoffthemeasily;the，foot-soldierswhoworelonghairtooktheprecautionofcuttingiton，theforehead;andHamilcarorderedallbowlstobeinvertedfromthe，fifthhour，knowingthatitisdisadvantageoustofightwiththe，stomachtoofull。Hisarmyamountedtofourteenthousandmen，orabout，doublethenumberoftheBarbarians。Nevertheless，hehadneverfelt，suchanxiety;ifhesuccumbeditwouldmeantheannihilationofthe，Republic，andhewouldperishonthecross;if，onthecontrary，he，triumphed，hewouldreachItalybywayofthePyrenees，theGauls，and，theAlps，andtheempireoftheBarcaswouldbecomeeternal。Twenty，timesduringthenightherosetoinspecteverythinghimself，downto，themosttriflingdetails。AstotheCarthaginians，theywere，exasperatedbytheirlengthenedterror。Narr’Havassuspectedthe，fidelityofhisNumidians。Moreover，theBarbariansmightvanquish，them。Astrangeweaknesshadcomeuponhim;everymomenthedrank，largecupsofwater。
Butamanwhomhedidnotknowopenedhistentandlaidontheground，acrownofrock-salt，adornedwithhieraticdesignsformedwith，sulphur，andlozengesofmother-of-pearl;amarriagecrownwas，sometimessenttoabetrothedhusband;itwasaproofoflove，asort，ofinvitation。
NeverthelessHamilcar’sdaughterhadnotendernessforNarr’Havas。
TherecollectionofMathodisturbedherinanintolerablemanner;it，seemedtoherthatthedeathofthismanwouldunburdenherthoughts，justaspeopletocurethemselvesofthebiteofavipercrushitupon，thewound。ThekingoftheNumidianswasdependinguponher;he，awaitedtheweddingwithimpatience，and，asitwastofollowthe，victory，Salammbomadehimthispresenttostimulatehiscourage。Then，hisdistressvanished，andhethoughtonlyofthehappinessof，possessingsobeautifulawoman。
ThesamevisionhadassailedMatho;buthecastitfromhim，immediately，andhislove，thathethusthrustback，waspouredout，uponhiscompanionsinarms。Hecherishedthemlikeportionsofhis，ownperson，ofhishatred，——andhefelthisspirithigher，andhis，armsstronger;everythingthathewastoaccomplishappearedclearly，beforehim。Ifsighssometimesescapedhim，itwasbecausehewas，thinkingofSpendius。
HedrewuptheBarbariansinsixequalranks。HepostedtheEtruscans，inthecentre，allbeingfastenedtoabronzechain;thearcherswere，behind，andonthewingshedistributedtheNaffurs，whoweremounted，onshort-hairedcamels，coveredwithostrichfeathers。
TheSuffetarrangedtheCarthaginiansinsimilarorder。Heplacedthe，Clinabariansoutsidetheinfantrynexttothevelites，andthe，Numidiansbeyond;whendayappeared，bothsideswerethusinlineface，toface。Allgazedateachotherfromadistance，withroundfierce，eyes。Therewasatfirstsomehesitation;atlastbotharmiesmoved。
TheBarbariansadvancedslowlysoasnottobecomeoutofbreath，beatingthegroundwiththeirfeet;thecentreofthePunicarmy，formedaconvexcurve。Thencametheburstofaterribleshock，like，thecrashoftwofleetsincollision。ThefirstrankoftheBarbarians，hadquicklyopenedup，andthemarksmen，hiddenbehindtheothers，dischargedtheirbullets，arrows，andjavelins。Thecurveofthe，Carthaginians，however，flattenedbydegrees，becamequitestraight，andthenbentinwards;uponthis，thetwosectionsofthevelitesdrew，togetherinparallellines，likethelegsofacompassthatisbeing，closed。TheBarbarians，whowereattackingthephalanxwithfury，enteredthegap;theywerebeinglost;Mathocheckedthem，——andwhile，theCarthaginianwingscontinuedtoadvance，hedrewoutthethree，innerranksofhisline;theysooncoveredhisflanks，andhisarmy，appearedintriplearray。
ButtheBarbariansplacedattheextremitiesweretheweakest，especiallythoseontheleft，whohadexhaustedtheirquivers，andthe，troopofvelites，whichhadatlastcomeupagainstthem，wascutting，themupgreatly。
Mathomadethemfallback。HisrightcomprisedCampanians，whowere，armedwithaxes;hehurledthemagainsttheCarthaginianleft;the，centreattackedtheenemy，andthoseattheotherextremity，whowere，outofperil，keptthevelitesatadistance。
ThenHamilcardividedhishorsemenintosquadrons，placedhoplites，betweenthem，andsentthemagainsttheMercenaries。
Thosecone-shapedmassespresentedafrontofhorses，andtheir，broadersideswerefilledandbristlingwithlances。TheBarbarians，founditimpossibletoresist;theGreekfoot-soldiersalonehad，brazenarmour，alltheresthadcutlassesontheendofpoles，scythes，takenfromthefarms，orswordsmanufacturedoutofthefelliesof，wheels;thesoftbladesweretwistedbyablow，andwhiletheywere，engagedinstraighteningthemundertheirheels，theCarthaginians，massacredthemrightandleftattheirease。
ButtheEtruscans，rivetedtotheirchain，didnotstir;thosewho，weredead，beingpreventedfromfalling，formedanobstructionwith，theircorpses;andthegreatbronzelinewidenedandcontractedin，turn，assuppleasaserpent，andasimpregnableasawall。The，Barbarianswouldcometore-formbehindit，pantforaminute，and，thensetoffagainwiththefragmentsoftheirweaponsintheirhands。
Manyalreadyhadnoneleft，andtheyleapedupontheCarthaginians，bitingtheirfaceslikedogs。TheGaulsintheirpridestripped，themselvesofthesagum;theyshowedtheirgreatwhitebodiesfroma，distance，andtheyenlargedtheirwoundstoterrifytheenemy。The，voiceofthecrierannouncingtheorderscouldnolongerbeheardin，themidstofthePunicsyntagmata;theirsignalswerebeingrepeated，bythestandards，whichwereraisedabovethedust，andeveryonewas，sweptawayintheswayingofthegreatmassthatsurroundedhim。
HamilcarcommandedtheNumidianstoadvance。ButtheNaffursrushedto，meetthem。
Cladinvastblackrobes，withatuftofhaironthetopoftheskull，andashieldofrhinocerosleather，theywieldedasteelwhichhadno，handle，andwhichtheyheldbyarope;andtheircamels，which，bristledalloverwithfeathers，utteredlong，hoarsecluckings。Each，bladefellonaprecisespot，thenroseagainwithasmartstroke，carryingoffalimbwithit。Thefiercebeastsgallopedthroughthe，syntagmata。Some，whoselegswerebroken，wenthoppingalonglike，woundedostriches。
ThePunicinfantryturnedinabodyupontheBarbarians，andcutthem，off。Theirmanipleswheeledaboutatintervalsfromoneanother。The，morebrilliantCarthaginianweaponsencircledthemlikegoldencrowns;
therewasaswarmingmovementinthecentre，andthesun，striking，downuponthepointsoftheswords，madethemglitterwithwhite，flickeringgleams。However，filesofClinabarianslaystretchedupon，theplain;someMercenariessnatchedawaytheirarmour，clothed，themselvesinit，andthenreturnedtothefray。Thedeluded，Carthaginianswereseveraltimesentangledintheirmidst。Theywould，standstupidlymotionless，orelsewouldback，surgeagain，and，triumphantshoutsrisinginthedistanceseemedtodrivethemalong，likederelictsinastorm。Hamilcarwasgrowingdesperate;allwas，abouttoperishbeneaththegeniusofMathoandtheinvinciblecourage，oftheMercenaries。
Butagreatnoiseoftabourinesburstforthonthehorizon。Itwasa，crowdofoldmen，sickpersons，childrenoffifteenyearsofage，and，evenwomen，who，beingunabletowithstandtheirdistressanylonger，hadsetoutfromCarthage，and，forthepurposeofplacingthemselves，undertheprotectionofsomethingformidable，hadtakenfrom，Hamilcar’spalacetheonlyelephantthattheRepublicnowpossessed，——
thatone，namely，whosetrunkhadbeencutoff。
ThenitseemedtotheCarthaginiansthattheircountry，forsakingits，walls，wascomingtocommandthemtodieforher。Theywereseized，withincreasedfury，andtheNumidianscarriedawayalltherest。
TheBarbarianshadsetthemselveswiththeirbackstoahillockinthe，centreoftheplain。Theyhadnochanceofconquering，orevenof，surviving;buttheywerethebest，themostintrepid，andthe，strongest。
ThepeoplefromCarthagebegantothrowspits，larding-pinsand，hammers，overtheheadsoftheNumidians;thosewhomconsulshad，feareddiedbeneathstickshurledbywomen;thePunicpopulacewas，exterminatingtheMercenaries。
Thelatterhadtakenrefugeonthetopofthehill。Theircircle，closedupaftereveryfreshbreach;twiceitdescendedtobe，immediatelyrepulsedwithashock;andtheCarthaginiansstretched，forththeirarmspell-mell，thrustingtheirpikesbetweenthelegsof，theircompanions，andrakingatrandombeforethem。Theyslippedin，theblood;thesteepslopeofthegroundmadethecorpsesrolltothe，bottom。Theelephant，whichwastryingtoclimbthehillock，wasupto，itsbelly;itseemedtobecrawlingoverthemwithdelight;andits，shortenedtrunk，whichwasbroadattheextremity，rosefromtimeto，timelikeanenormousleech。
Thenallpaused。TheCarthaginiansgroundtheirteethastheygazedat，thehill，wheretheBarbarianswerestanding。
Atlasttheydashedatthemabruptly，andthefightbeganagain。The，Mercenarieswouldoftenletthemapproach，shoutingtothemthatthey，wishedtosurrender;then，withfrightfulsneers，theywouldkill，themselvesatablow，andasthedeadfell，therestwouldmountupon，themtodefendthemselves。Itwasakindofpyramid，whichgrewlarger，bydegrees。
Soontherewereonlyfifty，thenonlytwenty，onlythree，andlastly，onlytwo——aSamnitearmedwithanaxe，andMathowhostillhadhis，sword。
TheSamnitewithbenthamsswepthisaxealternatelytotherightand，left，atthesametimewarningMathooftheblowsthatwerebeing，aimedathim。“Master，thisway！thatway！stoopdown！”
Mathohadlosthisshoulder-pieces，hishelmet，hiscuirass;hewas，completelynaked，andmorelividthanthedead，withhishairquite，erect，andtwopatchesoffoamatthecornersofhislips，——andhis，swordwhirledsorapidlythatitformedanaureolaaroundhim。Astone，brokeitneartheguard;theSamnitewaskilledandthefloodof，Carthaginiansclosedin，theytouchedMatho。Thenheraisedbothhis，emptyhandstowardsheaven，closedhiseyes，and，openingouthisarms，likeamanthrowinghimselffromthesummitofapromontoryintothe，sea，hurledhimselfamongthepikes。
Theymovedawaybeforehim。Severaltimesheranagainstthe，Carthaginians。Buttheyalwaysdrewbackandturnedtheirweapons，aside。
Hisfootstruckagainstasword。Mathotriedtoseizeit。Hefelt，himselftiedbythewristsandknees，andfell。
Narr’Havashadbeenfollowinghimforsometime，stepbystep，with，oneofthelargenetsusedforcapturingwildbeasts，and，taking，advantageofthemomentwhenhestoopeddown，hadinvolvedhiminit。
Thenhewasfastenedontheelephantswithhisfourlimbsforminga，cross;andallthosewhowerenotwoundedescortedhim，andrushed，withgreattumulttowardsCarthage。
Thenewsofthevictoryhadarrivedinsomeinexplicablewayatthe，thirdhourofthenight;theclepsydraofKhamonhadjustcompleted，thefifthastheyreachedMalqua;thenMathoopenedhiseyes。There，weresomanylightsinthehousesthatthetownappearedtobeallin，flames。
Animmenseclamourreachedhimdimly;andlyingonhisbackhelooked，atthestars。
Thenadoorclosedandhewaswrappedindarkness。
Onthemorrow，atthesamehour，thelastofthemenleftinthePass，oftheHatchetexpired。
Onthedaythattheircompanionshadsetout，someZuaeceswhowere，returninghadtumbledtherocksdown，andhadfedthemforsometime。
TheBarbariansconstantlyexpectedtoseeMathoappear，——andfrom，discouragement，fromlanguor，andfromtheobstinacyofsickmenwho，objecttochangetheirsituation，theywouldnotleavethemountain;
atlasttheprovisionswereexhaustedandtheZuaeceswentaway。It，wasknownthattheynumberedscarcelymorethanthirteenhundredmen，andtherewasnoneedtoemploysoldierstoputanendtothem。
Wildbeasts，especiallylions，hadmultipliedduringthethreeyears，thatthewarhadlasted。Narr’Havashadheldagreatbattue，and——
aftertyinggoatsatintervals——hadrunuponthemandsodriventhem，towardsthePassoftheHatchet;——andtheywerenowalllivinginit，whenamanarrivedwhohadbeensentbytheAncientstofindoutwhat，therewasleftoftheBarbarians。
Lionsandcorpseswerelyingoverthetractoftheplain，andthedead，weremingledwithclothesandarmour。Nearlyallhadthefaceoran，armwanting;someappearedtobestillintact;otherswerecompletely，driedup，andtheirhelmetswerefilledwithpowderyskulls;feet，whichhadlosttheirfleshstoodoutstraightfromtheknemides;
skeletonsstillworetheircloaks;andbones，cleanedbythesun，made，gleamingspotsinthemidstofthesand。
Thelionswererestingwiththeirbreastsagainstthegroundandboth，pawsstretchedout，winkingtheireyelidsinthebrightdaylight，whichwasheightenedbythereflectionfromthewhiterocks。Others，wereseatedontheirhind-quartersandstaringbeforethem，orelse，weresleeping，rolledintoaballandhalfhiddenbytheirgreat，manes;theyalllookedwellfed，tired，anddull。Theywereas，motionlessasthemountainandthedead。Nightwasfalling;thesky，wasstripedwithbroadredbandsinthewest。
Inoneoftheheaps，whichinanirregularfashionembossedtheplain，somethingroseupvaguerthanaspectre。Thenoneofthelionsset，himselfinmotion，hismonstrousformcuttingablackshadowonthe，backgroundofthepurplesky，andwhenhewasquiteclosetotheman，heknockedhimdownwithasingleblowofhispaw。
Then，stretchinghimselfflatuponhim，heslowlydrewoutthe，entrailswiththeedgeofhisteeth。
Afterwardsheopenedhishugejaws，andforsomeminutesuttereda，lengthenedroarwhichwasrepeatedbytheechoesinthemountain，and，wasfinallylostinthesolitude。
Suddenlysomesmallgravelrolleddownfromabove。Therustlingof，rapidstepswasheard，andinthedirectionoftheportcullisandof，thegorgethereappearedpointedmuzzlesandstraightears，with，gleaming，tawnyeyes。Thesewerethejackalscomingtoeatwhatwas，left。
TheCarthaginian，whowasleaningoverthetopoftheprecipiceto，look，wentbackagain。
CHAPTERXV
MATHO
TherewererejoicingsatCarthage，——rejoicingsdeep，universal，extravagant，frantic;theholesoftheruinshadbeenstoppedup，the，statuesofthegodshadbeenrepainted，thestreetswerestrewnwith，myrtlebranches，incensesmokedatthecornersofthecrossways，and，thethrongontheterraceslooked，intheirvariegatedgarments，like，heapsofflowersbloomingintheair。
Theshoutsofthewater-carrierswateringthepavementroseabovethe，continualscreamingofvoices;slavesbelongingtoHamilcarofferedin，hisnameroastedbarleyandpiecesofrawmeat;peopleaccostedone，another，andembracedoneanotherwithtears;theTyriantownswere，taken，thenomadsdispersed，andalltheBarbariansannihilated。The，Acropoliswashiddenbeneathcolouredvelaria;thebeaksofthe，triremes，drawnupinlineoutsidethemole，shonelikeadykeof，diamonds;everywheretherewasasenseoftherestorationoforder，thebeginningofanewexistence，andthediffusionofvasthappiness：
itwasthedayofSalammbo’smarriagewiththeKingoftheNumidians。
OntheterraceofthetempleofKhamontherewerethreelongtables，ladenwithgiganticplate，atwhichthepriests，Ancients，andthe，richweretosit，andtherewasafourthandhigheroneforHamilcar，Narr’Havas，andSalammbo;forasshehadsavedhercountrybythe，restorationofthezaimph，thepeopleturnedherweddingdayintoa，nationalrejoicing，andwerewaitinginthesquarebelowtillshe，shouldappear。
Buttheirimpatiencewasexcitedbyanotherandmoreacridlonging：
Matho’sdeathhasbeenpromisedfortheceremony。
Ithadbeenproposedatfirsttoflayhimalive，topourleadintohis，entrails，tokillhimwithhunger;heshouldbetiedtoatree，andan，apebehindhimshouldstrikehimontheheadwithastone;hehad，offendedTanith，andthecynocephalusesofTanithshouldavengeher。
Otherswereofopinionthatheshouldbeledaboutonadromedary，afterlinenwicks，dippedinoil，hadbeeninsertedinhisbodyin，severalplaces;——andtheytookpleasureinthethoughtofthelarge，animalwanderingthroughthestreetswiththismanwrithingbeneath，thefireslikeacandelabrumblownaboutbythewind。
Butwhatcitizensshouldbechargedwithhistorture，andwhy，disappointtherest？Theywouldhavelikedakindofdeathinwhich，thewholetownmighttakepart，inwhicheveryhand，everyweapon，everythingCarthaginian，totheverypaving-stonesinthestreetsand，thewavesinthegulf，couldrendhim，andcrushhim，andannihilate，him。AccordinglytheAncientsdecidedthatheshouldgofromhis，prisontothesquareofKhamonwithoutanyescort，andwithhisarms，fastenedtohisback;itwasforbiddentostrikehimtotheheart，in，orderthathemightlivethelonger;toputouthiseyes，sothathe，mightseethetorturethrough;tohurlanythingagainsthisperson，or，tolaymorethanthreefingersuponhimatatime。
Althoughhewasnottoappearuntiltheendoftheday，thepeople，sometimesfanciedthathecouldbeseen，andthecrowdwouldrush，towardstheAcropolis，andemptythestreets，toreturnwith，lengthenedmurmurings。Somepeoplehadremainedstandinginthesame，placesincethedaybefore，andtheywouldcallononeanotherfroma，distanceandshowtheirnailswhichtheyhadallowedtogrow，the，bettertoburythemintohisflesh。Otherswalkedrestlesslyupand，down;somewereaspaleasthoughtheywereawaitingtheirown，execution。
Suddenlyloftyfeatherfansroseabovetheheads，behindtheMappalian，district。ItwasSalammboleavingherpalace;asighofrelieffound，vent。
Buttheprocessionwaslongincoming;itmarchedwithdeliberation。
FirsttherefiledpastthepriestsofthePataecGods，thenthoseof，Eschmoun，ofMelkarth，andalltheothercollegesinsuccession，with，thesameinsignia，andinthesameorderashadbeenobservedatthe，timeofthesacrifice。ThepontiffsofMolochpassedwithheadsbent，andthemultitudestoodasidefromtheminakindofremorse。Butthe，priestsofRabbetnaadvancedwithaproudstep，andwithlyresin，theirhands;thepriestessesfollowedthemintransparentrobesof，yelloworblack，utteringcrieslikebirdsandwrithinglikevipers，orelsewhirlingroundtothesoundofflutestoimitatethedanceof，thestars，whiletheirlightgarmentswaftedpuffsofdelicatescents，throughthestreets。
TheKedeschim，withpaintedeyelids，whosymbolisedthehermaphrodism，oftheDivinity，receivedapplauseamongthesewomen，and，being，perfumedanddressedlikethem，theyresembledtheminspiteoftheir，flatbreastsandnarrowerhips。Moreover，onthisdaythefemale，principledominatedandconfusedallthings;amysticvoluptuousness，movedintheheavyair;thetorcheswerealreadylightedinthedepths，ofthesacredwoods;therewastobeagreatcelebrationthereduring，thenight;threevesselshadbroughtcourtesansfromSicily，and，othershadcomefromthedesert。
Asthecollegesarrivedtheyrangedthemselvesinthecourtsofthe，temples，ontheoutergalleries，andalongdoublestaircaseswhich，roseagainstthewalls，anddrewtogetheratthetop。Filesofwhite，robesappearedbetweenthecolonnades，andthearchitecturewas，peopledwithhumanstatues，motionlessasstatuesofstone。
Thencamethemastersoftheexchequer，thegovernorsofthe，provinces，andalltherich。Agreattumultprevailedbelow。Adjacent，streetsweredischargingthecrowd，hierodulesweredrivingitback，withblowsofsticks;andthenSalammboappearedinalitter，surmountedbyapurplecanopy，andsurroundedbytheAncientscrowned，withtheirgoldentiaras。
Thereuponanimmenseshoutarose;thecymbalsandcrotalasoundedmore，loudly，thetabourinesthundered，andthegreatpurplecanopysank，betweenthetwopylons。
Itappearedagainonthefirstlanding。Salammbowaswalkingslowly，beneathit;thenshecrossedtheterracetotakeherseatbehindona，kindofthronecutoutofthecarapaceofatortoise。Anivorystool，withthreestepswaspushedbeneathherfeet;twoNegrochildrenknelt，ontheedgeofthefirststep，andsometimesshewouldrestbotharms，whichwereladenwithringsofexcessiveweight，upontheirheads。
Fromankletohipshewascoveredwithanetworkofnarrowmeshes，whichwereinimitationoffishscales，andshonelikemother-of-
pearl;herwaistwasclaspedbyabluezone，whichallowedherbreasts，tobeseenthroughtwocrescent-shapedslashings;thenippleswere，hiddenbycarbunclependants。Shehadaheaddressmadeofpeacock’s，feathersstuddedwithgems;anamplecloak，aswhiteassnow，fell，behindher，——andwithherelbowsathersides，herkneespressed，together，andcirclesofdiamondsontheupperpartofherarms，she，remainedperfectlyuprightinahieraticattitude。
Herfatherandherhusbandwereontwolowerseats，Narr’Havas，dressedinalightsimarandwearinghiscrownofrock-salt，from，whichtherestrayedtwotressesofhairastwistedasthehornsof，Ammon;andHamilcarinaviolettunicfiguredwithgoldvinebranches，andwithabattle-swordathisside。
ThepythonofthetempleofEschmounlayonthegroundamidpoolsof，pinkoilinthespaceenclosedbythetables，and，bitingitstail，describedalargeblackcircle。Inthemiddleofthecircletherewas，acopperpillarbearingacrystalegg;and，asthesunshoneuponit，rayswereemittedoneveryside。
BehindSalammbostretchedthepriestsofTanithinlinenrobes;onher，righttheAncients，intheirtiaras，formedagreatgoldline，andon，theothersidetherichwiththeiremeraldsceptresagreatgreen，line，——whilequiteinthebackground，wherethepriestsofMolochwere，ranged，thecloakslookedlikeawallofpurple。Theothercolleges，occupiedthelowerterraces。Themultitudeobstructedthestreets。It，reachedtothehouse-tops，andextendedinlongfilestothesummitof，theAcropolis。Havingthusthepeopleatherfeet，thefirmamentabove，herhead，andaroundhertheimmensityofthesea，thegulf，the，mountains，andthedistantprovinces，Salammboinhersplendourwas，blendedwithTanith，andseemedtheverygeniusofCarthage，andits，embodiedsoul。
Thefeastwastolastallnight，andlampswithseveralbrancheswere，plantedliketreesonthepaintedwoollenclothswhichcoveredthelow，tables。Largeelectrumflagons，blueglassamphoras，tortoise-shell，spoons，andsmallroundloaveswerecrowdedbetweenthedoublerowof，pearl-borderedplates;bunchesofgrapeswiththeirleaveshadbeen，rolledroundivoryvine-stocksafterthefashionofthethyrsus;
blocksofsnowweremeltingonebonytrays，andlemons，pomegranates，gourds，andwatermelonsformedhillocksbeneaththeloftysilver，plate;boarswithopenjawswerewallowinginthedustofspices;
hares，coveredwiththeirfur，appearedtobeboundingamidthe，flowers;therewereshellsfilledwithforcemeat;thepastryhad，symbolicshapes;whenthecoversofthedisheswereremoveddovesflew，out。
Theslaves，meanwhile，withtunicstuckedup，weregoingabouton，tiptoe;fromtimetotimeahymnsoundedonthelyres，orachoirof，voicesrose。Theclamourofthepeople，continuousasthenoiseofthe，sea，floatedvaguelyaroundthefeast，andseemedtolullitina，broaderharmony;somerecalledthebanquetoftheMercenaries;they，gavethemselvesuptodreamsofhappiness;thesunwasbeginningtogo，down，andthecrescentofthemoonwasalreadyrisinginanotherpart，ofthesky。
ButSalammboturnedherheadasthoughsomeonehadcalledher;the，people，whowerewatchingher，followedthedirectionofhereyes。
Thedoorofthedungeon，hewnintherockatthefootofthetemple，onthesummitoftheAcropolis，hadjustopened;andamanwas，standingonthethresholdofthisblackhole。
Hecameforthbentdouble，withthescaredlookoffallowdeerwhen，suddenlyenlarged。
Thelightdazzledhim;hestoodmotionlessawhile。Allhadrecognised，him，andtheyheldtheirbreath。
Intheireyesthebodyofthisvictimwassomethingpeculiarlytheirs，andwasadornedwithalmostreligioussplendour。Theybentforwardto，seehim，especiallythewomen。Theyburnedtogazeuponhimwhohad，causedthedeathsoftheirchildrenandhusbands;andfromthebottom，oftheirsoulstheresprangupinspiteofthemselvesaninfamous，curiosity，adesiretoknowhimcompletely，awishmingledwith，remorsewhichturnedtoincreasedexecration。
Atlastheadvanced;thenthestupefactionofsurprisedisappeared。
Numbersofarmswereraised，andhewaslosttosight。
ThestaircaseoftheAcropolishadsixtysteps。Hedescendedthemas，thoughhewererolleddowninatorrentfromthetopofamountain;
threetimeshewasseentoleap，andthenhealightedbelowonhis，feet。
Hisshoulderswerebleeding，hisbreastwaspantingwithgreatshocks;
andhemadesucheffortstobursthisbondsthathisarms，whichwere，crossedonhisnakedloins，swelledlikepiecesofaserpent。
Severalstreetsbeganinfrontofhim，leadingfromthespotatwhich，hefoundhimself。Ineachofthematriplerowofbronzechains，fastenedtothenavelsofthePataecgodsextendedinparallellines，fromoneendtotheother;thecrowdwasmassedagainstthehouses，andservants，belongingtotheAncients，walkedinthemiddle，brandishingthongs。
Oneofthemdrovehimforwardwithagreatblow;Mathobegantomove。
Theythrusttheirarmsoverthechainsshoutingoutthattheroadhad，beenlefttoowideforhim;andhepassedalong，felt，pricked，and，slashedbyallthosefingers;whenhereachedtheendofonestreet，anotherappeared;severaltimesheflunghimselftoonesidetobite，them;theyspeedilydispersed，thechainsheldhimback，andthecrowd，burstoutlaughing。
Achildrenthisear;ayounggirl，hidingthepointofaspindlein，hersleeve，splithischeek;theytorehandfulsofhairfromhimand，stripsofflesh;otherssmearedhisfacewithspongessteepedinfilth，andfasteneduponsticks。Astreamofbloodstartedfromtheright，sideofhisneck，frenzyimmediatelysetin。ThislastBarbarianwas，tothemarepresentativeofalltheBarbarians，andallthearmy;they，weretakingvengeanceonhimfortheirdisasters，theirterrors，and，theirshame。Therageofthemobdevelopedwithitsgratification;the，curvingchainswereover-strained，andwereonthepointofbreaking;
thepeopledidnotfeeltheblowsoftheslaveswhostruckatthemto，drivethemback;someclungtotheprojectionsofthehouses;allthe，openingsinthewallswerestoppedupwithheads;andtheyhowledat，himthemischiefthattheycouldnotinflictuponhim。
Itwasatrocious，filthyabusemingledwithironicalencouragements，andimprecations;and，hispresenttorturesnotbeingenoughforthem，theyforetoldtohimothersthatshouldbestillmoreterriblein，eternity。
ThisvastbayingfilledCarthagewithstupidcontinuity。Frequentlya，singlesyllable——ahoarse，deep，andfranticintonation——wouldbe，repeatedforseveralminutesbytheentirepeople。Thewallswould，vibratewithitfromtoptobottom，andbothsidesofthestreetwould，seemtoMathotobecomingagainsthim，andcarryinghimoffthe，ground，liketwoimmensearmsstiflinghimintheair。
Neverthelessherememberedthathehadexperiencedsomethinglikeit，before。Thesamecrowdwasontheterraces，therewerethesamelooks，andthesamewrath;butthenhehadwalkedfree，allhadthen，dispersed，foragodcoveredhim;——andtherecollectionofthis，gainingprecisionbydegrees，broughtacrushingsadnessuponhim。
Shadowspassedbeforehiseyes;thetownwhirledroundinhishead，hisbloodstreamedfromawoundinhiship，hefeltthathewasdying;
hishamsbent，andhesankquitegentlyuponthepavement。
SomeonewenttotheperistyleofthetempleofMelkarth，tookthence，thebarofatripod，heatedredhotinthecoals，and，slippingit，beneaththefirstchain，presseditagainsthiswound。Thefleshwas，seentosmoke;thehootingsofthepeopledrownedhisvoice;hewas，standingagain。
Sixpacesfurtheron，andhefellathirdandagainafourthtime;but，somenewtorturealwaysmadehimrise。Theydischargedlittledropsof，boilingoilthroughtubesathim;theystrewedpiecesofbrokenglass，beneathhisfeet;stillhewalkedon。Atthecornerofthestreetof，Sathebheleanedhisbackagainstthewallbeneaththepent-houseofa，shop，andadvancednofurther。
TheslavesoftheCouncilstruckhimwiththeirwhipsofhippopotamus，leather，sofuriouslyandlongthatthefringesoftheirtunicswere，drenchedwithsweat。Mathoappearedinsensible;suddenlyhestarted，offandbegantorunatrandom，makinganoisewithhislipslikeone，shiveringwithseverecold。HethreadedthestreetofBoudes，andthe，streetofSoepo，crossedtheGreenMarket，andreachedthesquareof，Khamon。
Henowbelongedtothepriests;theslaveshadjustdispersedthe，crowd，andtherewasmoreroom。Mathogazedroundhimandhiseyes，encounteredSalammbo。
Atthefirststepthathehadtakenshehadrisen;then，ashe，approached，shehadinvoluntarilyadvancedbydegreestotheedgeof，theterrace;andsoonallexternalthingswereblottedout，andshe，sawonlyMatho。Silencefellinhersoul，——oneofthoseabysses，whereinthewholeworlddisappearsbeneaththepressureofasingle，thought，amemory，alook。Thismanwhowaswalkingtowardsher，attractedher。
Exceptinghiseyeshehadnoappearanceofhumanityleft;hewasa，long，perfectlyredshape;hisbrokenbondshungdownhisthighs，but，theycouldnotbedistinguishedfromthetendonsofhiswrists，which，werelaidquitebare;hismouthremainedwideopen;fromhiseye-
socketstheredartedflameswhichseemedtoriseuptohishair;——and，thewretchstillwalkedon！
Hereachedthefootoftheterrace。Salammbowasleaningoverthe，balustrade;thosefrightfuleyeballswerescanningher，andthererose，withinheraconsciousnessofallthathehadsufferedforher。
Althoughhewasinhisdeathagonyshecouldseehimoncemore，kneelinginhistent，encirclingherwaistwithhisarms，and，stammeringoutgentlewords;shethirstedtofeelthemandhearthem，again;shedidnotwanthimtodie！AtthismomentMathogaveagreat，start;shewasonthepointofshriekingaloud。Hefellbackwardsand，didnotstiragain。
Salammbowasborneback，nearlyswooning，toherthronebythepriests，whoflockedabouther。Theycongratulatedher;itwasherwork。All，clappedtheirhandsandstampedtheirfeet，howlinghername。
Amandarteduponthecorpse。Althoughhehadnobeardhehadthe，cloakofapriestofMolochonhisshoulder，andinhisbeltthat，speciesofknifewhichtheyemployedforcuttingupthesacredmeat，andwhichterminated，attheendofthehandle，inagoldenspatula。
HecleftMatho’sbreastwithasingleblow，thensnatchedoutthe，heartandlaidituponthespoon;andSchahabarim，upliftinghisarm，offeredittothesun。
Thesunsankbehindthewaves;hisraysfelllikelongarrowsuponthe，redheart。Asthebeatingsdiminishedtheplanetsankintothesea;
andatthelastpalpitationitdisappeared。
Thenfromthegulftothelagoon，andfromtheisthmustothepharos，inallthestreets，onallthehouses，andonallthetemples，there，wasasingleshout;sometimesitpaused，tobeagainrenewed;the，buildingsshookwithit;Carthagewasconvulsed，asitwere，inthe，spasmofTitanicjoyandboundlesshope。
Narr’Havas，drunkwithpride，passedhisleftarmbeneathSalammbo’s，waistintokenofpossession;andtakingagoldpaterainhisright，hand，hedranktotheGeniusofCarthage。
Salammboroselikeherhusband，withacupinherhand，todrinkalso。
Shefelldownagainwithherheadlyingoverthebackofthethrone，——
pale，stiff，withpartedlips，——andherloosenedhairhungtothe，ground。
ThusdiedHamilcar’sdaughterforhavingtouchedthemantleofTanith。
End
