第3章
Helookedtheminthefacewithoutspeaking，withhisgreatyellow，eyes，andhislongfacethatwaspalerthanhisbeard。Anarrow，held，byitsfeathers，hungfromthelargegoldringinhisear，anda，streamofbloodwastricklingfromhistiarauponhisshoulder。
AtagesturefromMathoalladvanced。Giscoheldouthisarms;
Spendiustiedhiswristswithaslipknot;anotherknockedhimdown，andhedisappearedamidthedisorderofthecrowdwhichwasstumbling，overtheknapsacks。
Theysackedhistent。Nothingwasfoundinitexceptthings，indispensabletolife;and，onaclosersearch，threeimagesof，Tanith，and，wrappedupinanape’sskin，ablackstonewhichhad，fallenfromthemoon。ManyCarthaginianshadchosentoaccompanyhim;
theywereeminentmen，andallbelongedtothewarparty。
Theyweredraggedoutsidethetentsandthrownintothepitusedfor，thereceptionoffilth。Theyweretiedwithironchainsaroundthe，bodytosolidstakes，andwereofferedfoodatthepointofthe，javelin。
Autaritusoverwhelmedthemwithinvectivesasheinspectedthem，but，beingquiteignorantofhislanguagetheymadenoreply;andtheGaul，fromtimetotimethrewpebblesattheirfacestomakethemcryout。
Thenextdayasortoflanguortookpossessionofthearmy。Nowthat，theirangerwasovertheywereseizedwithanxiety。Mathowas，sufferingfromvaguemelancholy。ItseemedtohimthatSalammbohad，indirectlybeeninsulted。Theserichmenwereakindofappendageto，herperson。Hesatdowninthenightontheedgeofthepit，and，recognisedintheirgroaningssomethingofthevoiceofwhichhis，heartwasfull。
All，however，upbraidedtheLibyans，whoalonehadbeenpaid。But，whilenationalantipathiesrevived，togetherwithpersonalhatreds，it，wasfeltthatitwouldbeperiloustogivewaytothem。Reprisals，aftersuchanoutragewouldbeformidable。Itwasnecessary，therefore，toanticipatethevengeanceofCarthage。Conventionsand，haranguesneverceased。Everyonespoke，noonewaslistenedto;
Spendius，usuallysoloquacious，shookhisheadateveryproposal。
OneeveningheaskedMathocarelesslywhethertherewerenotsprings，intheinteriorofthetown。
“Notone！”repliedMatho。
ThenextdaySpendiusdrewhimasidetothebankofthelake。
“Master！”saidtheformerslave，“Ifyourheartisdauntless，Iwill，bringyouintoCarthage。”
“How？”repeatedtheother，panting。
“Sweartoexecuteallmycommandsandtofollowmelikeashadow！”
ThenMatho，raisinghisarmtowardstheplanetofChabar，exclaimed：
“ByTanith，Iswear！”
Spendiusresumed：
“To-morrowaftersunsetyouwillwaitformeatthefootofthe，aqueductbetweentheninthandtentharcades。Bringwithyouaniron，pick，acrestlesshelmet，andleathernsandals。”
Theaqueductofwhichhespokecrossedtheentireisthmusobliquely，——
aconsiderablework，afterwardsenlargedbytheRomans。Inspiteof，herdisdainofothernations，Carthagehadawkwardlyborrowedthis，novelinventionfromthem，justasRomeherselfhadbuiltPunic，galleys;andfiverowsofsuperposedarches，ofadumpykindof，architecture，withbuttressesattheirfootandlions’headsatthe，top，reachedtothewesternpartoftheAcropolis，wheretheysank，beneaththetowntoinclinewhatwasnearlyariverintothecisterns，ofMegara。
SpendiusmetMathohereatthehouragreedupon。Hefastenedasortof，harpoontotheendofacordandwhirleditrapidlylikeasling;the，ironinstrumentcaughtfast，andtheybegantoclimbupthewall，the，oneaftertheother。
Butwhentheyhadascendedtothefirststorythecrampfellback，everytimethattheythrewit，andinordertodiscoversomefissure，theyhadtowalkalongtheedgeofthecornice。Ateveryrowofarches，theyfoundthatitbecamenarrower。Thenthecordrelaxed。Several，timesitnearlybroke。
Atlasttheyreachedtheupperplatform。Spendiusstoopeddownfrom，timetotimetofeelthestoneswithhishand。
“Hereitis，“hesaid;“letusbegin！”Andleaningonthepickwhich，Mathohadbroughttheysucceededindislodgingoneoftheflagstones。
Inthedistancetheyperceivedatroopofhorse-mengallopingon，horseswithoutbridles。Theirgoldenbraceletsleapedinthevague，drapingsoftheircloaks。Amancouldbeseeninfrontcrownedwith，ostrichfeathers，andgallopingwithalanceineachhand。
“Narr’Havas！”exclaimedMatho。
“Whatmatter？”returnedSpendius，andheleapedintotheholewhich，theyhadjustmadebyremovingtheflagstone。
Mathoathiscommandtriedtothrustoutoneoftheblocks。Buthe，couldnotmovehiselbowsforwantofroom。
“Weshallreturn，“saidSpendius;“goinfront。”Thentheyventured，intothechannelofwater。
Itreachedtotheirwaists。Soontheystaggered，andwereobligedto，swim。Theirlimbsknockedagainstthewallsofthenarrowduct。The，waterflowedalmostimmediatelybeneaththestonesabove，andtheir，facesweretornbythem。Thenthecurrentcarriedthemaway。Their，breastswerecrushedwithairheavierthanthatofasepulchre，and，stretchingthemselvesoutasmuchaspossiblewiththeirheadsbetween，theirarmsandtheirlegsclosetogether，theypassedlikearrowsinto，thedarkness，choking，gurgling，andalmostdead。Suddenlyallbecame，blackbeforethem，andthespeedofthewatersredoubled。Theyfell。
Whentheycametothesurfaceagain，theyremainedforafewminutes，extendedontheirbacks，inhalingtheairdelightfully。Arcades，one，behindanother，openedupamidlargewallsseparatingthevarious，basins。Allwerefilled，andthewaterstretchedinasinglesheet，throughoutthelengthofthecisterns。Throughtheair-holesinthe，cupolasontheceilingtherefellapalebrightnesswhichspreadupon，thewavesdiscs，asitwere，oflight，whilethedarknessroundabout，thickenedtowardsthewallsandthrewthembacktoanindefinite，distance。Theslightestsoundmadeagreatecho。
SpendiusandMathocommencedtoswimagain，andpassingthroughthe，openingofthearches，traversedseveralchambersinsuccession。Two，otherrowsofsmallerbasinsextendedinaparalleldirectiononeach，side。Theylostthemselves;theyturned，andcamebackagain。Atlast，somethingofferedaresistancetotheirheels。Itwasthepavementof，thegallerythatranalongthecisterns。
Then，advancingwithgreatprecautions，theyfeltalongthewallto，findanoutlet。Buttheirfeetslipped，andtheyfellintothegreat，centre-basins。Theyhadtoclimbupagain，andtheretheyfellagain。
Theyexperiencedterriblefatigue，whichmadethemfeelasifall，theirlimbshadbeendissolvedinthewaterwhileswimming。Theireyes，closed;theywereintheagoniesofdeath。
Spendiusstruckhishandagainstthebarsofagrating。Theyshookit，itgaveway，andtheyfoundthemselvesonthestepsofastaircase。A
doorofbronzecloseditabove。Withthepointofadaggertheymoved，thebar，whichwasopenedfromwithout，andsuddenlythepureopenair，surroundedthem。
Thenightwasfilledwithsilence，andtheskyseemedatan，extraordinaryheight。Clustersoftreesprojectedoverthelonglines，ofwalls。Thewholetownwasasleep。Thefiresoftheoutpostsshone，likeloststars。
Spendius，whohadspentthreeyearsintheergastulum，wasbut，imperfectlyacquaintedwiththedifferentquarters。Mathoconjectured，thattoreachHamilcar’spalacetheyoughttostriketotheleftand，crosstheMappaliandistrict。
“No，“saidSpendius，“takemetothetempleofTanith。”
Mathowishedtospeak。
“Remember！”saidtheformerslave，andraisinghisarmheshowedhim，theglitteringplanetofChabar。
ThenMathoturnedinsilencetowardstheAcropolis。
Theycreptalongthenopalhedgeswhichborderedthepaths。Thewater，trickledfromtheirlimbsuponthedust。Theirdampsandalsmadeno，noise;Spendius，witheyesthatflamedmorethantorches，searchedthe，bushesateverystep;——andhewalkedbehindMathowithhishands，restingonthetwodaggerswhichhecarriedonhisarms，andwhich，hungfrombelowthearmpitbyaleathernband。
CHAPTERV
TANITH
AfterleavingthegardensMathoandSpendiusfoundthemselveschecked，bytherampartofMegara。Buttheydiscoveredabreachinthegreat，wallandpassedthrough。
Thegroundslopeddownwards，formingakindofverybroadvalley。It，wasanexposedplace。
“Listen，“saidSpendius，“andfirstofallfearnothing！Ishall，fulfilmypromise——“
Hestoppedabruptly，andseemedtoreflectasthoughsearchingfor，words，——“DoyourememberthattimeatsunrisewhenIshowedCarthage，toyouonSalammbo’sterrace？Wewerestrongthatday，butyouwould，listentonothing！”Theninagravevoice：“Master，inthesanctuary，ofTaniththereisamysteriousveil，whichfellfromheavenandwhich，coversthegoddess。”
“Iknow，“saidMatho。
Spendiusresumed：“Itisitselfdivine，foritformspartofher。The，godsresidewheretheirimagesare。ItisbecauseCarthagepossesses，itthatCarthageispowerful。”Thenleaningovertohisear：“Ihave，broughtyouwithmetocarryitoff！”
Mathorecoiledinhorror。“Begone！lookforsomeoneelse！Iwillnot，helpyouinthisexecrablecrime！”
“ButTanithisyourenemy，“retortedSpendius;“sheispersecutingyou，andyouaredyingthroughherwrath。Youwillberevengeduponher。
Shewillobeyyou，andyouwillbecomealmostimmortaland，invincible。”
Mathobenthishead。Spendiuscontinued：
“Weshouldsuccumb;thearmywouldbeannihilatedofitself。Wehave，neitherflight，norsuccour，norpardontohopefor！Whatchastisement，fromthegodscanyoubeafraidofsinceyouwillhavetheirpowerin，yourownhands？Wouldyouratherdieontheeveningofadefeat，in，miserybeneaththeshelterofabush，oramidtheoutragesofthe，populaceandtheflamesoffuneralpiles？Master，onedayyouwill，enterCarthageamongthecollegesofthepontiffs，whowillkissyour，sandals;andiftheveilofTanithweighsuponyoustill，youwill，reinstateitinitstemple。Followme！comeandtakeit。”
Mathowasconsumedbyaterriblelonging。Hewouldhavelikedto，possesstheveilwhilerefrainingfromthesacrilege。Hesaidto，himselfthatperhapsitwouldnotbenecessarytotakeitinorderto，monopoliseitsvirtue。Hedidnotgotothebottomofhisthoughtbut，stoppedattheboundary，whereitterrifiedhim。
“Comeon！”hesaid;andtheywentoffwithrapidstrides，sideby，side，andwithoutspeaking。
Thegroundroseagain，andthedwellingswerenear。Theyturnedagain，intothenarrowstreetsamidthedarkness。Thestripsofesparto-grass，withwhichthedoorswereclosed，beatagainstthewalls。Somecamels，wereruminatinginasquarebeforeheapsofcutgrass。Thenthey，passedbeneathagallerycoveredwithfoliage。Apackofdogswere，barking。Butsuddenlythespacegrewwiderandtheyrecognisedthe，westernfaceoftheAcropolis。AtthefootofByrsatherestretcheda，longblackmass：itwasthetempleofTanith，awholemadeupof，monumentsandgalleries，courtsandfore-courts，andboundedbyalow，wallofdrystones。SpendiusandMatholeapedoverit。
Thisfirstbarrierenclosedawoodofplane-treesasaprecaution，againstplagueandinfectionintheair。Tentswerescatteredhereand，there，inwhich，duringthedaytime，depilatorypastes，perfumes，garments，moon-shapedcakes，andimagesofthegoddesswith，representationsofthetemplehollowedoutinblocksofalabaster，wereonsale。
Theyhadnothingtofear，foronnightswhentheplanetdidnot，appear，allritesweresuspended;neverthelessMathoslackenedhis，speed，andstoppedbeforethethreeebonystepsleadingtothesecond，enclosure。
“Forward！”saidSpendius。
Pomegranate，almondtrees，cypressesandmyrtlesalternatedinregular，succession;thepath，whichwaspavedwithbluepebbles，creaked，beneaththeirfootsteps，andfull-blownrosesformedahangingbower，overthewholelengthoftheavenue。Theyarrivedbeforeanovalhole，protectedbyagrating。ThenMatho，whowasfrightenedbythesilence，saidtoSpendius：
“Itisherethattheymixthefreshwaterandthebitter。”
“Ihaveseenallthat，“returnedtheformerslave，“inSyria，inthe，townofMaphug“;andtheyascendedintothethirdenclosurebya，staircaseofsixsilversteps。
Ahugecedaroccupiedthecentre。Itslowestbrancheswerehidden，beneathscrapsofmaterialandnecklaceshunguponthembythe，faithful。Theywalkedafewstepsfurtheron，andthefrontofthe，templewasdisplayedbeforethem。
Twolongporticoes，withtheirarchitravesrestingondumpypillars，flankedaquadrangulartower，theplatformofwhichwasadornedwith，thecrescentofamoon。Ontheanglesoftheporticoesandatthefour，cornersofthetowerstoodvasesfilledwithkindledaromatics。The，capitalswereladenwithpomegranatesandcoloquintidas。Twining，knots，lozenges，androwsofpearlsalternatedonthewalls，anda，hedgeofsilverfiligreeformedawidesemicircleinfrontofthe，brassstaircasewhichleddownfromthevestibule。
Therewasaconeofstoneattheentrancebetweenastelaofgoldand，oneofemerald，andMathokissedhisrighthandashepassedbeside，it。
Thefirstroomwasverylofty;itsvaultedroofwaspiercedby，numberlessapertures，andiftheheadwereraisedthestarsmightbe，seen。Allroundthewallrushbasketswereheapedupwiththefirst，fruitsofadolescenceintheshapeofbeardsandcurlsofhair;andin，thecentreofthecircularapartmentthebodyofawomanissuedfroma，sheathwhichwascoveredwithbreasts。Fat，bearded，andwitheyelids，downcast，shelookedasthoughsheweresmiling，whileherhandswere，crosseduponthelowerpartofherbigbody，whichwaspolishedbythe，kissesofthecrowd。
Thentheyfoundthemselvesagainintheopenairinatransverse，corridor，whereintherewasanaltarofsmalldimensionsleaning，againstanivorydoor。Therewasnofurtherpassage;thepriestsalone，couldopenit;forthetemplewasnotaplaceofmeetingforthe，multitude，buttheprivateabodeofadivinity。
“Theenterpriseisimpossible，“saidMatho。“Youhadnotthoughtof，this！Letusgoback！”Spendiuswasexaminingthewalls。
Hewantedtheveil，notbecausehehadconfidenceinitsvirtue，(SpendiusbelievedonlyintheOracle)，butbecausehewaspersuaded，thattheCarthaginianswouldbegreatlydismayedonseeingthemselves，deprivedofit。Theywalkedallroundbehindinordertofindsome，outlet。
Aediculesofdifferentshapeswerevisiblebeneathclustersof，turpentinetrees。Hereandthereroseastonephallus，andlargestags，roamedpeacefullyabout，spurningthefallenfir-coneswiththeir，clovenhoofs。
Buttheyretracedtheirstepsbetweentwolonggallerieswhichran，paralleltoeachother。Thereweresmallopencellsalongtheirsides，andtabourinesandcymbalshungagainsttheircedarcolumnsfromtop，tobottom。Womenweresleepingstretchedonmatsoutsidethecells。
Theirbodiesweregreasywithunguents，andexhaledanodourofspices，andextinguishedperfuming-pans;whiletheyweresocoveredwith，tattooings，necklaces，rings，vermilion，andantimonythat，butfor，themotionoftheirbreasts，theymighthavebeentakenforidolsas，theylaythusontheground。Therewerelotus-treesencirclinga，fountaininwhichfishlikeSalammbo’swereswimming;andtheninthe，background，againstthewallofthetemple，spreadavine，the，branchesofwhichwereofglassandthegrape-bunchesofemerald，the，raysfromthepreciousstonesmakingaplayoflightthroughthe，paintedcolumnsuponthesleepingfaces。
Mathofeltsuffocatedinthewarmatmospherepresseddownuponhimby，thecedarpartitions。Allthesesymbolsoffecundation，these，perfumes，radiations，andbreathingsoverwhelmedhim。Throughallthe，mysticdazzlinghekeptthinkingofSalammbo。Shebecameconfusedwith，thegoddessherself，andhislovedunfoldeditselfallthemore，like，thegreatlotus-plantsbloominguponthedepthsofthewaters。
Spendiuswascalculatinghowmuchmoneyhewouldhavemadeinformer，daysbythesaleofthesewomen;andwitharapidglanceheestimated，theweightofthegoldennecklacesashepassedby。
Thetemplewasimpenetrableonthissideasontheother，andthey，returnedbehindthefirstchamber。WhileSpendiuswassearchingand，ferreting，MathowasprostratebeforethedoorsupplicatingTanith。He，besoughthernottopermitthesacrilege，andstrovetosoftenher，withcaressingwords，suchasareusedtoanangryperson。
Spendiusnoticedanarrowapertureabovethedoor。
“Rise！”hesaidtoMatho，andhemadehimstanderectwithhisback，againstthewall。Placingonefootinhishands，andthentheother，uponhishead，hereacheduptotheair-hole，madehiswayintoitand，disappeared。ThenMathofeltaknottedcord——thatonewhichSpendius，hadrolledaroundhisbodybeforeenteringthecisterns——falluponhis，shoulders，andbearinguponitwithbothhandshesoonfoundhimself，bythesideoftheotherinalargehallfilledwithshadow。
Suchanattemptwassomethingextraordinary。Theinadequacyofthe，meansforpreventingitwasasufficientproofthatitwasconsidered，impossible。Thesanctuarieswereprotectedbyterrormorethanby，theirwalls。Mathoexpectedtodieateverystep。
Howeveralightwasflickeringfarbackinthedarkness，andtheywent，uptoit。Itwasalampburninginashellonthepedestalofastatue，whichworethecapoftheKabiri。Itslongbluerobewasstrewnwith，diamonddiscs，anditsheelswerefastenedtothegroundbychains，whichsankbeneaththepavement。Mathosuppressedacry。“Ah！there，sheis！theresheis！”hestammeredout。Spendiustookupthelampin，ordertolighthimself。
“Whatanimpiousmanyouare！”murmuredMatho，followinghim，nevertheless。
Theapartmentwhichtheyenteredhadnothinginitbutablack，paintingrepresentinganotherwoman。Herlegsreachedtothetopof，thewall，andherbodyfilledtheentireceiling;ahugeegghungbya，threadfromhernavel，andshefellheaddownwardsupontheother，wall，reachingasfarasthelevelofthepavement，whichwastouched，byherpointedfingers。
Theydrewahangingaside，inordertogoonfurther;butthewind，blewandthelightwentout。
Thentheywanderedabout，lostinthecomplicationsofthe，architecture。Suddenlytheyfeltsomethingstrangelysoftbeneath，theirfeet。Sparkscrackledandleaped;theywerewalkinginfire。
Spendiustouchedthegroundandperceivedthatitwascarefully，carpetedwithlynxskins;thenitseemedtothemthatabigcord，wet，cold，andviscous，wasglidingbetweentheirlegs。Throughsome，fissurescutinthewalltherefellthinwhiterays，andtheyadvanced，bythisuncertainlight。Atlasttheydistinguishedalargeblack，serpent。Itdartedquicklyawayanddisappeared。
“Letusfly！”exclaimedMatho。“Itisshe！Ifeelher;sheiscoming。”
“No，no，“repliedSpendius，“thetempleisempty。”
Thenadazzlinglightmadethemlowertheireyes。Nexttheyperceived，allaroundthemaninfinitenumberofbeasts，lean，panting，with，bristlingclaws，andmingledtogetheroneaboveanotherina，mysteriousandterrifyingconfusion。Therewereserpentswithfeet，andbullswithwings，fisheswithhumanheadsweredevouringfruit，flowerswerebloominginthejawsofcrocodiles，andelephantswith，upliftedtrunksweresailingproudlythroughtheazurelikeeagles。
Theirincompleteormultipliedlimbsweredistendedwithterrible，exertion。Astheythrustouttheirtonguestheylookedasthoughthey，wouldfaingiveforththeirsouls;andeveryshapewastobefound，amongthemasifthegerm-receptaclehadbeensuddenlyhatchedandhad，burst，emptyingitselfuponthewallsofthehall。
Roundthelatterweretwelveglobesofbluecrystal，supportedby，monstersresemblingtigers。Theireyeballswerestartingoutoftheir，headslikethoseofsnails，withtheirdumpyloinsbenttheywere，turningroundtowardsthebackgroundwherethesupremeRabbet，the，Omnifecund，thelastinvented，shonesplendidinachariotofivory。
Shewascoveredwithscales，feathers，flowers，andbirdsashighas，thewaist。Forearringsshehadsilvercymbals，whichflappedagainst，hercheeks。Herlargefixedeyesgazeduponyou，andaluminousstone，setinanobscenesymbolonherbrow，lightedthewholehallbyits，reflectioninredcoppermirrorsabovethedoor。
Mathostoodastepforward;butaflagstoneyieldedbeneathhisheels，andimmediatelythespheresbegantorevolveandthemonsterstoroar;
musicrosemelodiousandpealing，liketheharmonyoftheplanets;the，tumultuoussoulofTanithwaspouredstreamingforth。Shewasaboutto，arise，asloftyasthehallandwithopenarms。Suddenlythemonsters，closedtheirjawsandthecrystalglobesrevolvednomore。
Thenamournfulmodulationlingeredforatimethroughtheairandat，lastdiedaway。
“Andtheveil？”saidSpendius。
Nowherecoulditbeseen。Wherewasittobefound？Howcoulditbe，discovered？Whatifthepriestshadhiddenit？Mathoexperienced，anguishofheartandfeltasthoughhehadbeendeceivedinhis，belief。
“Thisway！”whisperedSpendius。Aninspirationguidedhim。Hedrew，MathobehindTanith’schariot，whereacleftacubitwiderandownthe，wallfromtoptobottom。
Thentheypenetratedintoasmallandcompletelycircularroom，so，loftythatitwasliketheinteriorofapillar。Inthecentrethere，wasabigblackstone，ofsemisphericalshapelikeatabourine;flames，wereburninguponit;anebonycone，bearingaheadandtwoarms，rose，behind。
Butbeyonditseemedasthoughtherewereacloudwhereinwere，twinklingstars;facesappearedinthedepthsofitsfolds——Eschmoun，withtheKabiri，someofthemonstersthathadalreadybeenseen，the，sacredbeastsoftheBabylonians，andotherswithwhichtheywerenot，acquainted。Itpassedbeneaththeidol’sfacelikeamantle，and，spreadfullyoutwasdrawnuponthewalltowhichitwasfastenedby，thecorners，appearingatoncebluishasthenight，yellowasthe，dawn，purpleasthesun，multitudinous，diaphanous，sparklinglight。
Itwasthemantleofthegoddess，theholyzaimphwhichmightnotbe，seen。
Bothturnedpale。
“Takeit！”saidMathoatlast。
Spendiusdidnothesitate，andleaningupontheidolheunfastenedthe，veil，whichsanktotheground。Matholaidhishanduponit;thenhe，puthisheadthroughtheopening，thenhewrappeditabouthisbody，andhespreadouthisarmsthebettertoviewit。
“Letusgo！”saidSpendius。
Mathostoodpantingwithhiseyesfixeduponthepavement。Suddenlyhe，exclaimed：
“ButwhatifIwenttoher？Ifearherbeautynolonger！Whatcould，shedotome？Iamnowmorethanaman。Icouldpassthroughflamesor，walkuponthesea！Iamtransported！Salammbo！Salammbo！Iamyour，master！”
Hisvoicewaslikethunder。HeseemedtoSpendiustohavegrowntaller，andtransformed。
Asoundoffootstepsdrewnear，adooropened，andamanappeared，a，priestwithloftycapandstaringeyes。Beforehecouldmakeagesture，Spendiushadrusheduponhim，andclaspinghiminhisarmshadburied，bothhisdaggersinhissides。Hisheadranguponthepavement。
Thentheystoodforawhile，asmotionlessasthecorpse，listening。
Nothingcouldbeheardbutthemurmuringofthewindthroughthehalf-
openeddoor。
Thelatterledintoanarrowpassage。Spendiusadvancedalongit，Mathofollowedhim，andtheyfoundthemselvesalmostimmediatelyin，thethirdenclosure，betweenthelateralporticoes，inwhichwerethe，dwellingsofthepriests。
Behindthecellstheremustbeashorterwayout。Theyhastenedalong。
Spendiussquatteddownattheedgeofthefountainandwashedhis，bloodstainedhands。Thewomenslept。Theemeraldvineshone。They，resumedtheiradvance。
Butsomethingwasrunningbehindthemunderthetrees;andMatho，who，boretheveil，severaltimesfeltthatitwasbeingpulledverygently，frombelow。Itwasalargecynocephalus，oneofthosewhichdweltat，libertywithintheenclosureofthegoddess。Itclungtothemantleas，thoughithadbeenconsciousofthetheft。Theydidnotdaretostrike，it，however，fearingthatitmightredoubleitscries;suddenlyits，angersubsided，andittrottedclosebesidethemswingingitsbody，withitslonghangingarms。Thenatthebarrieritleapedatabound，intoapalmtree。
Whentheyhadleftthelastenclosuretheydirectedtheirsteps，towardsHamilcar’spalace，Spendiusunderstandingthatitwouldbe，uselesstotrytodissuadeMatho。
TheywentbythestreetoftheTanners，thesquareofMuthumbal，the，greenmarketandthecrosswaysofCynasyn。Attheangleofawalla，mandrewbackfrightenedbythesparklingthingwhichpiercedthe，darkness。
“Hidethezaimph！”saidSpendius。
Otherpeoplepassedthem，butwithoutperceivingthem。
AtlasttheyrecognisedthehousesofMegara。
Thepharos，whichwasbuiltbehindthemonthesummitofthecliff，lituptheheavenswithagreatredbrightness，andtheshadowofthe，palace，withitsrisingterraces，projectedamonstrouspyramid，asit，were，uponthegardens。Theyenteredthroughthehedgeofjujube-
trees，beatingdownthebrancheswithblowsofthedagger。
ThetracesofthefeastoftheMercenarieswereeverywherestill，manifest。Theparkswerebrokenup，thetrenchesdrained，thedoorsof，theergastulumopen。Noonewastobeseenaboutthekitchensor，cellars。Theywonderedatthesilence，whichwasoccasionallybroken，bythehoarsebreathingoftheelephantsmovingintheirshackles，and，thecrepitationofthepharos，inwhichapileofaloeswasburning。
Matho，however，keptrepeating：
“Butwhereisshe？Iwishtoseeher！Leadme！”
“Itisapieceofinsanity！”Spendiuskeptsaying。“Shewillcall，her，slaveswillrunup，andinspiteofyourstrengthyouwilldie！”
Theyreachedthusthegalleystaircase。Mathoraisedhishead，and，thoughtthathecouldperceivefaraboveavaguebrightness，radiant，andsoft。Spendiussoughttorestrainhim，buthedashedupthesteps。
Ashefoundhimselfagaininplaceswherehehadalreadyseenher，the，intervalofthedaysthathadpassedwasobliteratedfromhismemory。
Butnowhadshebeensingingamongthetables;shehaddisappeared，andhehadsincebeencontinuallyascendingthisstaircase。Thesky，abovehisheadwascoveredwithfires;theseafilledthehorizon;at，eachstephewassurroundedbyastillgreaterimmensity，andhe，continuedtoclimbupwardwiththatstrangefacilitywhichwe，experienceindreams。
Therustlingoftheveilasitbrushedagainstthestonesrecalledhis，newpowertohim;butintheexcessofhishopehecouldnolonger，tellwhathewastodo;thisuncertaintyalarmedhim。
Fromtimetotimehewouldpresshisfaceagainstthequadrangular，openingsintheclosedapartments，andhethoughtthatinseveralof，thelatterhecouldseepersonsasleep。
Thelaststory，whichwasnarrower，formedasortofdadoonthe，summitoftheterraces。Mathowalkedrounditslowly。
Amilkylightfilledthesheetsoftalcwhichclosedthelittle，aperturesinthewall，andintheirsymmetricalarrangementthey，lookedinthedarknesslikerowsofdelicatepearls。Herecognisedthe，reddoorwiththeblackcross。Thethrobbingofhisheartincreased。
Hewouldfainhavefled。Hepushedthedooranditopened。
Agalley-shapedlamphungburninginthebackpartoftheroom，and，threerays，emittedfromitssilverkeel，trembledonthelofty，wainscots，whichwerepaintedredwithblackbands。Theceilingwasan，assemblageofsmallbeams，withamethystsandtopazesamidtheir，gildingintheknotsofthewood。Onboththegreatsidesofthe，apartmenttherestretchedaverylowbedmadewithwhiteleathern，straps;whileabove，semi-circleslikeshells，openedinthethickness，ofthewall，sufferedagarmenttocomeoutandhangdowntothe，ground。
Therewasanovalbasinwithastepofonyxroundit;delicate，slippersofserpentskinwerestandingontheedge，togetherwithan，alabasterflagon。Thetraceofawetfootstepmightbeseenbeyond。
Exquisitescentswereevaporating。
Mathoglidedoverthepavement，whichwasencrustedwithgold，mother-
of-pearl，andglass;and，inspiteofthepolishedsmoothnessofthe，ground，itseemedtohimthathisfeetsankasthoughhewerewalking，onsand。
Behindthesilverlamphehadperceivedalargesquareofazureheld，intheairbyfourcordsfromabove，andheadvancedwithloinsbent，andmouthopen。
Flamingoes’wings，fittedonbranchesofblackcoral，layaboutamong，purplecushions，tortoiseshellstrigils，cedarboxes，andivory，spatulas。Therewereantelopes’hornswithringsandbraceletsstrung，uponthem;andclayvaseswerecoolinginthewindinthecleftofthe，wallwithalattice-workofreeds。Severaltimeshestruckhisfoot，forthegroundhadvariouslevelsofunequalheight，whichformeda，successionofapartments，asitwere，intheroom。Inthebackground，thereweresilverbalustradessurroundingacarpetstrewnwithpainted，flowers。Atlasthecametothehangingbedbesideanebonystool，servingtogetintoit。
Butthelightceasedattheedge;——andtheshadow，likeagreat，curtain，revealedonlyacorneroftheredmattresswiththeextremity，ofalittlenakedfootlyinguponitsankle。ThenMathotookupthe，lampverygently。
Shewassleepingwithhercheekinonehandandwiththeotherarm，extended。Herringletswerespreadaboutherinsuchabundancethat，sheappearedtobelyingonblackfeathers，andheramplewhitetunic，woundinsoftdraperiestoherfeetfollowingthecurvesofher，person。Hereyeswerejustvisiblebeneathherhalf-closedeyelids。
Thecurtains，whichstretchedperpendicularly，envelopedherina，bluishatmosphere，andthemotionofherbreathing，communicating，itselftothecords，seemedtorockherintheair。Alongmosquito，wasbuzzing。
Mathostoodmotionlessholdingthesilverlampatarm’slength;buton，asuddenthemosquito-netcaughtfireanddisappeared，andSalammbo，awoke。
Thefirehadgoneoutofitself。Shedidnotspeak。Thelampcaused，greatluminousmoirestoflickeronthewainscots。
“Whatisit？”shesaid。
Hereplied：
“’Tistheveilofthegoddess！”
“Theveilofthegoddess！”criedSalammbo，andsupportingherselfon，bothclenchedhandssheleanedshudderingout。Heresumed：
“Ihavebeeninthedepthsofthesanctuarytoseekitforyou！Look！”
TheZaimphshoneamassofrays。
“Doyourememberit？”saidMatho。“Youappearedatnightinmydreams，butIdidnotguessthemutecommandofyoureyes！”Sheputoutone，footupontheebonystool。“HadIunderstoodIshouldhavehastened，hither，Ishouldhaveforsakenthearmy，Ishouldnothaveleft，Carthage。ToobeyyouIwouldgodownthroughthecavernsof，Hadrumetumintothekingdomoftheshades！——Forgiveme！itwasas，thoughmountainswereweighinguponmydays;andyetsomethingdrewme，on！Itriedtocometoyou！ShouldIeverhavedaredthiswithoutthe，Gods！——Letusgo！Youmustfollowme！or，ifyoudonotwishtodoso，Iwillremain。Whatmattersittome！——Drownmysoulinyourbreath！
Letmylipsbecrushedwithkissingyourhands！”
“Letmeseeit！”shesaid。“Nearer！nearer！”
Daywasbreaking，andthesheetsoftalcinthewallswerefilledwith，avinouscolour。Salammboleanedfaintingagainstthecushionsofthe，bed。
“Iloveyou！”criedMatho。
“Giveit！”shestammeredout，andtheydrewclosertogether。
Shekeptadvancing，clothedinherwhitetrailingsimar，andwithher，largeeyesfastenedontheveil。Mathogazedather，dazzledbythe，splendoursofherhead，and，holdingoutthezaimphtowardsher，was，abouttoenfoldherinanembrace。Shewasstretchingoutherarms。
Suddenlyshestopped，andtheystoodlookingateachother，open-
mouthed。
Thenwithoutunderstandingthemeaningofhissolicitationahorror，seizeduponher。Herdelicateeyebrowsrose，herlipsopened;she，trembled。Atlastshestruckoneofthebrasspateraswhichhungat，thecornersoftheredmattress，crying：
“Totherescue！totherescue！Back，sacrilegiousman！infamousand，accursed！Help，Taanach，Kroum，Ewa，Micipsa，Schaoul！”
AndthescaredfaceofSpendius，appearinginthewallbetweenthe，clayflagons，criedoutthesewords：
“Fly！theyarehasteninghither！”
Agreattumultcameupwardsshakingthestaircases，andafloodof，people，women，serving-men，andslaves，rushedintotheroomwith，stakes，tomahawks，cutlasses，anddaggers。Theywerenearlyparalysed，withindignationonperceivingaman;thefemaleservantsuttered，funeralwailings，andtheeunuchsgrewpalebeneaththeirblackskins。
Mathowasstandingbehindthebalustrades。Withthezaimphwhichwas，wrappedabouthim，helookedlikeasiderealgodsurroundedbythe，firmament。Theslavesweregoingtofalluponhim，butshestopped，them：
“Touchitnot！Itisthemantleofthegoddess！”
Shehaddrawnbackintoacorner;butshetookasteptowardshim，and，stretchedforthhernakedarm：
“Acurseuponyou，youwhohaveplunderedTanith！Hatred，vengeance，massacre，andgrief！MayGurzil，godofbattles，rendyou！may，Mastiman，godofthedead，stifleyou！andmaytheOther——hewhomay，notbenamed——burnyou！”
Mathoutteredacryasthoughhehadreceivedasword-thrust。She，repeatedseveraltimes：“Begone！begone！”
Thecrowdofservantsspreadout，andMatho，withhanginghead，passed，slowlythroughthemidstofthem;butatthedoorhestopped，forthe，fringeofthezaimphhadcaughtononeofthegoldenstarswithwhich，theflagstoneswerepaved。Hepulleditoffabruptlywithamovement，ofhisshoulderandwentdownthestaircases。
Spendius，boundingfromterracetoterrace，andleapingoverthe，hedgesandtrenches，hadescapedfromthegardens。Hereachedthefoot，ofthepharos。Thewallwasdiscontinuedatthisspot，soinaccessible，wasthecliff。Headvancedtotheedge，laydownonhisback，andlet，himselfslide，feetforemost，downthewholelengthofittothe，bottom;thenbyswimminghereachedtheCapeoftheTombs，madeawide，circuitofthesaltlagoon，andre-enteredthecampoftheBarbarians，intheevening。
Thesunhadrisen;and，likearetreatinglion，Mathowentdownthe，paths，castingterribleglancesabouthim。
Avagueclamourreachedhisears。Ithadstartedfromthepalace，and，itwasbeginningafreshinthedistance，towardstheAcropolis。Some，saidthatthetreasureoftheRepublichadbeenseizedinthetemple，ofMoloch;othersspokeoftheassassinationofapriest。Itwas，thought，moreover，thattheBarbarianshadenteredthecity。
Matho，whodidnotknowhowtogetoutoftheenclosures，walked，straightbeforehim。Hewasseen，andanoutcrywasraised。Everyone，understood;andtherewasconsternation，thenimmensewrath。
FromthebottomoftheMappalianquarter，fromtheheightsofthe，Acropolis，fromthecatacombs，fromthebordersofthelake，the，multitudecameinhaste。Thepatricianslefttheirpalaces，andthe，traderslefttheirshops;thewomenforsooktheirchildren;swords，hatchets，andstickswereseized;buttheobstaclewhichhadstayed，Salammbostayedthem。Howcouldtheveilbetakenback？Themeresight，ofitwasacrime;itwasofthenatureofthegods，andcontactwith，itwasdeath。
Thedespairingpriestswrungtheirhandsontheperistylesofthe，temples。TheguardsoftheLegiongallopedaboutatrandom;thepeople，climbeduponthehouses，theterraces，theshouldersofthe，colossuses，andthemastsoftheships。Hewenton，nevertheless，and，therage，andtheterroralso，increasedateachofhissteps;the，streetsclearedathisapproach，andthetorrentofflyingmen，streamedonbothsidesuptothetopsofthewalls。Everywherehe，couldperceiveonlyeyesopenedwidelyasiftodevourhim，chattering，teethandoutstretchedfists，andSalammbo’simprecationsresounded，manytimesrenewed。
Suddenlyalongarrowwhizzedpast，thenanother，andstonesbeganto，buzzabouthim;butthemissiles，beingbadlyaimed(fortherewasthe，dreadofhittingthezaimph)，passedoverhishead。Moreover，hemade，ashieldoftheveil，holdingittotheright，totheleft，beforehim，andbehindhim;andtheycoulddevisenoexpedient。Hequickenedhis，stepsmoreandmore，advancingthroughtheopenstreets。Theywere，barredwithcords，chariots，andsnares;andallhiswindingsbrought，himbackagain。AtlastheenteredthesquareofKhamonwherethe，Balearianshadperished，andstopped，growingpaleasoneaboutto，die。Thistimehewassurelylost，andthemultitudeclappedtheir，hands。
Heranuptothegreatgate，whichwasclosed。Itwasveryhigh，made，throughoutofheartofoak，withironnailsandsheathedwithbrass。
Mathoflunghimselfagainstit。Thepeoplestampedtheirfeetwithjoy，whentheysawtheimpotenceofhisfury;thenhetookhissandal，spit，uponit，andbeattheimmovablepanelswithit。Thewholecityhowled。
Theveilwasforgottennow，andtheywereabouttocrushhim。Matho，gazedwithwidevacanteyesuponthecrowd。Histempleswerethrobbing，withviolenceenoughtostunhim，andhefeltanumbnessasof，intoxicationcreepingoverhim。Suddenlyhecaughtsightofthelong，chainusedinworkingtheswingingofthegate。Withaboundhe，graspedit，stiffeninghisarms，andmakingabuttressofhisfeet，andatlastthehugeleavespartlyopened。
Thenwhenhewasoutsidehetookthegreatzaimphfromhisneck，and，raiseditashighaspossibleabovehishead。Thematerial，upborneby，theseabreeze，shoneinthesunlightwithitscolours，itsgems，and，thefiguresofitsgods。Mathoboreitthusacrossthewholeplainas，farasthesoldiers’tents，andthepeopleonthewallswatchedthe，fortuneofCarthagedepart。
CHAPTERVI
HANNO
“Ioughttohavecarriedheroff！”Mathosaidintheeveningto，Spendius。“Ishouldhaveseizedher，andtornherfromherhouse！No，onewouldhavedaredtotouchme！”
Spendiuswasnotlisteningtohim。Stretchedonhisbackhewastaking，deliciousrestbesidealargejarfilledwithhoney-colouredwater，intowhichhewoulddiphisheadfromtimetotimeinordertodrink，morecopiously。
Mathoresumed：
“Whatistobedone？Howcanwere-enterCarthage？”
“Idonotknow，“saidSpendius。
SuchimpassibilityexasperatedMathoandheexclaimed：
“Why！thefaultisyours！Youcarrymeaway，andthenyouforsakeme，cowardthatyouare！Why，pray，shouldIobeyyou？Doyouthinkthat，youaremymaster？Ah！youprostituter，youslave，yousonofa，slave！”HegroundhisteethandraisedhisbroadhandaboveSpendius。
TheGreekdidnotreply。Anearthenlampwasburninggentlyagainst，thetent-pole，wherethezaimphshoneamidthehangingpanoply。
SuddenlyMathoputonhiscothurni，buckledonhisbrazenjacketof，mail，andtookhishelmet。
“Whereareyougoing？”askedSpendius。
“Iamreturning！Letmealone！Iwillbringherback！Andiftheyshow，themselvesIwillcrushthemlikevipers！Iwillputhertodeath，Spendius！Yes，“herepeated，“Iwillkillher！Youshallsee，Iwill，killher！”
ButSpendius，whowaslisteningeagerly，snatchedupthezaimph，abruptlyandthrewitintoacorner，heapingupfleecesaboveit。A
murmuringofvoiceswasheard，torchesgleamed，andNarr’Havas，entered，followedbyabouttwentymen。
Theyworewhitewoollencloaks，longdaggers，coppernecklaces，wooden，earrings，andbootsofhyenaskin;andstandingonthethresholdthey，leanedupontheirlanceslikeherdsmenrestingthemselves。Narr’Havas，wasthehandsomestofall;hisslenderarmswereboundwithstraps，ornamentedwithpearls。Thegoldencircletwhichfastenedhisample，garmentabouthisheadheldanostrichfeatherwhichhungdownbehind，hisshoulder;histeethweredisplayedinacontinualsmile;hiseyes，seemedsharpenedlikearrows，andtherewassomethingobservantand，airyabouthiswholedemeanour。
HedeclaredthathehadcometojointheMercenaries，fortheRepublic，hadlongbeenthreateninghiskingdom。Accordinglyhewasinterested，inassistingtheBarbarians，andhemightalsobeofservicetothem。
“Iwillprovideyouwithelephants(myforestsarefullofthem)，wine，oil，barley，dates，pitchandsulphurforsieges，twenty，thousandfoot-soldiersandtenthousandhorses。IfIaddressmyselfto，you，Matho，itisbecausethepossessionofthezaimphhasmadeyou，chiefmaninthearmy。Moreover，“headded，“weareoldfriends。”
Matho，however，waslookingatSpendius，who，seatedonthesheep-
skins，waslistening，andgivinglittlenodsofassentthewhile。
Narr’Havascontinuedspeaking。Hecalledthegodstowitnesshe，cursedCarthage。Inhisimprecationshebrokeajavelin。Allhismen，utteredsimultaneouslyaloudhowl，andMatho，carriedawaybysomuch，passion，exclaimedthatheacceptedthealliance。
Awhitebullandablacksheep，thesymbolsofdayandnight，were，thenbrought，andtheirthroatswerecutontheedgeofaditch。When，thelatterwasfullofbloodtheydippedtheirarmsintoit。Then，Narr’HavasspreadouthishanduponMatho’sbreast，andMathodidthe，sametoNarr’Havas。Theyrepeatedthestainuponthecanvasoftheir，tents。Afterwardstheypassedthenightineating，andtheremaining，portionsofthemeatwereburnttogetherwiththeskin，bones，horns，andhoofs。
Mathohadbeengreetedwithgreatshoutingwhenhehadcomeback，bearingtheveilofthegoddess;eventhosewhowerenotofthe，Chanaanitishreligionweremadebytheirvagueenthusiasmtofeelthe，arrivalofagenius。Astoseizingthezaimph，noonethoughtofit，forthemysteriousmannerinwhichhehadacquireditwassufficient，inthemindsoftheBarbarianstojustifyitspossession;suchwere，thethoughtsofthesoldiersoftheAfricanrace。Theothers，whose，hatredwasnotofsuchlongstanding，didnotknowhowtomakeup，theirminds。Iftheyhadhadshipstheywouldimmediatelyhave，departed。
Spendius，Narr’Havas，andMathodespatchedmentoallthetribeson，Punicsoil。
Carthagewassappingthestrengthofthesenations。Shewrung，exorbitanttaxesfromthem，andarrearsorevenmurmuringswere，punishedwithfetters，theaxe，orthecross。Itwasnecessaryto，cultivatewhateversuitedtheRepublic，andtofurnishwhatshe，demanded;noonehadtherightofpossessingaweapon;whenvillages，rebelledtheinhabitantsweresold;governorswereesteemedlikewine-
presses，accordingtothequantitywhichtheysucceededinextracting。
ThenbeyondtheregionsimmediatelysubjecttoCarthageextendedthe，alliesroamedtheNomads，whomightbeletlooseuponthem。Bythis，systemthecropswerealwaysabundant，thestudsskilfullymanaged，andtheplantationssuperb。
TheelderCato，amasterinthemattersoftillageandslaves，was，amazedatitninety-twoyearslater，andthedeath-crywhichhe，repeatedcontinuallyatRomewasbuttheexclamationofjealousgreed。
Duringthelastwartheexactionshadbeenincreased，sothatnearly，allthetownsofLibyahadsurrenderedtoRegulus。Topunishthem，a，thousandtalents，twentythousandoxen，threehundredbagsofgold，dust，andconsiderableadvancesofgrainhadbeenexactedfromthem，andthechiefsofthetribeshadbeencrucifiedorthrowntothe，lions。
TunisespeciallyexecratedCarthage！Olderthanthemetropolis，it，couldnotforgiveherhergreatness，anditfrontedherwalls，crouchinginthemireonthewater’sedgelikeavenomousbeast，watchingher。Transportation，massacres，andepidemicsdidnotweaken，it。IthadassistedArchagathas，thesonofAgathocles，andtheEaters，ofUncleannessfoundarmsthereatonce。
Thecouriershadnotyetsetoutwhenuniversalrejoicingbrokeoutin，theprovinces。Withoutwaitingforanythingtheystrangledthe，comptrollersofthehousesandthefunctionariesoftheRepublicin，thebaths;theytooktheoldweaponsthathadbeenconcealedoutof，thecaves;theyforgedswordswiththeironoftheploughs;the，childrensharpenedjavelinsatthedoors，andthewomengavetheir，necklaces，rings，earrings，andeverythingthatcouldbeemployedfor，thedestructionofCarthage。Pilesoflanceswereheapedupinthe，countrytownslikesheavesofmaize。Cattleandmoneyweresentoff。
MathospeedilypaidtheMercenariestheirarrears，andowingtothis，whichwasSpendius’sidea，hewasappointedcommander-in-chief——the，schalishimoftheBarbarians。
Reinforcementsofmenpouredinatthesametime。Theaborigines，appearedfirst，andwerefollowedbytheslavesfromthecountry;
caravansofNegroeswereseizedandarmed，andmerchantsontheirway，toCarthage，despairingofanymorecertainprofit，mingledwiththe，Barbarians。Numerousbandswerecontinuallyarriving。Fromtheheights，oftheAcropolisthegrowingarmymightbeseen。
ButtheguardsoftheLegionwerepostedassentriesontheplatform，oftheaqueduct，andnearthemroseatintervalsbrazenvats，inwhich，floodsofasphaltwereboiling。Belowintheplainthegreatcrowd，stirredtumultuously。Theywereinastateofuncertainty，feelingthe，embarrassmentwithwhichBarbariansarealwaysinspiredwhentheymeet，withwalls。
UticaandHippo-Zarytusrefusedtheiralliance。Phoeniciancolonies，likeCarthage，theywereself-governing，andalwayshadclauses，insertedinthetreatiesconcludedbytheRepublictodistinguishthem，fromthelatter。Neverthelesstheyrespectedthisstrongsisterof，theirswhoprotectedthem，andtheydidnotthinkthatshecouldbe，vanquishedbyamassofBarbarians;thesewouldonthecontrarybe，themselvesexterminated。Theydesiredtoremainneutralandtoliveat，peace。
Buttheirpositionrenderedthemindispensable。Utica，atthefootof，thegulf，wasconvenientforbringingassistancetoCarthagefrom，without。IfUticaaloneweretaken，Hippo-Zarytus，sixhoursfurther，distantalongthecoast，wouldtakeitsplace，andthemetropolis，beingrevictualledinthisway，wouldbeimpregnable。
Spendiuswishedthesiegetobeundertakenimmediately。Narr’Havas，wasopposedtothis：anadvanceshouldfirstbemadeuponthe，frontier。Thiswastheopinionoftheveterans，andofMathohimself，anditwasdecidedthatSpendiusshouldgotoattackUtica，andMatho，Hippo-Zarytus，whileinthethirdplacethemainbodyshouldreston，TunisandoccupytheplainofCarthage，Autaritusbeingincommand。As，toNarr’Havas，hewastoreturntohisownkingdomtoprocure，elephantsandtoscourtheroadswithhiscavalry。
Thewomencriedoutloudlyagainstthisdecision;theycovetedthe，jewelsofthePunicladies。TheLibyansalsoprotested。Theyhadbeen，summonedagainstCarthage，andnowtheyweregoingawayfromit！The，soldiersdepartedalmostalone。Mathocommandedhisowncompanions，togetherwiththeIberians，Lusitanians，andthemenoftheWest，and，oftheislands;allthosewhospokeGreekhadaskedforSpendiuson，accountofhiscleverness。
Greatwasthestupefactionwhenthearmywasseensuddenlyinmotion;
itstretchedalongbeneaththemountainofArianaontheroadtoUtica，besidethesea。AfragmentremainedbeforeTunis，therestdisappeared，tore-appearontheothershoreofthegulfontheoutskirtsofthe，woodsinwhichtheywerelost。
Theywereperhapseightythousandmen。ThetwoTyriancitieswould，offernoresistance，andtheywouldreturnagainstCarthage。Already，therewasaconsiderablearmyattackingitfromthebaseofthe，isthmus，anditwouldsoonperishfromfamine，foritwasimpossible，tolivewithouttheaidoftheprovinces，thecitizensnotpaying，contributionsastheydidatRome。Carthagewaswantinginpolitical，genius。Hereternalanxietyforgainpreventedherfromhavingthe，prudencewhichresultsfromloftierambitions。Agalleyanchoredon，theLibyansands，itwaswithtoilthatshemaintainedherposition。
Thenationsroaredlikebillowsaroundher，andtheslighteststorm，shookthisformidablemachine。
ThetreasurywasexhaustedbytheRomanwarandbyallthathadbeen，squanderedandlostinthebargainingwiththeBarbarians。
Neverthelesssoldiersmustbehad，andnotagovernmentwouldtrust，theRepublic！Ptolemaeushadlatelyrefusedittwothousandtalents。
Moreovertherapeoftheveildisheartenedthem。Spendiushadclearly，foreseenthis。
Butthenation，feelingthatitwashated，claspeditsmoneyandits，godstoitsheart，anditspatriotismwassustainedbythevery，constitutionofitsgovernment。
First，thepowerrestedwithall，withoutanyonebeingstrongenough，toengrossit。Privatedebtswereconsideredaspublicdebts，menof，Chanaanitishracehadamonopolyofcommerce，andbymultiplyingthe，profitsofpiracywiththoseofusury，byharddealingsinlandsand，slavesandwiththepoor，fortunesweresometimesmade。Thesealone，openedupallthemagistracies，andalthoughauthorityandmoneywere，perpetuatedinthesamefamilies，peopletoleratedtheoligarchy，becausetheyhopedultimatelytoshareinit。
Thesocietiesofmerchants，inwhichthelawswereelaborated，chose，theinspectorsoftheexchequer，whoonleavingofficenominatedthe，hundredmembersoftheCounciloftheAncients，themselvesdependent，ontheGrandAssembly，orgeneralgatheringofalltherich。Astothe，twoSuffets，therelicsofthemonarchyandthelessthanconsuls，theyweretakenfromdistinctfamiliesonthesameday。Allkindsof，enmitieswerecontrivedbetweenthem，sothattheymightmutually，weakeneachother。Theycouldnotdeliberateconcerningwar，andwhen，theywerevanquishedtheGreatCouncilcrucifiedthem。
ThepowerofCarthageemanated，therefore，fromtheSyssitia，thatis，tosay，fromalargecourtinthecentreofMalqua，attheplace，it，wassaid，wherethefirstbarkofPhoeniciansailorshadtouched，the，seahavingretiredalongwaysincethen。Itwasacollectionof，littleroomsofarchaicarchitecture，builtofpalmtrunkswith，cornersofstone，andseparatedfromoneanothersoastoaccommodate，thevarioussocietiesseparately。Therichcrowdedtherealldayto，discusstheirownconcernsandthoseofthegovernment，fromthe，procuringofpeppertotheexterminationofRome。Thriceinamoon，theywouldhavetheirbedsbroughtuptotheloftyterracerunning，alongthewallofthecourt，andtheymightbeseenfrombelowat，tableintheair，withoutcothurniorcloaks，withtheirdiamond-
coveredfingerswanderingoverthedishes，andtheirlargeearrings，hangingdownamongtheflagons，——allfatandlusty，half-naked，smilingandeatingbeneaththebluesky，likegreatsharkssportingin，thesea。
Butjustnowtheywereunabletodissembletheiranxiety;theywere，toopaleforthat。Thecrowdwhichwaitedforthematthegates，escortedthemtotheirpalacesinordertoobtainsomenewsfromthem。
Asintimesofpestilence，allthehouseswereshut;thestreetswould，fillandsuddenlyclearagain;peopleascendedtheAcropolisorranto，theharbour，andtheGreatCouncildeliberatedeverynight。Atlast，thepeoplewereconvenedinthesquareofKhamon，anditwasdecided，toleavethemanagementofthingstoHanno，theconquerorof，Hecatompylos。
HewasatrueCarthaginian，devout，crafty，andpitilesstowardsthe，peopleofAfrica。HisrevenuesequalledthoseoftheBarcas。Noone，hadsuchexperienceinadministrativeaffairs。
Hedecreedtheenrolmentofallhealthycitizens，heplacedcatapults，onthetowers，heexactedexorbitantsuppliesofarms，heevenordered，theconstructionoffourteengalleyswhichwerenotrequired，andhe，desiredeverythingtoberegisteredandcarefullysetdowninwriting。
Hehadhimselfconveyedtothearsenal，thepharos，andthetreasuries，ofthetemples;hisgreatlitterwascontinuallytobeseenswinging，fromsteptostepasitascendedthestaircasesoftheAcropolis。And，theninhispalaceatnight，beingunabletosleep，hewouldyellout，warlikemanoeuvresinterribletonessoastopreparehimselfforthe，fray。
Intheirextremityofterrorallbecamebrave。Therichranged，themselvesinlinealongtheMappaliandistrictatcockcrow，and，tuckinguptheirrobespractisedthemselvesinhandlingthepike。But，forwantofaninstructortheyhaddisputesaboutit。Theywouldsit，downbreathlessuponthetombsandthenbeginagain。Severaleven，dietedthemselves。Someimaginedthatitwasnecessarytoeatagreat，dealinordertoacquirestrength，whileotherswhowere，inconveniencedbytheircorpulenceweakenedthemselveswithfastsin，ordertobecomethin。
UticahadalreadycalledseveraltimesuponCarthageforassistance;
butHannowouldnotsetoutuntiltheenginesofwarhadbeensupplied，withthelastscrews。Helostthreemoonsmoreinequippingtheone，hundredandtwelveelephantsthatwerelodgedintheramparts。They，weretheconquerorsofRegulus;thepeoplelovedthem;itwas，impossibletotreatsucholdfriendstoowell。Hannohadthebrass，plateswhichadornedtheirbreastsrecast，theirtusksgilt，their，towersenlarged，andcaparisons，edgedwithveryheavyfringes，cut，outofthehandsomestpurple。Finally，astheirdriverswerecalled，Indians(afterthefirstones，nodoubt，whocamefromtheIndies)he，orderedthemalltobecostumedaftertheIndianfashion;thatisto，say，withwhitepadsroundtheirtemples，andsmalldrawersofbyssus，whichwiththeirtransversefoldslookedliketwovalvesofashell，appliedtothehips。
ThearmyunderAutaritusstillremainedbeforeTunis。Itwashidden，behindawallmadewithmudfromthelake，andprotectedonthetopby，thornybrushwood。SomeNegroeshadplantedtallstickshereandthere，bearingfrightfulfaces，——humanmasksmadewithbirds’feathers，and，jackals’orserpents’heads，——whichgapedtowardstheenemyforthe，purposeofterrifyinghim;andtheBarbarians，reckoningthemselves，invinciblethroughthesemeans，danced，wrestled，andjuggled，convincedthatCarthagewouldperishbeforelong。AnyonebutHanno，wouldeasilyhavecrushedsuchamultitude，hamperedasitwaswith，herdsandwomen。Moreover，theyknewnothingofdrill，andAutaritus，wassodisheartenedthathehadceasedtorequireit。
Theysteppedasidewhenhepassedbyrollinghisbigblueeyes。Then，onreachingtheedgeofthelakehewoulddrawbackhissealskin，cloak，unfastenthecordwhichtieduphislongredhair，andsoakthe，latterinthewater。Heregrettedthathehadnotdesertedtothe，RomansalongwiththetwothousandGaulsofthetempleofEryx。
Oftenthesunwouldsuddenlylosehisraysinthemiddleoftheday。
Thenthegulfandtheopenseawouldseemasmotionlessasmolten，lead。Acloudofbrownduststretchingperpendicularlywouldspeed，whirlingalong;thepalmtreeswouldbendandtheskydisappear，while，stoneswouldbeheardreboundingontheanimals’cruppers;andthe，Gaul，hislipsgluedagainsttheholesinhistent，wouldgaspwith，exhaustionandmelancholy。Histhoughtswouldbeofthescentofthe，pasturesonautumnmornings，ofsnowflakes，orofthebellowingofthe，uruslostinthefog，andclosinghiseyelidshewouldinimagination，beholdthefiresinlong，straw-roofedcottagesflickeringonthe，marshesinthedepthsofthewoods。
Othersregrettedtheirnativelandsaswellashe，eventhoughthey，mightnotbesofaraway。IndeedtheCarthaginiancaptivescould，distinguishthevelariaspreadoverthecourtyardsoftheirhouses，beyondthegulfontheslopesofByrsa。Butsentriesmarchedround，themcontinually。Theywereallfastenedtoacommonchain。Eachone，woreanironcarcanet，andthecrowdwasneverwearyofcomingtogaze，atthem。Thewomenwouldshowtheirlittlechildrenthehandsomerobes，hangingintattersontheirwastedlimbs。
WheneverAutarituslookedatGiscohewasseizedwithrageatthe，recollectionoftheinsultthathehadreceived，andhewouldhave，killedhimbutfortheoathwhichhehadtakentoNarr’Havas。Thenhe，wouldgobackintohistentanddrinkamixtureofbarleyandcumin，untilheswoonedawayfromintoxication，——toawakeafterwardsinbroad，daylightconsumedwithhorriblethirst。
Matho，meanwhile，wasbesiegingHippo-Zarytus。Butthetownwas，protectedbyalake，communicatingwiththesea。Ithadthreelinesof，circumvallation，andupontheheightswhichsurroundeditthere，extendedawallfortifiedwithtowers。Hehadnevercommandedinsuch，anenterprisebefore。Moreover，hewasbesetwiththoughtsof，Salammbo，andheravedinthedelightofherbeautyasinthe，sweetnessofavengeancethattransportedhimwithpride。Hefeltan，acrid，frenzied，permanentwanttoseeheragain。Heeventhoughtof，presentinghimselfasthebearerofaflagoftruce，inthehopethat，oncewithinCarthagehemightmakehiswaytoher。Oftenhewould，causetheassaulttobesoundedandwaitingfornothingrushuponthe，molewhichitwassoughttoconstructinthesea。Hewouldsnatchup，thestoneswithhishands，overturn，strike，anddealsword-thrusts，everywhere。TheBarbarianswoulddashonpell-mell;theladderswould，breakwithaloudcrash，andmassesofmenwouldtumbleintothe，water，causingittoflyupinredwavesagainstthewalls。Finally，thetumultwouldsubside，andthesoldierswouldretiretomakea，freshbeginning。
Mathowouldgoandseathimselfoutsidethetents，wipehisblood-
splashedfacewithhisarm，andgazeatthehorizoninthedirection，ofCarthage。
Infrontofhim，amongtheolives，palms，myrtlesandplanes，stretchedtwobroadpondswhichmetanotherlake，theoutlinesof，whichcouldnotbeseen。Behindonemountainothermountainsreared，themselves，andinthemiddleoftheimmenselakeroseanisland，perfectlyblackandpyramidalinform。Ontheleft，attheextremity，ofthegulf，weresand-heapslikearrestedwaves，largeandpale，whilethesea，flatasapavementoflapis-lazuli，ascendedby，insensibledegreestotheedgeofthesky。Theverdureofthecountry，waslostinplacesbeneathlongsheetsofyellow;carobswereshining，likeknobsofcoral;vinebranchesdroopedfromthetopsofthe，sycamores;themurmuringofthewatercouldbeheard;crestedlarks，werehoppingabout，andthesun’slatestfiresgildedthecarapacesof，thetortoisesastheycameforthfromthereedstoinhalethebreeze。
Mathowouldheavedeepsighs。Hewouldlieflatonhisface，withhis，nailsburiedinthesoil，andweep;hefeltwretched，paltry，forsaken。Neverwouldhepossessher，andhewasunableeventotakea，town。
Atnightwhenaloneinhistenthewouldgazeuponthezaimph。Ofwhat，usetohimwasthisthingwhichbelongedtothegods？——anddoubtcrept，intotheBarbarian’sthoughts。Then，onthecontrary，itwouldseemto，himthatthevestureofthegoddesswasdependingfromSalammbo，and，thataportionofhersoulhoveredinit，subtlerthanabreath;and，hewouldfeelit，breatheitin，buryhisfaceinit，andkissitwith，sobs。Hewouldcoverhisshoulderswithitinordertodeludehimself，thathewasbesideher。
Sometimeshewouldsuddenlystealaway，strideinthestarlightover，thesleepingsoldiersastheylaywrappedintheircloaks，spring，uponahorseonreachingthecampgates，andtwohourslaterbeat，UticainSpendius’stent。
Atfirsthewouldspeakofthesiege，buthiscomingwasonlytoease，hissorrowbytalkingaboutSalammbo。Spendiusexhortedhimtobe，prudent。
“Driveawaythesetriflesfromyoursoul，whichisdegradedbythem！
Formerlyyouwereusedtoobey;nowyoucommandanarmy，andif，Carthageisnotconqueredweshallatleastbegrantedprovinces。We，shallbecomekings！”
Buthowwasitthatthepossessionofthezaimphdidnotgivethemthe，victory？AccordingtoSpendiustheymustwait。
MathofanciedthattheveilaffectedpeopleofChanaanitishrace，exclusively，and，inhisBarbarian-likesubtlety，hesaidtohimself：
“Thezaimphwillaccordinglydonothingforme，butsincetheyhave，lostit，itwilldonothingforthem。”
Afterwardsascrupletroubledhim。HewasafraidofoffendingMoloch，byworshippingAptouknos，thegodoftheLibyans，andhetimidlyasked，Spendiustowhichofthegodsitwouldbeadvisabletosacrificea，man。
“Keeponsacrificing！”laughedSpendius。
Matho，whocouldnotunderstandsuchindifference，suspectedtheGreek，ofhavingageniusofwhomhedidnotspeak。
Allmodesofworship，aswellasallraces，weretobemetwithin，thesearmiesofBarbarians，andconsiderationwashadtothegodsof，others，fortheytoo，inspiredfear。Manymingledforeignpractices，withtheirnativereligion。Itwastonopurposethattheydidnot，adorethestars;ifaconstellationwerefatalorhelpful，sacrifices，wereofferedtoit;anunknownamuletfoundbychanceatamomentof，perilbecameadivinity;oritmightbeanameandnothingmore，which，wouldberepeatedwithoutanyattempttounderstanditsmeaning。But，afterpillagingtemples，andseeingnumbersofnationsandslaughters，manyultimatelyceasedtobelieveinanythingbutdestinyanddeath;——
andeveryeveningthesewouldfallasleepwiththeplacidityofwild，beasts。SpendiushadspitupontheimagesofJupiterOlympius;
neverthelesshedreadedtospeakaloudinthedark，nordidhefail，everydaytoputonhisrightbootfirst。
HerearedalongquadrangularterraceinfrontofUtica，butin，proportionasitascendedtherampartwasalsoheightened，andwhat，wasthrowndownbytheonesidewasalmostimmediatelyraisedagainby，theother。Spendiustookcareofhismen;hedreamedofplansand，strovetorecallthestratagemswhichhehadhearddescribedinhis，travels。ButwhydidNarr’Havasnotreturn？Therewasnothingbut，anxiety。
Hannohadatlastconcludedhispreparations。Onenightwhentherewas，nomoonhetransportedhiselephantsandsoldiersonraftsacrossthe，GulfofCarthage。ThentheywheeledroundthemountainoftheHot，SpringssoastoavoidAutaritus，andcontinuedtheirmarchsoslowly，thatinsteadofsurprisingtheBarbariansinthemorning，asthe，Suffethadcalculated，theydidnotreachthemuntilitwasbroad，daylightonthethirdday。
Uticahadontheeastaplainwhichextendedtothelargelagoonof，Carthage;behinditavalleyranatrightanglesbetweentwolowand，abruptlyterminatedmountains;theBarbarianswereencampedfurtherto，theleftinsuchawayastoblockadetheharbour;andtheywere，sleepingintheirtents(foronthatdaybothsidesweretoowearyto，fightandwereresting)whentheCarthaginianarmyappearedatthe，turningofthehills。
Somecampfollowersfurnishedwithslingswerestationedatintervals，onthewings。ThefirstlinewasformedoftheguardsoftheLegionin，goldenscale-armour，mountedontheirbighorses，whichwerewithout，mane，hair，orears，andhadsilverhornsinthemiddleoftheir，foreheadstomakethemlooklikerhinoceroses。Betweentheirsquadrons，wereyouthswearingsmallhelmetsandswinginganashenjavelinin，eachhand。Thelongfilesoftheheavyinfantrymarchedbehind。All，thesetradershadpiledasmanyweaponsupontheirbodiesaspossible。
Somemightbeseencarryinganaxe，alance，aclub，andtwoswords，allatonce;othersbristledwithdartslikeporcupines，andtheir，armsstoodoutfromtheircuirassesinsheetsofhornorironplates。
Atlastthescaffoldingsoftheloftyenginesappeared：carrobalistas，onagers，catapultsandscorpions，rockingonchariotsdrawnbymules，andquadrigasofoxen;andinproportionasthearmydrewout，the，captainsranpantingrightandlefttodelivercommands，closeupthe，files，andpreservetheintervals。SuchoftheAncientsasheld，commandshadcomeinpurplecassocks，themagnificentfringesofwhich，tangledinthewhitestrapsoftheircothurni。Theirfaces，whichwere，smearedalloverwithvermilion，shonebeneathenormoushelmets，surmountedwithimagesofthegods;and，astheyhadshieldswith，ivoryborderscoveredwithpreciousstones，theymighthavebeentaken，forsunspassingoverwallsofbrass。