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