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