第6章
ThetwothousandBarbariansweretiedtothestelaeofthetombsin，theMappalianquarter;andtraders，scullions，embroiderers，andeven，women，——thewidowsofthedeadwiththeirchildren——allwhowould，cametokillthemwitharrows。Theyaimedslowlyatthem，thebetter，toprolongtheirtorture，loweringtheweaponandthenraisingitin，turn;andthemultitudepressedforwardhowling。Paralyticshad，themselvesbroughtthitherinhand-barrows;manytooktheprecaution，ofbringingtheirfood，andremainedonthespotuntiltheevening;
otherspassedthenightthere。Tentshadbeensetupinwhichdrinking，wenton。Manygainedlargesumsbyhiringoutbows。
Thenallthesecrucifiedcorpseswereleftupright，lookinglikeso，manyredstatuesonthetombs，andtheexcitementevenspreadtothe，peopleofMalqua，whowerethedescendantsoftheaboriginalfamilies，andwereusuallyindifferenttotheaffairsoftheircountry。Outof，gratitudeforthepleasureithadbeengivingthemtheynowinterested，themselvesinitsfortunes，andfeltthattheywereCarthaginians，and，theAncientsthoughtitacleverthingtohavethusblendedtheentire，peopleinasingleactofvengeance。
Thesanctionofthegodswasnotwanting;forcrowsalightedfromall，quartersofthesky。Theywheeledintheairastheyflewwithloud，hoarsecries，andformedahugecloudrollingcontinuallyuponitself。
ItwasseenfromClypea，Rhades，andthepromontoryofHermaeum。
Sometimesitwouldsuddenlyburstasunder，itsblackspiralsextending，faraway，asaneagleclovethecentreofit，andthendepartedagain;
hereandthereontheterracesthedomes，thepeaksoftheobelisks，andthepedimentsofthetemplestherewerebigbirdsholdinghuman，fragmentsintheirreddenedbeaks。
OwingtothesmelltheCarthaginiansresignedthemselvestounbindthe，corpses。Afewofthemwereburnt;therestwerethrownintothesea，andthewaves，drivenbythenorthwind，depositedthemontheshore，attheendofthegulfbeforethecampofAutaritus。
ThispunishmenthadnodoubtterrifiedtheBarbarians，forfromthe，topofEschmountheycouldbeseenstrikingtheirtents，collecting，theirflocks，andhoistingtheirbaggageuponasses，andonthe，eveningofthesamedaytheentirearmywithdrew。
ItwastomarchtoandfrobetweenthemountainoftheHotSpringsand，Hippo-Zarytus，andsodebartheSuffetfromapproachingtheTyrian，towns，andfromthepossibilityofareturntoCarthage。
Meanwhilethetwootherarmiesweretotrytoovertakehiminthe，south，Spendiusintheeast，andMathointhewest，insuchawaythat，allthreeshouldunitetosurpriseandentanglehim。Thenthey，receivedareinforcementwhichtheyhadnotlookedfor：Narr’Havas，appearedwiththreehundredcamelsladenwithbitumen，twenty-five，elephants，andsixthousandhorsemen。
ToweakentheMercenariestheSuffethadjudgeditprudenttooccupy，hisattentionatadistanceinhisownkingdom。Fromtheheartof，CarthagehehadcometoanunderstandingwithMasgaba，aGaetulian，brigandwhowasseekingtofoundanempire。StrengthenedbyPunic，money，theadventurerhadraisedtheNumidianStateswithpromisesof，freedom。ButNarr’Havas，warnedbyhisnurse’sson，haddroppedinto，Cirta，poisonedtheconquerorswiththewaterofthecisterns，struck，offafewheads，setallrightagain，andhadjustarrivedagainstthe，SuffetmorefuriousthantheBarbarians。
Thechiefsofthefourarmiesconcertedthearrangementsforthewar。
Itwouldbealongone，andeverythingmustbeforeseen。
ItwasagreedfirsttoentreattheassistanceoftheRomans，andthis，missionwasofferedtoSpendius，butasafugitivehedarednot，undertakeit。TwelvemenfromtheGreekcoloniesembarkedatAnnabain，asloopbelongingtotheNumidians。Thenthechiefsexactedanoathof，completeobediencefromalltheBarbarians。Everydaythecaptains，inspectedclothesandboots;thesentrieswereevenforbiddentousea，shield，fortheywouldoftenleanitagainsttheirlanceandfall，asleepastheystood;thosewhohadanybaggagetrailingafterthem，wereobligedtogetridofit;everythingwastobecarried，inRoman，fashion，ontheback。AsaprecautionagainsttheelephantsMatho，institutedacorpsofcataphractcavalry，menandhorsesbeinghidden，beneathcuirassesofhippopotamusskinbristlingwithnails;andto，protectthehorses’hoofsbootsofplaitedesparto-grassweremadefor，them。
Itwasforbiddentopillagethevillages，ortotyranniseoverthe，inhabitantswhowerenotofPunicrace。Butasthecountrywas，becomingexhausted，Mathoorderedtheprovisionstobeservedoutto，thesoldiersindividually，withouttroublingaboutthewomen。Atfirst，themensharedwiththem。Manygrewweakforlackoffood。Itwasthe，occasionofmanyquarrelsandinvectives，manydrawingawaythe，companionsoftherestbythebaitorevenbythepromiseoftheirown，portion。Mathocommandedthemalltobedrivenawaypitilessly。They，tookrefugeinthecampofAutaritus;buttheGaulishandLibyanwomen，forcedthembytheiroutrageoustreatmenttodepart。
AtlasttheycamebeneaththewallsofCarthagetoimplorethe，protectionofCeresandProserpine，forinByrsatherewasatemple，withpriestsconsecratedtothesegoddessesinexpiationofthe，horrorsformerlycommittedatthesiegeofSyracuse。TheSyssitia，allegingtheirrighttowaifsandstrays，claimedtheyoungestin，ordertosellthem;andsomefairLacedaemonianwomenweretakenby，NewCarthaginiansinmarriage。
Afewpersistedinfollowingthearmies。Theyranontheflankofthe，syntagmatabythesideofthecaptains。Theycalledtotheirhusbands，pulledthembythecloak，cursedthemastheybeattheirbreasts，and，heldouttheirlittlenakedandweepingchildrenatarm’slength。The，sightofthemwasunmanningtheBarbarians;theywereanembarrassment，andaperil。Severaltimestheywererepulsed，buttheycameback，again;MathomadethehorsemenbelongingtoNarr’Havaschargethem，withthepointofthelance;andonsomeBaleariansshoutingoutto，himthattheymusthavewomen，hereplied：“Ihavenone！”
JustnowhewasinvadedbythegeniusofMoloch。Inspiteofthe，rebellionofhisconscience，heperformedterribledeeds，imagining，thathewasthusobeyingthevoiceofagod。Whenhecouldnotravage，thefields，Mathowouldcaststonesintothemtorenderthemsterile。
HeurgedAutaritusandSpendiuswithrepeatedmessagestomakehaste。
ButtheSuffet’soperationswereincomprehensible。Heencampedat，Eidous，Monchar，andTehentsuccessively;somescoutsbelievedthat，theysawhimintheneighbourhoodofIschiil，nearthefrontiersof，Narr’Havas，anditwasreportedthathehadcrossedtheriverabove，TebourbaasthoughtoreturntoCarthage。Scarcelywasheinoneplace，whenheremovedtoanother。Theroutesthathefollowedalways，remainedunknown。TheSuffetpreservedhisadvantageswithoutoffering，battle，andwhilepursuedbytheBarbariansseemedtobeleadingthem。
Thesemarchesandcountermarcheswerestillmorefatiguingtothe，Carthaginians，andHamilcar’sforces，receivingnoreinforcements，diminishedfromdaytoday。Thecountrypeoplewerenowmorebackward，inbringinghimprovisions。Ineverydirectionheencounteredtaciturn，hesitationandhatred;andinspiteofhisentreatiestotheGreat，CouncilnosuccourcamefromCarthage。
Itwassaid，perhapsitwasbelieved，thathehadneedofnone。Itwas，atrick，orhiscomplaintswereunnecessary;andHanno’spartisans，in，ordertodohimanillturn，exaggeratedtheimportanceofhis，victory。Thetroopswhichhecommandedhewaswelcometo;butthey，werenotgoingtosupplyhisdemandscontinuallyinthatway。Thewar，wasquiteburdensomeenough！ithadcosttoomuch，andfrompridethe，patriciansbelongingtohisfactionsupportedhimbutslackly。
ThenHamilcar，despairingoftheRepublic，tookbyforcefromthe，tribesallthathewantedforthewar——grain，oil，wood，cattle，and，men。Buttheinhabitantswerenotlongintakingflight。Thevillages，passedthroughwereempty，andthecabinswereransackedwithout，anythingbeingdiscernedinthem。ThePunicarmywassoonencompassed，byaterriblesolitude。
TheCarthaginians，whowerefurious，begantosacktheprovinces;they，filledupthecisternsandfiredthehouses。Thesparks，beingcarried，bythewind，werescatteredfaroff，andwholeforestswereonfireon，themountains;theyborderedthevalleyswithacrownofflames，and，itwasoftennecessarytowaitinordertopassbeyondthem。Thenthe，soldiersresumedtheirmarchoverthewarmashesinthefullglareof，thesun。
Sometimestheywouldseewhatlookedliketheeyesofatigercat，gleaminginabushbythesideoftheroad。ThiswasaBarbarian，crouchinguponhisheels，andsmearedwithdust，thathemightnotbe，distinguishedfromthecolourofthefoliage;orperhapswhenpassing，alongaravinethoseonthewingswouldsuddenlyheartherollingof，stones，andraisingtheireyeswouldperceiveabare-footedman，boundingalongthroughtheopeningsofthegorge。
MeanwhileUticaandHippo-ZarytuswerefreesincetheMercenarieswere，nolongerbesiegingthem。Hamilcarcommandedthemtocometohis，assistance。Butnotcaringtocompromisethemselves，theyansweredhim，withvaguewords，withcomplimentsandexcuses。
HewentupagainabruptlyintotheNorth，determinedtoopenuponeof，theTyriantowns，thoughhewereobligedtolaysiegetoit。He，requiredastationonthecoast，soastobeabletodrawsuppliesand，menfromtheislandsorfromCyrene，andhecovetedtheharbourof，UticaasbeingthenearesttoCarthage。
TheSuffetthereforeleftZouitinandturnedthelakeofHippo-Zarytus，withcircumspection。Buthewassoonobligedtolengthenouthis，regimentsintocolumninordertoclimbthemountainwhichseparates，thetwovalleys。Theyweredescendingatsunsetintoitshollow，funnel-shapedsummit，whentheyperceivedontheleveloftheground，beforethembronzeshe-wolveswhichseemedtoberunningacrossthe，grass。
Suddenlylargeplumesaroseandaterriblesongburstforth，accompaniedbytherhythmofflutes。ItwasthearmyunderSpendius;
forsomeCampaniansandGreeks，intheirexecrationofCarthage，had，assumedtheensignsofRome。Atthesametimelongpikes，shieldsof，leopard’sskin，linencuirasses，andnakedshoulderswereseenonthe，left。TheseweretheIberiansunderMatho，theLusitanians，Balearians，andGaetulians;thehorsesofNarr’Havaswereheardto，neigh;theyspreadaroundthehill;thencamethelooserabble，commandedbyAutaritus——Gauls，Libyans，andNomads;whiletheEaters，ofUncleannessmightberecognisedamongthembythefishboneswhich，theyworeintheirhair。
ThustheBarbarians，havingcontrivedtheirmarcheswithexactness，hadcometogetheragain。Butthemselvessurprised，theyremained，motionlessforsomeminutesinconsultation。
TheSuffethadcollectedhismenintoanorbicularmass，insuchaway，astoofferanequalresistanceineverydirection。Theinfantrywere，surroundedbytheirtall，pointedshieldsfixedclosetooneanother，intheturf。TheClinabarianswereoutsideandtheelephantsat，intervalsfurtheroff。TheMercenarieswerewornoutwithfatigue;it，wasbettertowaittillnextday;andtheBarbariansfeelingsureof，theirvictoryoccupiedthemselvesthewholenightineating。
Theylightedlargebrightfires，which，whiledazzlingthemselves，leftthePunicarmybelowthemintheshade。Hamilcarcausedatrench，fifteenfeetbroadandtencubitsdeeptobeduginRomanfashion，roundhiscamp，andtheearththrownouttoberaisedontheinside，intoaparapet，onwhichsharpinterlacingstakeswereplanted;andat，sunrisetheMercenarieswereamazedtoperceivealltheCarthaginians，thusentrenchedasifinafortress。
TheycouldrecogniseHamilcarinthemidstofthetentswalkingabout，andgivingorders。Hispersonwascladinabrowncuirasscutin，littlescales;hewasfollowedbyhishorse，andstoppedfromtimeto，timetopointoutsomethingwithhisrightarmoutstretched。
Thenmorethanonerecalledsimilarmorningswhen，amidthedinof，clarions，hepassedslowlybeforethem，andhislooksstrengthened，themlikecupsofwine。Akindofemotionovercamethem。Those，onthe，contrary，whowerenotacquaintedwithHamilcar，weremadwithjoyat，havingcaughthim。
Neverthelessifallattackedatoncetheywoulddooneanothermutual，injuryintheinsufficiencyofspace。TheNumidiansmightdash，through;buttheClinabarians，whowereprotectedbycuirasses，would，crushthem。Andthenhowwerethepalisadestobecrossed？Astothe，elephants，theywerenotsufficientlywelltrained。
“Youareallcowards！”exclaimedMatho。
Andwiththebestamongthemherushedagainsttheentrenchment。They，wererepulsedbyavolleyofstones;fortheSuffethadtakentheir，abandonedcatapultsonthebridge。
Thiswantofsuccessproducedanabruptchangeintheficklemindsof，theBarbarians。Theirextremebraverydisappeared;theywishedto，conquer，butwiththesmallestpossiblerisk。AccordingtoSpendius，theyoughttomaintaincarefullythepositionthattheyheld，and，starveoutthePunicarmy。ButtheCarthaginiansbegantodigwells，andasthereweremountainssurroundingthehill，theydiscovered，water。
Fromthesummitoftheirpalisadetheylaunchedarrows，earth，dung，andpebbleswhichtheygatheredfromtheground，whilethesix，catapultsrolledincessantlythroughoutthelengthoftheterrace。
Butthespringswoulddryupofthemselves;theprovisionswouldbe，exhausted，andthecatapultswornout;theMercenaries，whowereten，timesasnumerous，wouldtriumphintheend。TheSuffetdevised，negotiationssoastogaintime，andonemorningtheBarbariansfound，asheep’sskincoveredwithwritingwithintheirlines。Hejustified，himselfforhisvictory：theAncientshadforcedhimintothewar，and，toshowthemthathewaskeepinghisword，heofferedthemthe，pillagingofUticaorHippo-Zarytusattheirchoice;inconclusion，Hamilcardeclaredthathedidnotfearthembecausehehadwonover，sometraitors，andthankstothemwouldeasilymanagetherest。
TheBarbariansweredisturbed：thisproposalofimmediatebootymade，themconsider;theywereapprehensiveoftreachery，notsuspectinga，snareintheSuffet’sboasting，andtheybegantolookuponone，anotherwithmistrust。Wordsandstepswerewatched;terrorsawaked，theminthenight。Manyforsooktheircompanionsandchosetheirarmy，asfancydictated，andtheGaulswithAutarituswentandjoined，themselveswiththemenofCisalpineGaul，whoselanguagethey，understood。
ThefourchiefsmettogethereveryeveninginMatho’stent，and，squattingroundashield，attentivelymovedbackwardsandforwardsthe，littlewoodenfiguresinventedbyPyrrhusfortherepresentationof，manoeuvres。SpendiuswoulddemonstrateHamilcar’sresources，andwith，oathsbyallthegodsentreatthattheopportunityshouldnotbe，wasted。Mathowouldwalkaboutangryandgesticulating。Thewar，againstCarthagewashisownpersonalaffair;hewasindignantthat，theothersshouldinterfereinitwithoutbeingwillingtoobeyhim。
Autarituswoulddivinehisspeechfromhiscountenanceandapplaud。
Narr’Havaswouldelevatehischintomarkhisdisdain;therewasnot，ameasurehedidnotconsiderfatal;andhehadceasedtosmile。Sighs，wouldescapehimasthoughhewerethrustingbacksorrowforan，impossibledream，despairforanabortiveenterprise。
WhiletheBarbariansdeliberatedinuncertainty，theSuffetincreased，hisdefences：hehadasecondtrenchdugwithinthepalisades，a，secondwallraised，andwoodentowersconstructedatthecorners;and，hisslaveswentasfarasthemiddleoftheoutpoststodrivecaltrops，intotheground。Buttheelephants，whoseallowanceswerelessened，struggledintheirshackles。Toeconomisethegrassheorderedthe，Clinabarianstokilltheleaststrongamongthestallions。Afew，refusedtodoso，andhehadthemdecapitated。Thehorseswereeaten。
Therecollectionofthisfreshmeatwasasourceofgreatsadnessto，theminthedaysthatfollowed。
Fromthebottomoftheampitheatreinwhichtheywereconfinedthey，couldseethefourbustlingcampsoftheBarbariansallaroundthemon，theheights。Womenmovedaboutwithleathernbottlesontheirheads，goatsstrayedbleatingbeneaththepilesofpikes;sentrieswerebeing，relieved，andeatingwasgoingonaroundtripods。Infact，thetribes，furnishedthemabundantlywithprovisions，andtheydidnotthemselves，suspecthowmuchtheirinactionalarmedthePunicarmy。
OntheseconddaytheCarthaginianshadremarkedatroopofthree，hundredmenapartfromtherestinthecampofthenomads。Thesewere，therichwhohadbeenkeptprisonerssincethebeginningofthewar。
SomeLibyansrangedthemalongtheedgeofthetrench，tooktheir，stationbehindthem，andhurledjavelins，makingthemselvesarampart，oftheirbodies。Thewretchedcreaturescouldscarcelyberecognised，socompletelyweretheirfacescoveredwithverminandfilth。Their，hairhadbeenpluckedoutinplaces，leavingbaretheulcersontheir，heads，andtheyweresoleanandhideousthattheywerelikemummies，intatteredshrouds。Afewtrembledandsobbedwithastupidlook;the，restcriedouttotheirfriendstofireupontheBarbarians。Therewas，onewhoremainedquitemotionlesswithfacecastdown，andwithout，speaking;hislongwhitebeardfelltohischain-coveredhands;and，theCarthaginians，feelingasitwerethedownfalloftheRepublicin，thebottomoftheirhearts，recognisedGisco。Althoughtheplacewasa，dangerousonetheypressedforwardtoseehim。Onhisheadhadbeen，placedagrotesquetiaraofhippopotamusleatherincrustedwith，pebbles。ItwasAutaritus’sidea;butitwasdispleasingtoMatho。
Hamilcarinexasperation，andresolvedtocuthiswaythroughinone，wayoranother，hadthepalisadesopened;andtheCarthaginianswent，atafuriousratehalfwayupthehillorthreehundredpaces。Sucha，floodofBarbariansdescendeduponthemthattheyweredrivenbackto，theirlines。OneoftheguardsoftheLegionwhohadremainedoutside，wasstumblingamongthestones。Zarxasranuptohim，knockedhim，down，andplungedadaggerintohisthroat;hedrewitout，threw，himselfuponthewound——andgluinghislipstoitwithmutteringsof，joy，andstartingswhichshookhimtotheheels，pumpeduptheblood，bybreastfuls;thenhequietlysatdownuponthecorpse，raisedhis，facewithhisneckthrownbackthebettertobreatheintheair，like，ahindthathasjustdrunkatamountainstream，andinashrillvoice，begantosingaBalearicsong，avaguemelodyfullofprolonged，modulations，withinterruptionsandalternationslikeechoesanswering，oneanotherinthemountains;hecalleduponhisdeadbrothersand，invitedthemtoafeast;——thenhelethishandsfallbetweenhislegs，slowlybenthishead，andwept。Thisatrociousoccurrencehorrified，theBarbarians，especiallytheGreeks。
FromthattimeforththeCarthaginiansdidnotattempttomakeany，sally;andtheyhadnothoughtofsurrender，certainastheywerethat，theywouldperishintortures。
Neverthelesstheprovisions，inspiteofHamilcar’scarefulness，diminishedfrightfully。Therewasnotleftpermanmorethanten，k’hommersofwheat，threehinsofmillet，andtwelvebetzasofdried，fruit。Nomoremeat，nomoreoil，nomoresaltfood，andnotagrain，ofbarleyforthehorses，whichmightbeseenstretchingdowntheir，wastednecksseekinginthedustforbladesoftrampledstraw。Often，thesentriesonvedetteupontheterracewouldseeinthemoonlighta，dogbelongingtotheBarbarianscomingtoprowlbeneaththe，entrenchmentamongtheheapsoffilth;itwouldbeknockeddownwitha，stone，andthen，afteradescenthadbeeneffectedalongthepalisades，bymeansofthestrapsofashield，itwouldbeeatenwithoutaword。
Sometimeshorriblebarkingswouldbeheardandthemanwouldnotcome，upagain。Threephalangites，inthefourthdilochiaofthetwelfth，syntagmata，killedoneanotherwithknivesinadisputeaboutarat。
Allregrettedtheirfamilies，andtheirhouses;thepoortheirhive-
shapedhuts，withtheshellsonthethresholdandthehangingnet，and，thepatricianstheirlargehallsfilledwithbluishshadows，whereat，themostindolenthourofthedaytheyusedtorestlisteningtothe，vaguenoiseofthestreetsmingledwiththerustlingoftheleavesas，theystirredintheirgardens;——togodeeperintothethoughtofthis，andtoenjoyitmore，theywouldhalfclosetheireyelids，onlytobe，rousedbytheshockofawound。Everyminutetherewassome，engagement，somefreshalarm;thetowerswereburning，theEatersof，Uncleannesswereleapingacrossthepalisades;theirhandswouldbe，struckoffwithaxes;otherswouldhastenup;anironhailwouldfall，uponthetents。Galleriesofrushenhurdleswereraisedasa，protectionagainsttheprojectiles。TheCarthaginiansshutthemselves，upwithinthemandstirredoutnomore。
Everydaythesuncomingoverthehillused，aftertheearlyhours，to，forsakethebottomofthegorgeandleavethemintheshade。Thegrey，slopesoftheground，coveredwithflintsspottedwithscantylichen，ascendedinfrontandintherear，andabovetheirsummitsstretched，theskyinitsperpetualpurity，smootherandcoldertotheeyethana，metalcupola。HamilcarwassoindignantwithCarthagethathefelt，inclinedtothrowhimselfamongtheBarbariansandleadthemagainst，her。Moreover，theporters，sutlers，andslaveswerebeginningto，murmur，whileneitherpeople，norGreatCouncil，noranyonesentas，muchasahope。Thesituationwasintolerable，especiallyowingtothe，thoughtthatitwouldbecomeworse。
AtthenewsofthedisasterCarthagehadleaped，asitwere，with，angerandhate;theSuffetwouldhavebeenlessexecratedifhehad，allowedhimselftobeconqueredfromthefirst。
ButtimeandmoneywerelackingforthehireofotherMercenaries。As，toalevyofsoldiersinthetown，howweretheytobeequipped？
Hamilcarhadtakenallthearms！andthenwhowastocommandthem？The，bestcaptainsweredownyonderwithhim！Meanwhile，somemen，despatchedbytheSuffetarrivedinthestreetswithshouts。TheGreat，Councilwererousedbythem，andcontrivedtomakethemdisappear。
Itwasanunnecessaryprecaution;everyoneaccusedBarcaofhaving，behavedwithslackness。HeoughttohaveannihilatedtheMercenaries，afterhisvictory。Whyhadheravagedthetribes？Thesacrifices，alreadyimposedhadbeenheavyenough！andthepatriciansdeplored，theircontributionsoffourteenshekels，andtheSyssitiatheirtwo，hundredandtwenty-threethousandgoldkikars;thosewhohadgiven，nothinglamentedliketherest。ThepopulacewasjealousoftheNew，Carthaginians，towhomhehadpromisedfullrightsofcitizenship;and，eventheLigurians，whohadfoughtwithsuchintrepidity，were，confoundedwiththeBarbariansandcursedlikethem;theirracebecame，acrime，theproofofcomplicity。Thetradersonthethresholdof，theirshops，theworkmenpassingplumb-lineinhand，thevendorsof，picklerinsingtheirbaskets，theattendantsinthevapourbathsand，theretailersofhotdrinksalldiscussedtheoperationsofthe，campaign。Theywouldtracebattle-planswiththeirfingersinthe，dust，andtherewasnotasorryrascaltobefoundwhocouldnothave，correctedHamilcar’smistakes。
Itwasapunishment，saidthepriests，forhislong-continuedimpiety。
Hehadofferednoholocausts;hehadnotpurifiedhistroops;hehad，evenrefusedtotakeaugurswithhim;andthescandalofsacrilege，strengthenedtheviolenceofrestrainedhate，andtherageofbetrayed，hopes。PeoplerecalledtheSiciliandisasters，andalltheburdenof，hispridethattheyhadborneforsolong！Thecollegesofthe，pontiffscouldnotforgivehimforhavingseizedtheirtreasure，and，theydemandedapledgefromtheGreatCounciltocrucifyhimshouldhe，everreturn。
TheheatsofthemonthofEloul，whichwereexcessiveinthatyear，wereanothercalamity。Sickeningsmellsrosefromthebordersofthe，Lake，andwerewaftedthroughtheairtogetherwiththefumesofthe，aromaticsthateddiedatthecornersofthestreets。Thesoundsof，hymnswereconstantlyheard。Crowdsofpeopleoccupiedthestaircases，ofthetemples;allthewallswerecoveredwithblackveils;tapers，burntonthebrowsofthePataecGods，andthebloodofcamelsslain，forsacrificeranalongtheflightsofstairsformingredcascades，uponthesteps。Carthagewasagitatedwithfunerealdelirium。Fromthe，depthsofthenarrowestlanes，andtheblackestdens，thereissued，palefaces，menwithviper-likeprofilesandgrindingtheirteeth。The，houseswerefilledwiththewomen’spiercingshrieks，which，escaping，throughthegratings，causedthosewhostoodtalkinginthesquaresto，turnround。SometimesitwasthoughtthattheBarbarianswere，arriving;theyhadbeenseenbehindthemountainoftheHotSprings;
theywereencampedatTunis;andthevoiceswouldmultiplyandswell，andbeblendedintoonesingleclamour。Thenuniversalsilencewould，reign，someremainingwheretheyhadclimbeduponthefrontalsofthe，buildings，screeningtheireyeswiththeiropenhand，whiletherest，layflatontheirfacesatthefootoftherampartsstrainingtheir，ears。Whentheirterrorhadpassedofftheirangerwouldbeginagain。
Buttheconvictionoftheirownimpotencewouldsoonsinktheminto，thesamesadnessasbefore。
Itincreasedeveryeveningwhenallascendedtheterraces，andbowing，downninetimesutteredaloudcryinsalutationofthesun，asit，sankslowlybehindthelagoon，andthensuddenlydisappearedamongthe，mountainsinthedirectionoftheBarbarians。
Theywerewaitingforthethriceholyfestivalwhen，fromthesummit，ofafuneralpile，aneagleflewheavenwardsasasymbolofthe，resurrectionoftheyear，andamessagefromthepeopletotheirBaal;
theyregardeditasasortofunion，amethodofconnectingthemselves，withthemightoftheSun。Moreover，filledastheynowwerewith，hatred，theyturnedfranklytowardshomicidalMoloch，andallforsook，Tanith。Infact，Rabetna，havinglostherveil，wasasifshehadbeen，despoiledofpartofhervirtue。Shedeniedthebeneficenceofher，waters，shehadabandonedCarthage;shewasadeserter，anenemy。Some，threwstonesathertoinsulther。Butmanypitiedherwhilethey，inveighedagainsther;shewasstillbeloved，andperhapsmoredeeply，thanshehadbeen。
Alltheirmisfortunescame，therefore，fromthelossofthezaimph。
Salammbohadindirectlyparticipatedinit;shewasincludedinthe，sameillwill;shemustbepunished。Avagueideaofimmolationspread，amongthepeople。ToappeasetheBaalimitwaswithoutdoubtnecessary，toofferthemsomethingofincalculableworth，abeinghandsome，young，virgin，ofoldfamily，adescendantofthegods，ahumanstar。
EverydaythegardensofMegarawereinvadedbystrangemen;the，slaves，tremblingontheirownaccount，darednotresistthem。
Nevertheless，theydidnotpassbeyondthegalleystaircase。They，remainedbelowwiththeireyesraisedtothehighestterrace;they，werewaitingforSalammbo，andtheywouldcryoutforhoursagainst，herlikedogsbayingatthemoon。
CHAPTERX
THESERPENT
TheseclamouringsofthepopulacedidnotalarmHamilcar’sdaughter。
Shewasdisturbedbyloftieranxieties：hergreatserpent，theblack，python，wasdrooping;andintheeyesoftheCarthaginians，the，serpentwasatonceanationalandaprivatefetish。Itwasbelieved，tobetheoffspringofthedustoftheearth，sinceitemergesfrom，itsdepthsandhasnoneedoffeettotraverseit;itsmodeof，progressioncalledtomindtheundulationsofrivers，itstemperature，theancient，viscous，andfecunddarkness，andtheorbitwhichit，describeswhenbitingitstailtheharmonyoftheplanets，andthe，intelligenceofEschmoun。
Salammbo’sserpenthadseveraltimesalreadyrefusedthefourlive，sparrowswhichwereofferedtoitatthefullmoonandateverynew，moon。Itshandsomeskin，coveredlikethefirmamentwithgoldenspots，uponaperfectlyblackground，wasnowyellow，relaxed，wrinkled，and，toolargeforitsbody。Acottonymouldinessextendedrounditshead;
andinthecornersofitseyelidsmightbeseenlittleredspecks，whichappearedtomove。Salammbowouldapproachitssilver-wirebasket，fromtimetotime，andwoulddrawasidethepurplecurtains，thelotus，leaves，andthebird’sdown;butitwascontinuallyrolledupupon，itself，moremotionlessthanawitheredbind-weed;andfromlookingat，itsheatlastcametofeelakindofspiralwithinherheart，another，serpent，asitwere，mountinguptoherthroatbydegreesand，stranglingher。
Shewasindespairofhavingseenthezaimph，andyetshefeltasort，ofjoy，anintimateprideathavingdoneso。Amysteryshrankwithin，thesplendourofitsfolds;itwasthecloudthatenvelopedthegods，andthesecretoftheuniversalexistence，andSalammbo，horror-
strickenatherself，regrettedthatshehadnotraisedit。
Shewasalmostalwayscrouchingatthebackofherapartment，holding，herbendedleftleginherhands，hermouthhalfopen，herchinsunk，hereyefixed。Sherecollectedherfather’sfacewithterror;she，wishedtogoawayintothemountainsofPhoenicia，onapilgrimageto，thetempleofAphaka，whereTanithdescendedintheformofastar;
allkindsofimaginingsattractedherandterrifiedher;moreover，a，solitudewhicheverydaybecamegreaterencompassedher。Shedidnot，evenknowwhatHamilcarwasabout。
Weariedatlastwithherthoughtsshewouldrise，andtrailingalong，herlittlesandalswhosesolesclackeduponherheelsateverystep，shewouldwalkatrandomthroughthelargesilentroom。Theamethysts，andtopazesoftheceilingmadeluminousspotsquiverhereandthere，andSalammboasshewalkedwouldturnherheadalittletoseethem。
Shewouldgoandtakethehangingamphorasbytheneck;shewouldcool，herbosombeneaththebroadfans，orperhapsamuseherselfbyburning，cinnamomuminhollowpearls。AtsunsetTaanachwoulddrawbackthe，blackfeltlozengesthatclosedtheopeningsinthewall;thenher，doves，rubbedwithmusklikethedovesofTanith，suddenlyentered，andtheirpinkfeetglidedovertheglasspavement，amidthegrainsof，barleywhichshethrewtotheminhandfulslikeasowerinafield。
Butonasuddenshewouldburstintosobsandliestretchedonthe，largebedofox-leatherstrapswithoutmoving，repeatingawordthat，waseverthesame，withopeneyes，paleasonedead，insensible，cold;
andyetshecouldhearthecriesoftheapesinthetuftsofthepalm，trees，withthecontinuousgrindingofthegreatwheelwhichbroughta，flowofpurewaterthroughthestoriesintotheporphyrycentre-basin。
Sometimesforseveraldaysshewouldrefusetoeat。Shecouldseeina，dreamtroubledstarswanderingbeneathherfeet。Shewouldcall，Schahabarim，andwhenhecameshehadnothingtosaytohim。
Shecouldnotlivewithoutthereliefofhispresence。Butshe，rebelledinwardlyagainstthisdomination;herfeelingtowardsthe，priestwasoneatonceofterror，jealousy，hatred，andaspeciesof，love，ingratitudeforthesingularvoluptuousnesswhichshe，experiencedbyhisside。
HehadrecognisedtheinfluenceofRabbet，beingskilfultodiscern，thegodswhosenddiseases;andtocureSalammbohehadherapartment，wateredwithlotionsofvervain，andmaidenhair;sheatemandrakes，everymorning;shesleptwithherheadonacushionfilledwith，aromaticsblendedbythepontiffs;hehadevenemployedbaaras，a，fiery-colouredrootwhichdrivesbackfatalgeniusesintotheNorth;
lastly，turningtowardsthepolarstar，hemurmuredthricethe，mysteriousnameofTanith;butSalammbostillsufferedandheranguish，deepened。
NooneinCarthagewassolearnedashe。Inhisyouthhehadstudied，attheCollegeoftheMogbeds，atBorsippa，nearBabylon;hadthen，visitedSamothrace，Pessinus，Ephesus，Thessaly，Judaea，andthe，templesoftheNabathae，whicharelostinthesands;andhad，travelledonfootalongthebanksoftheNilefromthecataractsto，thesea。Shakingtorcheswithveil-coveredface，hehadcastablack，cockuponafireofsandarachbeforethebreastoftheSphinx，the，FatherofTerror。HehaddescendedintothecavernsofProserpine;he，hadseenthefivehundredpillarsofthelabyrinthofLemnosrevolve，andthecandelabrumofTarentum，whichboreasmanysconcesonits，shaftastherearedaysintheyear，shineinitssplendour;attimes，hereceivedGreeksbynightinordertoquestionthem。The，constitutionoftheworlddisquietedhimnolessthanthenatureof，thegods;hehadobservedtheequinoxeswiththearmilsplacedinthe，porticoofAlexandria，andaccompaniedthebematistsofEvergetes，who，measuretheskybycalculatingthenumberoftheirsteps，asfaras，Cyrene;sothattherewasnowgrowinginhisthoughtsareligionof，hisown，withnodistinctformula，andonthatveryaccountfullof，infatuationandfervour。Henolongerbelievedthattheearthwas，formedlikeafir-cone;hebelievedittoberound，andeternally，fallingthroughimmensitywithsuchprodigiousspeedthatitsfallwas，notperceived。
Fromthepositionofthesunabovethemoonheinferredthe，predominanceofBaal，ofwhomtheplanetitselfisbutthereflection，andfigure;moreover，allthathesawinterrestrialthingscompelled，himtorecognisethemaleexterminatingprincipleassupreme。Andthen，hesecretlychargedRabbetwiththemisfortuneofhislife。Wasitnot，forherthatthegrand-pontiffhadonceadvancedamidthetumultof，cymbals，andwithapateraofboilingwatertakenfromhimhisfuture，virility？Andhefollowedwithamelancholygazethemenwhowere，disappearingwiththepriestessesinthedepthsoftheturpentine，trees。
Hisdayswerespentininspectingthecensers，thegoldvases，the，tongs，therakesfortheashesofthealtar，andalltherobesofthe，statuesdowntothebronzebodkinthatservedtocurlthehairofan，oldTanithinthethirdaediculeneartheemeraldvine。Atthesame，hourshewouldraisethegreathangingsofthesameswingingdoors;
wouldremainwithhisarmsoutspreadinthesameattitude;orprayed，prostrateonthesameflag-stones，whilearoundhimapeopleof，priestsmovedbarefootedthroughthepassagesfilledwithaneternal，twilight。
ButSalammbowasinthebarrennessofhislifelikeaflowerinthe，cleftofasepulchre。Neverthelesshewasharduponher，andspared，herneitherpenancesnorbitterwords。Hisconditionestablished，as，itwere，theequalityofacommonsexbetweenthem，andhewasless，angrywiththegirlforhisinabilitytopossessherthanforfinding，hersobeautiful，andaboveallsopure。Oftenhesawthatshegrew，wearyoffollowinghisthought。Thenhewouldturnawaysadderthan，before;hewouldfeelhimselfmoreforsaken，moreempty，morealone。
Strangewordsescapedhimsometimes，whichpassedbeforeSalammbolike，broadlightningsilluminatingtheabysses。Thiswouldbeatnighton，theterracewhen，bothalone，theygazeduponthestars，andCarthage，spreadbelowundertheirfeet，withthegulfandtheopenseadimly，lostinthecolourofthedarkness。
Hewouldsetforthtoherthetheoryofthesoulsthatdescendupon，theearth，followingthesamerouteasthesunthroughthesignsof，thezodiac。Withoutstretchedarmheshowedthegateofhuman，generationintheRam，andthatofthereturntothegodsin，Capricorn;andSalammbostrovetoseethem，forshetookthese，conceptionsforrealities;sheacceptedpuresymbolsandevenmanners，ofspeechasbeingtrueinthemselves，adistinctionnotalwaysvery，cleareventothepriest。
“Thesoulsofthedead，“saidhe，“resolvethemselvesintothemoon，astheirbodiesdointotheearth。Theirtearscomposeitshumidity;
’tisadarkabodefullofmire，andwreck，andtempest。”
Sheaskedwhatwouldbecomeofherthen。
“Atfirstyouwilllanguishaslightasavapourhoveringuponthe，waves;andaftermorelengthenedordealsandagonies，youwillpass，intotheforcesofthesun，theverysourceofIntelligence！”
Hedidnotspeak，however，ofRabbet。Salammboimaginedthatitwas，throughsomeshameforhisvanquishedgoddess，andcallingherbya，commonnamewhichdesignatedthemoon，shelaunchedintoblessings，uponthesoftandfertileplanet。Atlastheexclaimed：
“No！no！shedrawsallherfecundityfromtheother！Doyounotsee，herhoveringabouthimlikeanamorouswomanrunningafteramanina，field？”Andheexaltedthevirtueoflightunceasingly。
Farfromdepressinghermysticdesires，hesought，onthecontrary，to，excitethem，andheevenseemedtotakejoyingrievingherbythe，revelationofapitilessdoctrine。Inspiteofthepainsofherlove，Salammbothrewherselfuponitwithtransport。
ButthemorethatSchahabarimfelthimselfindoubtaboutTanith，the，morehewishedtobelieveinher。Atthebottomofhissoulhewas，arrestedbyremorse。Heneededsomeproof，somemanifestationfromthe，gods，andinthehopeofobtainingitthepriestdevisedanenterprise，whichmightsaveatoncehiscountryandhisbelief。
ThenceforwardhesethimselftodeplorebeforeSalammbothesacrilege，andthemisfortuneswhichresultedfromitevenintheregionsofthe，sky。ThenhesuddenlyannouncedtheperiloftheSuffet，whowas，assailedbythreearmiesunderthecommandofMatho——foronaccountof，theveilMathowas，intheeyesoftheCarthaginians，theking，asit，were，oftheBarbarians，——andheaddedthatthesafetyoftheRepublic，andofherfatherdependeduponheralone。
“Uponme！”sheexclaimed。“HowcanI——？”
Butthepriest，withasmileofdisdainsaid：
“Youwillneverconsent！”
Sheentreatedhim。AtlastSchahabarimsaidtoher：
“YoumustgototheBarbariansandrecoverthezaimph！”
Shesankdownupontheebonystool，andremainedwithherarms，stretchedoutbetweenherkneesandshiveringinallherlimbs，likea，victimatthealtar’sfootawaitingtheblowoftheclub。Hertemples，wereringing，shecouldseefierycirclesrevolving，andinherstupor，shehadlosttheunderstandingofallthingssaveone，thatshewas，certainlygoingtodiesoon。
ButifRabbetnatriumphed，ifthezaimphwererestoredandCarthage，delivered，whatmatteredawoman’slife？thoughtSchahabarim。
Moreover，shewouldperhapsobtaintheveilandnotperish。
Hestayedawayforthreedays;ontheeveningofthefourthshesent，forhim。
Thebettertoinflameherhearthereportedtoheralltheinvectives，howledagainstHamilcarinopencouncil;hetoldherthatshehad，erred，thatsheowedreparationforhercrime，andthatRabbetna，commandedthesacrifice。
AgreatuproarcamefrequentlyacrosstheMappaliandistrictto，Megara。SchahabarimandSalammbowentoutquickly，andgazedfromthe，topofthegalleystaircase。
TherewerepeopleinthesquareofKhamonshoutingforarms。The，Ancientswouldnotprovidethem，esteemingsuchaneffortuseless;
otherswhohadsetoutwithoutageneralhadbeenmassacred。Atlast，theywerepermittedtodepart，andasasortofhomagetoMoloch，or，fromavagueneedofdestruction，theytoreuptallcypresstreesin，thewoodsofthetemples，andhavingkindledthematthetorchesof，theKabiri，werecarryingthemthroughthestreetssinging。These，monstrousflamesadvancedswayinggently;theytransmittedfiresto，theglassballsonthecrestsofthetemples，totheornamentsofthe，colossusesandthebeaksoftheships，passedbeyondtheterracesand，formedsunsasitwere，whichrolledthroughthetown。Theydescended，theAcropolis。ThegateofMalquaopened。
“Areyouready？”exclaimedSchahabarim，“orhaveyouaskedthemto，tellyourfatherthatyouabandonedhim？”Shehidherfaceinher，veils，andthegreatlightsretired，sinkinggraduallythewhileto，theedgeofthewaves。
Anindeterminatedreadrestrainedher;shewasafraidofMolochandof，Matho。Thisman，withhisgiantstature，whowasmasterofthezaimph，ruledRabbetnaasmuchasdidBaal，andseemedtohertobesurrounded，bythesamefulgurations;andthenthesoulsofthegodssometimes，visitedthebodiesofmen。DidnotSchahabariminspeakingofhimsay，thatshewastovanquishMoloch？Theyweremingledwitheachother;
sheconfusedthemtogether;bothofthemwerepursuingher。
Shewishedtolearnthefuture，andapproachedtheserpent，for，auguriesweredrawnfromtheattitudesofserpents。Butthebasketwas，empty;Salammbowasdisturbed。
Shefoundhimwithhistailrolledroundoneofthesilverbalustrades，besidethehangingbed，whichhewasrubbinginordertofreehimself，fromhisoldyellowishskin，whilehisbodystretchedforthgleaming，andclearlikeaswordhalfoutofthesheath。
Thenonthedaysfollowing，inproportionassheallowedherselftobe，convinced，andwasmoredisposedtosuccourTanith，thepython，recoveredandgrew;heseemedtobereviving。
ThecertaintythatSalammbowasgivingexpressiontothewillofthe，godsthenbecameestablishedinherconscience。Onemorningsheawoke，resolved，andsheaskedwhatwasnecessarytomakeMathorestorethe，veil。
“Toclaimit，“saidSchahabarim。
“Butifherefuses？”sherejoined。
Thepriestscannedherfixedlywithasmilesuchasshehadnever，seen。
“Yes，whatistobedone？”repeatedSalammbo。
Herolledbetweenhisfingerstheextremitiesofthebandswhichfell，fromhistiarauponhisshoulders，standingmotionlesswitheyescast，down。Atlastseeingthatshedidnotunderstand：
“Youwillbealonewithhim。”
“Well？”shesaid。
“Aloneinhistent。”
“Whatthen？”
Schahabarimbithislips。Hesoughtforsomephrase，some，circumlocution。
“Ifyouaretodie，thatwillbelater，“hesaid;“later！fear，nothing！andwhateverhemayundertaketodo，donotcallout！donot，befrightened！Youwillbehumble，youunderstand，andsubmissiveto，hisdesire，whichisordainedofheaven！”
“Buttheveil？”
“Thegodswilltakethoughtforit，“repliedSchahabarim。
“Supposeyouweretoaccompanyme，Ofather？”sheadded。
“No！”
Hemadeherkneeldown，andkeepinghislefthandraisedandhisright，extended，hesworeinherbehalftobringbackthemantleofTanith，intoCarthage。Withterribleimprecationsshedevotedherselftothe，gods，andeachtimethatSchahabarimpronouncedawordshefalteringly，repeatedit。
Heindicatedtoherallthepurificationsandfastingsthatshewasto，observe，andhowshewastoreachMatho。Moreover，amanacquainted，withtherouteswouldaccompanyher。
Shefeltasifshehadbeensetfree。Shethoughtonlyofthe，happinessofseeingthezaimphagain，andshenowblessedSchahabarim，forhisexhortations。
ItwastheperiodatwhichthedovesofCarthagemigratedtoSicilyto，themountainofEryxandthetempleofVenus。Forseveraldaysbefore，theirdeparturetheysoughtoutandcalledtooneanothersoasto，collecttogether;atlastoneeveningtheyflewaway;thewindblew，themalong，andthebigwhitecloudglidedacrosstheskyhighabove，thesea。
Thehorizonwasfilledwiththecolourofblood。Theyseemedto，descendgraduallytothewaves;thentheydisappearedasthough，swallowedup，andfallingofthemselvesintothejawsofthesun。
Salammbo，whowatchedthemretiring，bentherhead，andthenTaanach，believingthatsheguessedhersorrow，saidgentlytoher：
“Buttheywillcomeback，Mistress。”
“Yes！Iknow。”
“Andyouwillseethemagain。”
“Perhaps！”shesaid，sighing。
Shehadnotconfidedherresolvetoanyone;inordertocarryitout，withthegreaterdiscretionshesentTaanachtothesuburbofKinisdo，tobuyallthethingsthatsherequiredinsteadofrequestingthem，fromthestewards：vermilion，aromatics，alinengirdle，andnew，garments。Theoldslavewasamazedatthesepreparations，without，daring，however，toaskanyquestions;andtheday，whichhadbeen，fixedbySchahabarim，arrivedwhenSalammbowastosetout。
Aboutthetwelfthhoursheperceived，inthedepthsofthesycamore，trees，ablindoldmanwithonehandrestingontheshoulderofa，childwhowalkedbeforehim，whilewiththeotherhecarriedakindof，citharaofblackwoodagainsthiship。Theeunuchs，slaves，andwomen，hadbeenscrupulouslysentaway;noonemightknowthemysterythat，waspreparing。
Taanachkindledfourtripodsfilledwithstrobusandcadamomuminthe，cornersoftheapartment;thensheunfoldedlargeBabylonianhangings，andstretchedthemoncordsallaroundtheroom，forSalammbodidnot，wishtobeseenevenbythewalls。Thekinnor-playersquattedbehind，thedoorandtheyoungboystandinguprightappliedareedfluteto，hislips。Inthedistancetheroarofthestreetswasgrowingfeebler，violetshadowswerelengtheningbeforetheperistylesofthetemples，andontheothersideofthegulfthemountainbases，thefieldsof，olive-trees，andthevagueyellowlandsundulatedindefinitely，and，wereblendedtogetherinabluishhaze;notasoundwastobeheard，andanunspeakabledepressionweighedintheair。
Salammbocroucheddownupontheonyxstepontheedgeofthebasin;
sheraisedheramplesleeves，fasteningthembehindhershoulders，and，beganherablutionsinmethodicalfashion，accordingtothesacred，rites。
NextTaanachbroughthersomethingliquidandcoagulatedinan，alabasterphial;itwasthebloodofablackdogslaughteredbybarren，womenonawinter’snightamidtherubbishofasepulchre。Sherubbed，ituponherears，herheels，andthethumbofherrighthand，andeven，hernailremainedsomewhatred，asifshehadcrushedafruit。
Themoonrose;thenthecitharaandtheflutebegantoplaytogether。
Salammbounfastenedherearrings，hernecklace，herbracelets，andher，longwhitesimar;sheunknottedthebandinherhair，shakingthe，latterforafewminutessoftlyoverhershoulderstocoolherselfby，thusscatteringit。Themusicwentonoutside;itconsistedofthree，noteseverthesame，hurriedandfrenzied;thestringsgrated，the，fluteblew;Taanachkepttimebystrikingherhands;Salammbo，witha，swayingofherwholebody，chantedprayers，andhergarmentsfellone，afteranotheraroundher。
Theheavytapestrytrembled，andthepython’sheadappearedabovethe，cordthatsupportedit。Theserpentdescendedslowlylikeadropof，waterflowingalongawall，crawledamongthescatteredstuffs，and，then，gluingitstailtotheground，roseperfectlyerect;andhis，eyes，morebrilliantthancarbuncles，darteduponSalammbo。
Ahorrorofcold，orperhapsafeelingofshame，atfirstmadeher，hesitate。ButsherecalledSchahabarim’sordersandadvanced;the，pythonturneddownwards，andrestingthecentreofitsbodyuponthe，napeofherneck，alloweditsheadandtailtohanglikeabroken，necklacewithbothendstrailingtotheground。Salammborolledit，aroundhersides，underherarmsandbetweenherknees;thentakingit，bythejawshebroughtthelittletriangularmouthtotheedgeofher，teeth，andhalfshuttinghereyes，threwherselfbackbeneaththerays，ofthemoon。Thewhitelightseemedtoenvelopherinasilvermist，theprintsofherhumidstepsshoneupontheflag-stones，stars，quiveredinthedepthofthewater;ittighteneduponheritsblack，ringsthatwerespottedwithscalesofgold。Salammbopantedbeneath，theexcessiveweight，herloinsyielded，shefeltherselfdying，and，withthetipofitstailtheserpentgentlybeatherthigh;thenthe，musicbecomingstillitfelloffagain。
Taanachcamebacktoher;andafterarrangingtwocandelabra，the，lightsofwhichburnedincrystalballsfilledwithwater，shetinged，theinsideofherhandswithLawsonia，spreadvermilionuponher，cheeks，andantimonyalongtheedgeofhereyelids，andlengthenedher，eyebrowswithamixtureofgum，musk，ebony，andcrushedlegsof，flies。
Salammboseatedonachairwithivoryuprights，gaveherselfuptothe，attentionsoftheslave。Butthetouchings，theodourofthe，aromatics，andthefaststhatshehadundergone，wereenervatingher。
ShebecamesopalethatTaanachstopped。
“Goon！”saidSalammbo，andbearingupagainstherself，shesuddenly，revived。Thenshewasseizedwithimpatience;sheurgedTaanachto，makehaste，andtheoldslavegrumbled：
“Well！well！Mistress！——Besides，youhavenoonewaitingforyou！”
“Yes！”saidSalammbo，“someoneiswaitingforme。”
Taanachdrewbackinsurprise，andinordertolearnmoreaboutit，said：
“Whatorderstoyougiveme，Mistress？forifyouaretoremain，away——“
ButSalammbowassobbing;theslaveexclaimed：
“Youaresuffering！whatisthematter？Donotgoaway！takeme！When，youwerequitelittleandusedtocry，Itookyoutomyheartandmade，youlaughwiththepointsofmybreasts;youhavedrainedthem，Mistress！”Shestruckherselfuponherdried-upbosom。“NowIamold！
Icandonothingforyou！younolongerloveme！youhideyourgriefs，fromme，youdespisethenurse！”Andtearsoftendernessandvexation，floweddownhercheeksinthegashesofhertattooing。
“No！”saidSalammbo，“no，Iloveyou！becomforted！”
Withasmilelikethegrimaceofanoldape，Taanachresumedhertask。
InaccordancewithSchahabarim’srecommendations，Salammbohadordered，theslavetomakehermagnificent;andshewasobeyinghermistress，withbarbarictastefullatonceofrefinementandingenuity。
Overafirstdelicateandvinous-colouredtunicshepassedasecond，embroideredwithbirds’feathers。Goldenscalesclungtoherhips，and，fromthisbroadgirdledescendedherblueflowingsilver-starred，trousers。NextTaanachputuponheralongrobemadeoftheclothof，thecountryofSeres，whiteandstreakedwithgreenlines。Ontheedge，ofhershouldershefastenedasquareofpurpleweightedatthehem，withgrainsofsandastrum;andaboveallthesegarmentssheplaceda，blackmantlewithaflowingtrain;thenshegazedather，andproudof，herworkcouldnothelpsaying：
“Youwillnotbemorebeautifulonthedayofyourbridal！”
“Mybridal！”repeatedSalammbo;shewasmusingwithherelbowresting，upontheivorychair。
ButTaanachsetupbeforeheracoppermirror，whichwassobroadand，highthatshecouldseeherselfcompletelyinit。Thensherose，and，withalighttouchofherfingerraisedalockofherhairwhichwas，fallingtoolow。
Herhairwascoveredwithgolddust，wascrispedinfront，andhung，downbehindoverherbackinlongtwistsendinginpearls。The，brightnessofthecandelabraheightenedthepaintonhercheeks，the，goldonhergarments，andthewhitenessofherskin;aroundherwaist，andonherarms，handsandtoes，shehadsuchawealthofgemsthat，themirrorsentbackraysuponherlikeasun;——andSalammbo，standing，bythesideofTaanach，wholeanedovertoseeher，smiledamidthis，dazzlingdisplay。
Thenshewalkedtoandfroembarrassedbythetimethatwasstill，left。
Suddenlythecrowofacockresounded。Shequicklypinnedalong，yellowveiluponherhair，passedascarfaroundherneck，thrusther，feetintoblueleatherboots，andsaidtoTaanach：
“Goandseewhetherthereisnotamanwithtwohorsesbeneaththe，myrtles。”
Taanachhadscarcelyre-enteredwhenshewasdescendingthegalley，staircase。
“Mistress！”criedthenurse。
Salammboturnedroundwithonefingeronhermouthasasignfor，discretionandimmobility。
Taanachstolesoftlyalongtheprowstothefootoftheterrace，and，fromadistanceshecoulddistinguishbythelightofthemoona，giganticshadowwalkingobliquelyinthecypressavenuetotheleftof，Salammbo，asignwhichpresageddeath。
Taanachwentupagainintothechamber。Shethrewherselfuponthe，groundtearingherfacewithhernails;shepluckedoutherhair，and，utteredpiercingshriekswithallhermight。
Itoccurredtoherthattheymightbeheard;thenshebecamesilent，sobbingquitesoftlywithherheadinthehandsandherfaceonthe，pavement。
CHAPTERXI
INTHETENT
ThemanwhoguidedSalammbomadeherascendagainbeyondthepharosin，thedirectionoftheCatacombs，andthengodownthelongsuburbof，Molouya，whichwasfullofsteeplanes。Theskywasbeginningtogrow，grey。Sometimespalm-woodbeamsjuttingoutfromthewallsobliged，themtobendtheirheads。Thetwohorseswhichwereatthewalkwould，oftenslip;andthustheyreachedtheTevestegate。
Itsheavyleaveswerehalfopen;theypassedthrough，anditclosed，behindthem。
Atfirsttheyfollowedthefootoftherampartsforatime，andatthe，heightofthecisternstheytooktheirwayalongtheTaenia，anarrow，stripofyellowearthseparatingthegulffromthelakeandextending，asfarasRhades。
NoonewastobeseenaroundCarthage，whetherontheseaorinthe，country。Theslate-colouredwaveschoppedsoftly，andthelightwind，blowingtheirfoamhitherandthitherspottedthemwithwhiterents。
Inspiteofallherveils，Salammboshiveredinthefreshnessofthe，morning;themotionandtheopenairdazedher。Thenthesunrose;it，preyedonthebackofherhead，andsheinvoluntarilydozedalittle。
Thetwoanimalsrambledalongsidebyside，theirfeetsinkinginto，thesilentsand。
WhentheyhadpassedthemountainoftheHotSprings，theywentonat，amorerapidrate，thegroundbeingfirmer。
Butalthoughitwastheseasonforsowingandploughing，thefields，wereasemptyasthedesertasfarastheeyecouldreach。Hereand，therewerescatteredheapsofcorn;atotherplacesthebarleywas，sheddingitsreddenedears。Thevillagesshowedblackupontheclear，horizon，withshapesincoherentlycarved。
Fromtimetotimeahalf-calcinedpieceofwallwouldbefound，standingontheedgeoftheroad。Theroofsofthecottageswere，fallingin，andintheinteriorsmightbedistinguishedfragmentsof，pottery，ragsofclothing，andallkindsofunrecognisableutensils，andbrokenthings。Oftenacreatureclothedintatters，withearthy，faceandflamingeyeswouldemergefromtheseruins。Buthewouldvery，quicklybegintorunorwoulddisappearintoahole。Salammboandher，guidedidnotstop。
Desertedplainssucceededoneanother。Charcoaldustwhichwasraised，bytheirfeetbehindthem，stretchedinunequaltrailsoverlarge，spacesofperfectlywhitesoil。Sometimestheycameuponlittle，peacefulspots，whereabrookflowedamidthelonggrass;andasthey，ascendedtheotherbankSalammbowouldpluckdampleavestocoolher，hands。Atthecornerofawoodofrose-baysherhorseshiedviolently，atthecorpseofamanwhichlayextendedontheground。
Theslaveimmediatelysettledheragainonthecushions。Hewasoneof，theservantsoftheTemple，amanwhomSchahabarimusedtoemployon，perilousmissions。
Withextremeprecautionhenowwentonfootbesideherandbetweenthe，horses;hewouldwhiptheanimalswiththeendofaleathernlace，woundroundhisarm，orwouldperhapstakeballsmadeofwheat，dates，andyolksofeggswrappedinlotusleavesfromascriphangingagainst，hisbreast，andofferthemtoSalammbowithoutspeaking，andrunning，allthetime。
InthemiddleofthedaythreeBarbarianscladinanimals’skins，crossedtheirpath。Bydegreesothersappearedwanderingintroopsof，ten，twelve，ortwenty-fivemen;manyweredrivinggoatsoralimping，cow。Theirheavysticksbristledwithbrasspoints;cutlassesgleamed，intheirclothes，whichweresavagelydirty，andtheyopenedtheir，eyeswithalookofmenaceandamazement。Astheypassedsomesent，themavulgarbenediction;othersobscenejests，andSchahabarim’sman，repliedtoeachinhisownidiom。Hetoldthemthatthiswasasick，youthgoingtobecuredatadistanttemple。
However，thedaywasclosingin。Barkingswereheard，andthey，approachedthem。
Theninthetwilighttheyperceivedanenclosureofdrystones，shuttinginaramblingedifice。Adogwasrunningalongthetopofthe，wall。Theslavethrewsomepebblesathimandtheyenteredalofty，vaultedhall。
Awomanwascrouchinginthecentrewarmingherselfatafireof，brushwood，thesmokeofwhichescapedthroughtheholesinthe，ceiling。Shewashalfhiddenbyherwhitehairwhichfelltoher，knees;andunwillingtoanswer，shemutteredwithidioticlookwords，ofvengeanceagainsttheBarbariansandtheCarthaginians。
Therunnerferretedrightandleft。Thenhereturnedtoherand，demandedsomethingtoeat。Theoldwomanshookherhead，andmurmured，withhereyesfixeduponthecharcoal：
“Iwasthehand。Thetenfingersarecutoff。Themoutheatsnomore。”
Theslaveshowedherahandfulofgoldpieces。Sherusheduponthem，butsoonresumedherimmobility。
Atlastheplacedadaggerwhichhehadinhisgirdlebeneathher，throat。Then，trembling，shewentandraisedalargestone，and，broughtbackanamphoraofwinewithfishfromHippo-Zarytuspreserved，inhoney。
Salammboturnedawayfromthisuncleanfood，andfellasleeponthe，horses’caparisonswhichwerespreadinacornerofthehall。
Heawokeherbeforedaylight。
Thedogwashowling。Theslavewentuptoitquietly，andstruckoff，itsheadwithasingleblowofhisdagger。Thenherubbedthehorses’
nostrilswithbloodtorevivethem。Theoldwomancastamalediction，athimfrombehind。Salammboperceivedthis，andpressedtheamulet，whichsheworeaboveherheart。
Theyresumedtheirjourney。
Fromtimetotimesheaskedwhethertheywouldnotarrivesoon。The，roadundulatedoverlittlehills。Nothingwastobeheardbutthe，gratingofthegrasshoppers。Thesunheatedtheyellowedgrass;the，groundwasallchinkedwithcreviceswhichindividingformed，asit，were，monstrouspaving-stones。Sometimesaviperpassed，oreagles，flewby;theslavestillcontinuedrunning。Salammbomusedbeneathher，veils，andinspiteoftheheatdidnotlaythemasidethroughfearof，soilingherbeautifulgarments。
AtregulardistancesstoodtowersbuiltbytheCarthaginiansforthe，purposeofkeepingwatchuponthetribes。Theyenteredtheseforthe，sakeoftheshade，andthensetoutagain。
Forprudencesaketheyhadmadeawidedetourthedaybefore。Butthey，metwithnoonejustnow;theregionbeingasterileone，the，Barbarianshadnotpassedthatway。
Graduallythedevastationbeganagain。Sometimesapieceofmosaic，wouldbedisplayedinthecentreofafield，thesoleremnantofa，vanishedmansion;andtheleaflessolivetreeslookedatadistance，likelargebushesofthorns。Theypassedthroughatowninwhich，houseswereburnttotheground。Humanskeletonsmightbeseenalong，thewalls。Thereweresome，too，ofdromedariesandmules。Half-gnawed，carrionblockedthestreets。
Nightfell。Theskywasloweringandcloudy。
Theyascendedagainfortwohoursinawesterlydirection，when，suddenlytheyperceivedaquantityoflittleflamesbeforethem。
Thesewereshiningatthebottomofanampitheatre。Goldplates，as，theydisplacedoneanother，glancedhereandthere。Thesewerethe，cuirassesoftheClinabariansinthePuniccamp;theninthe，neighbourhoodtheydistinguishedotherandmorenumerouslights，for，thearmiesoftheMercenaries，nowblendedtogether，extendedovera，greatspace。
Salammbomadeamovementasthoughtoadvance。ButSchahabarim’sman，tookherfurtheraway，andtheypassedalongbytheterracewhich，enclosedthecampoftheBarbarians。Abreachbecamevisibleinit，andtheslavedisappeared。
Asentrywaswalkinguponthetopoftheentrenchmentwithabowin，hishandandapikeonhisshoulder。
Salammbodrewstillnearer;theBarbariankneltandalongarrow，piercedthehemofhercloak。Thenasshestoodmotionlessand，shrieking，heaskedherwhatshewanted。
“TospeaktoMatho，“shereplied。“IamafugitivefromCarthage。”
Hegaveawhistle，whichwasrepeatedatintervalsfurtheraway。
Salammbowaited;herfrightenedhorsemovedroundandround，sniffing。
WhenMathoarrivedthemoonwasrisingbehindher。Butshehada，yellowveilwithblackflowersoverherface，andsomanydraperies，aboutherperson，thatitwasimpossibletomakeanyguessabouther。
Fromthetopoftheterracehegazeduponthisvagueformstandingup，likeaphantominthepenumbraeoftheevening。
Atlastshesaidtohim：
“Leadmetoyourtent！Iwishit！”
Arecollectionwhichhecouldnotdefinepassedthroughhismemory。He，felthisheartbeating。Theairofcommandintimidatedhim。
“Followme！”hesaid。
Thebarrierwaslowered，andimmediatelyshewasinthecampofthe，Barbarians。
Itwasfilledwithagreattumultandagreatthrong。Brightfires，wereburningbeneathhangingpots;andtheirpurpledreflections，illuminatingsomeplacesleftotherscompletelyinthedark。Therewas，shoutingandcalling;shackledhorsesformedlongstraightlinesamid，thetents;thelatterwereroundandsquare，ofleatherorofcanvas;
therewerehutsofreeds，andholesinthesandsuchasaremadeby，dogs。Soldierswerecartingfaggots，restingontheirelbowsonthe，ground，orwrappingthemselvesupinmatsandpreparingtosleep;and，Salammbo’shorsesometimesstretchedoutalegandjumpedinorderto，passoverthem。
Sherememberedthatshehadseenthembefore;buttheirbeardswere，longernow，theirfacesstillblacker，andtheirvoiceshoarser。
Matho，whowalkedbeforeher，wavedthemoffwithagestureofhisarm，whichraisedhisredmantle。Somekissedhishands;othersbending，theirspinesapproachedhimtoaskfororders，forhewasnow，veritableandsolechiefoftheBarbarians;Spendius，Autaritus，and，Narr’Havashadbecomedisheartened，andhehaddisplayedsomuch，audacityandobstinacythatallobeyedhim。
Salammbofollowedhimthroughtheentirecamp。Histentwasatthe，end，threehundredfeetfromHamilcar’sentrenchments。
Shenoticedawidepitontheright，anditseemedtoherthatfaces，wererestingagainsttheedgeofitonalevelwiththeground，as，decapitatedheadsmighthavedone。However，theireyesmoved，andfrom，thesehalf-openedmouthsgroaningsescapedinthePunictongue。
TwoNegroesholdingresinlightsstoodonbothsidesofthedoor。
Mathodrewthecanvasabruptlyaside。Shefollowedhim。Itwasadeep，tentwithapolestandingupinthecentre。Itwaslightedbyalarge，lamp-holdershapedlikealotusandfullofayellowoilwherein，floatedhandfulsofburningtow，andmilitarythingsmightbe，distinguishedgleamingintheshade。Anakedswordleanedagainsta，stoolbythesideofashield;whipsofhippopotamusleather，cymbals，bells，andnecklacesweredisplayedpell-mellonbasketsofesparto-
grass;afeltruglaysoiledwithcrumbsofblackbread;somecopper，moneywascarelesslyheapeduponaroundstoneinacorner，and，throughtherentsinthecanvasthewindbroughtthedustfrom，without，togetherwiththesmelloftheelephants，whichmightbe，heardeatingandshakingtheirchains。
“Whoareyou？”saidMatho。
Shelookedslowlyaroundherwithoutreplying;thenhereyeswere，arrestedinthebackground，wheresomethingbluishandsparklingfell，uponabedofpalm-branches。
Sheadvancedquickly。Acryescapedher。Mathostampedhisfootbehind，her。
“Whobringsyouhere？whydoyoucome？”
“Totakeit！”shereplied，pointingtothezaimph，andwiththeother，handshetoretheveilsfromherhead。Hedrewbackwithhiselbows，behindhim，gaping，almostterrified。
Shefeltasifshewereleaningonthemightofthegods;andlooking，athimfacetofacesheaskedhimforthezaimph;shedemandeditin，wordsabundantandsuperb。
Mathodidnothear;hewasgazingather，andinhiseyeshergarments，wereblendedwithherbody。Thecloudingofthestuffs，likethe，splendourofherskin，wassomethingspecialandbelongingtoher，alone。Hereyesandherdiamondssparkled;thepolishofhernails，continuedthedelicacyofthestoneswhichloadedherfingers;thetwo，claspsofhertunicraisedherbreastssomewhatandbroughtthem，closertogether，andheinthoughtlosthimselfinthenarrowinterval，betweenthemwhencetherefellathreadholdingaplateofemeralds，whichcouldbeseenlowerdownbeneaththevioletgauze。Shehadas，earringstwolittlesapphirescales，eachsupportingahollowpearl，filledwithliquidscent。Alittledropwouldfalleverymoment，throughtheholesinthepearlandmoistenhernakedshoulder。Matho，watcheditfall。
Hewascarriedawaybyungovernablecuriosity;and，likeachild，layinghishanduponastrangefruit，hetremblinglyandlightly，touchedthetopofherchestwiththetipofhisfinger：theflesh，whichwassomewhatcold，yieldedwithanelasticresistance。
Thiscontact，thoughscarcelyasensibleone，shookMathotothevery，depthsofhisnature。Anuprisingofhiswholebeingurgedhimtowards，her。Hewouldfainhaveenvelopedher，absorbedher，drunkher。His，bosomwaspanting，histeethwerechattering。
Takingherbythewristshedrewhergentlytohim，andthensatdown，uponacuirassbesidethepalm-treebedwhichwascoveredwitha，lion’sskin。Shewasstanding。Helookedupather，holdingherthus，betweenhisknees，andrepeating：
“Howbeautifulyouare！howbeautifulyouare！”
Hiseyes，whichwerecontinuallyfixeduponhers，painedher;andthe，uncomfortableness，therepugnanceincreasedinsoacuteafashionthat，Salammboputaconstraintuponherselfnottocryout。Thethoughtof，Schahabarimcamebacktoher，andsheresignedherself。
Mathostillkeptherlittlehandsinhisown;andfromtimetotime，inspiteofthepriest’scommand，sheturnedawayherfaceandtried，tothrusthimoffbyjerkingherarms。Heopenedhisnostrilsthe，bettertobreatheintheperfumewhichexhaledfromherperson。Itwas，afresh，indefinableemanation，whichneverthelessmadehimdizzy，likethesmokefromaperfuming-pan。Shesmeltofhoney，pepper，incense，roses，withanotherodourstill。
Buthowwasshethuswithhiminhistent，andathisdisposal？Some，onenodoubthadurgedher。Shehadnotcomeforthezaimph。Hisarms，fell，andhebenthisheadwhelmedinsuddenreverie。
TosoftenhimSalammbosaidtohiminaplaintivevoice：
“WhathaveIdonetoyouthatyoushoulddesiremydeath？”
“Yourdeath！”
Sheresumed：
“Isawyouoneeveningbythelightofmyburninggardensamidfuming，cupsandmyslaughteredslaves，andyourangerwassostrongthatyou，boundedtowardsmeandIwasobligedtofly！Thenterrorenteredinto，Carthage。Therewerecriesofthedevastationofthetowns，the，burningofthecountry-seats，themassacreofthesoldiery;itwasyou，whohadruinedthem，itwasyouwhohadmurderedthem！Ihateyou！
Yourverynamegnawsmelikeremorse！Youareexecratedmorethanthe，plague，andtheRomanwar！Theprovincesshudderatyourfury，the，furrowsarefullofcorpses！Ihavefollowedthetracesofyourfires，asthoughIweretravellingbehindMoloch！”
Matholeapedup;hisheartwasswellingwithcolossalpride;hewas，raisedtothestatureofagod。
Withquiveringnostrilsandclenchedteethshewenton：
“Asifyoursacrilegewerenotenough，youcametomeinmysleep，coveredwiththezaimph！YourwordsIdidnotunderstand;butIcould，seethatyouwishedtodragmetosometerriblethingatthebottomof，anabyss。”
Matho，writhinghisarms，exclaimed：
“No！no！itwastogiveittoyou！torestoreittoyou！Itseemedto，methatthegoddesshadlefthergarmentforyou，andthatitbelonged，toyou！Inhertempleorinyourhouse，whatdoesitmatter？areyou，notall-powerful，immaculate，radiantandbeautifulevenasTanith？”
Andwithalookofboundlessadorationheadded：
“UnlessperhapsyouareTanith？”
“I，Tanith！”saidSalammbotoherself。
Theyleftoffspeaking。Thethunderrolledinthedistance。Somesheep，bleated，frightenedbythestorm。
“Oh！comenear！”hewenton，“comenear！fearnothing！
“FormerlyIwasonlyasoldiermingledwiththecommonherdofthe，Mercenaries，ay，andsomeekthatIusedtocarrywoodonmybackfor，theothers。DoItroublemyselfaboutCarthage！Thecrowdofits，peoplemoveasthoughlostinthedustofyoursandals，andallits，treasures，withtheprovinces，fleets，andislands，donotraisemy，envylikethefreshnessofyourlipsandtheturnofyourshoulders。
ButIwantedtothrowdownitswallsthatImightreachyoutopossess，you！Moreover，Iwasrevengingmyselfinthemeantime！AtpresentI
crushmenlikeshells，andIthrowmyselfuponphalanxes;Iputaside，thesarissaewithmyhands，Icheckthestallionsbythenostrils;a，catapultwouldnotkillme！Oh！ifyouknewhowIthinkofyouinthe，midstofwar！Sometimesthememoryofagestureorofafoldofyour，garmentsuddenlyseizesmeandentwinesmelikeanet！Iperceiveyour，eyesintheflamesofthephalaricasandonthegildingofthe，shields！Ihearyourvoiceinthesoundingofthecymbals。Iturn，aside，butyouarenotthere！andIplungeagainintothebattle！”
Heraisedhisarmswhereonhisveinscrossedoneanotherlikeivyon，thebranchesofatree。Sweatfloweddownhisbreastbetweenhis，squaremuscles;andhisbreathingshookhissideswithhisbronze，girdleallgarnishedwiththongshangingdowntohisknees，whichwere，firmerthanmarble。Salammbo，whowasaccustomedtoeunuchs，yielded，toamazementatthestrengthofthisman。Itwasthechastisementof，thegoddessortheinfluenceofMolochinmotionaroundherinthe，fivearmies。Shewasoverwhelmedwithlassitude;andshelistenedina，stateofstuportotheintermittentshoutsofthesentinelsasthey，answeredoneanother。
Theflamesofthelampkindledinthesquallsofhotair。Therecame，attimesbroadlightningflashes;thenthedarknessincreased;andshe，couldonlyseeMatho’seyeballsliketwocoalsinthenight。However，shefeltthatafatalitywassurroundingher，thatshehadreacheda，supremeandirrevocablemoment，andmakinganeffortshewentupagain，towardsthezaimphandraisedherhandstoseizeit。