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Henty + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Carthaginian, by G.A. Henty + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Young Carthaginian + A Story of The Times of Hannibal + +Author: G.A. Henty + +Release Date: June 14, 2009 [EBook #5128] +Last Updated: March 11, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG CARTHAGINIAN *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Robb, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE YOUNG CARTHAGINIAN + </h1> + <h2> + A STORY OF THE TIMES OF HANNIBAL, + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By G. A. Henty + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a><br /><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE CAMP IN THE DESERT + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> A NIGHT + ATTACK <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> CARTHAGE + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> A + POPULAR RISING <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE + CONSPIRACY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> A + CAMPAIGN IN SPAIN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> A + WOLF HUNT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> A + PLOT FRUSTRATED <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> THE + SIEGE OF SAGUNTUM <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> BESET + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> THE + PASSAGE OF THE RHONE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. + </a> AMONG THE PASSES <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> + CHAPTER XIII. </a> THE BATTLE OF THE TREBIA <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> THE BATTLE OF LAKE + TRASIMENE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> A + MOUNTAIN TRIBE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> IN + THE DUNGEONS OF CARTHAGE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER + XVII. </a> THE ESCAPE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> + CHAPTER XVIII. </a> CANNAE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> IN THE MINES <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> THE SARDINIAN + FORESTS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> THE + GAULISH SLAVE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> THE + LION <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + MY DEAR LADS, + </p> + <p> + When I was a boy at school, if I remember rightly, our sympathies were + generally with the Carthaginians as against the Romans. Why they were so, + except that one generally sympathizes with the unfortunate, I do not quite + know; certainly we had but a hazy idea as to the merits of the struggle + and knew but little of its events, for the Latin and Greek authors, which + serve as the ordinary textbooks in schools, do not treat of the Punic + wars. That it was a struggle for empire at first, and latterly one for + existence on the part of Carthage, that Hannibal was a great and skilful + general, that he defeated the Romans at Trebia, Lake Trasimenus, and + Cannae, and all but took Rome, and that the Romans behaved with bad faith + and great cruelty at the capture of Carthage, represents, I think, pretty + nearly the sum total of our knowledge. + </p> + <p> + I am sure I should have liked to know a great deal more about this + struggle for the empire of the world, and as I think that most of you + would also like to do so, I have chosen this subject for my story. + Fortunately there is no lack of authentic material from which to glean the + incidents of the struggle. Polybius visited all the passes of the Alps + some forty years after the event, and conversed with tribesmen who had + witnessed the passage of Hannibal, and there can be no doubt that his + descriptions are far more accurate than those of Livy, who wrote somewhat + later and had no personal knowledge of the affair. Numbers of books have + been written as to the identity of the passes traversed by Hannibal. The + whole of these have been discussed and summarized by Mr. W. J. Law, and as + it appears to me that his arguments are quite conclusive I have adopted + the line which he lays down as that followed by Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + In regard to the general history of the expedition, and of the manners, + customs, religion, and politics of Carthage, I have followed M. Hennebert + in his most exhaustive and important work on the subject. I think that + when you have read to the end you will perceive that although our + sympathies may remain with Hannibal and the Carthaginians, it was + nevertheless for the good of the world that Rome was the conqueror in the + great struggle for empire. At the time the war began Carthage was already + corrupt to the core, and although she might have enslaved many nations she + would never have civilized them. Rome gave free institutions to the people + she conquered, she subdued but she never enslaved them, but rather strove + to plant her civilization among them and to raise them to her own level. + Carthage, on the contrary, was from the first a cruel mistress to the + people she conquered. Consequently while all the peoples of Italy rallied + round Rome in the days of her distress, the tribes subject to Carthage + rose in insurrection against her as soon as the presence of a Roman army + gave them a hope of escape from their bondage. + </p> + <p> + Had Carthage conquered Rome in the struggle she could never have extended + her power over the known world as Rome afterwards did, but would have + fallen to pieces again from the weakness of her institutions and the + corruption of her people. Thus then, although we may feel sympathy for the + failure and fate of the noble and chivalrous Hannibal himself, we cannot + regret that Rome came out conqueror in the strife, and was left free to + carry out her great work of civilization. + </p> + <p> + Yours sincerely, + </p> + <p> + G. A. Henty + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I: THE CAMP IN THE DESERT + </h2> + <p> + It is afternoon, but the sun's rays still pour down with great power upon + rock and sand. How great the heat has been at midday may be seen by the + quivering of the air as it rises from the ground and blurs all distant + objects. It is seen, too, in the attitudes and appearance of a large body + of soldiers encamped in a grove. Their arms are thrown aside, the greater + portion of their clothing has been dispensed with. Some lie stretched on + the ground in slumber, their faces protected from any chance rays which + may find their way through the foliage above by little shelters composed + of their clothing hung on two bows or javelins. Some, lately awakened, are + sitting up or leaning against the trunks of the trees, but scarce one has + energy to move. + </p> + <p> + The day has indeed been a hot one even for the southern edge of the Libyan + desert. The cream coloured oxen stand with their heads down, lazily + whisking away with their tails the flies that torment them. The horses + standing near suffer more; the lather stands on their sides, their flanks + heave, and from time to time they stretch out their extended nostrils in + the direction from which, when the sun sinks a little lower, the breeze + will begin to blow. + </p> + <p> + The occupants of the grove are men of varied races, and, although there is + no attempt at military order, it is clear at once that they are divided + into three parties. One is composed of men more swarthy than the others. + They are lithe and active in figure, inured to hardship, accustomed to the + burning sun. Light shields hang against the trees with bows and gaily + painted quivers full of arrows, and near each man are three or four light + short javelins. They wear round caps of metal, with a band of the skin of + the lion or other wild animal, in which are stuck feathers dyed with some + bright colour. They are naked to the waist, save for a light breastplate + of brass. A cloth of bright colours is wound round their waist and drops + to the knees, and they wear belts of leather embossed with brass plates; + on their feet are sandals. They are the light armed Numidian horse. + </p> + <p> + Near them are a party of men lighter in hue, taller and stouter in + stature. Their garb is more irregular, their arms are bare, but they wear + a sort of shirt, open at the neck and reaching to the knees, and confined + at the waist by a leather strap, from which hangs a pouch of the same + material. Their shirts, which are of roughly made flannel, are dyed a + colour which was originally a deep purple, but which has faded, under the + heat of the sun, to lilac. They are a company of Iberian slingers, + enlisted among the tribes conquered in Spain by the Carthaginians. By them + lie the heavy swords which they use in close quarters. + </p> + <p> + The third body of men are more heavily armed. On the ground near the + sleepers lie helmets and massive shields. They have tightly fitting + jerkins of well-tanned leather, their arms are spears and battleaxes. They + are the heavy infantry of Carthage. Very various is their nationality; + fair skinned Greeks lie side by side with swarthy negroes from Nubia. + Sardinia, the islands of the Aegean, Crete and Egypt, Libya and Phoenicia + are all represented there. + </p> + <p> + They are recruited alike from the lower orders of the great city and from + the tribes and people who own her sway. + </p> + <p> + Near the large grove in which the troops are encamped is a smaller one. A + space in the centre has been cleared of trees, and in this a large tent + has been erected. Around this numerous slaves are moving to and fro. + </p> + <p> + A Roman cook, captured in a sea fight in which his master, a wealthy + tribune, was killed, is watching three Greeks, who are under his + superintendence, preparing a repast. Some Libyan grooms are rubbing down + the coats of four horses of the purest breed of the desert, while two + Nubians are feeding, with large flat cakes, three elephants, who, chained + by the leg to trees, stand rocking themselves from side to side. + </p> + <p> + The exterior of the tent is made of coarse white canvas; this is thickly + lined by fold after fold of a thin material, dyed a dark blue, to keep out + the heat of the sun, while the interior is hung with silk, purple and + white. The curtains at each end are looped back with gold cord to allow a + free passage of the air. + </p> + <p> + A carpet from the looms of Syria covers the ground, and on it are spread + four couches, on which, in a position half sitting half reclining, repose + the principal personages of the party. The elder of these is a man some + fifty years of age, of commanding figure, and features which express + energy and resolution. His body is bare to the waist, save for a light + short sleeved tunic of the finest muslin embroidered round the neck and + sleeves with gold. + </p> + <p> + A gold belt encircles his waist, below it hangs a garment resembling the + modern kilt, but reaching halfway between the knee and the ankle. It is + dyed a rich purple, and three bands of gold embroidery run round the lower + edge. On his feet he wears sandals with broad leather lacings covered with + gold. His toga, also of purple heavily embroidered with gold, lies on the + couch beside him; from one of the poles of the tent hang his arms, a short + heavy sword, with a handle of solid gold in a scabbard incrusted with the + same metal, and a baldrick, covered with plates of gold beautifully worked + and lined with the softest leather, by which it is suspended over his + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Two of his companions are young men of three or four and twenty, both fair + like himself, with features of almost Greek regularity of outline. Their + dress is similar to his in fashion, but the colours are gayer. The fourth + member of the party is a lad of some fifteen years old. His figure, which + is naked to the waist, is of a pure Grecian model, the muscles, showing up + clearly beneath the skin, testify to hard exercise and a life of activity. + </p> + <p> + Powerful as Carthage was, the events of the last few years had shown that + a life and death struggle with her great rival in Italy was approaching. + For many years she had been a conquering nation. Her aristocracy were + soldiers as well as traders, ready at once to embark on the most distant + and adventurous voyages, to lead the troops of Carthage on toilsome + expeditions against insurgent tribes of Numidia and Libya, or to launch + their triremes to engage the fleets of Rome. + </p> + <p> + The severe checks which they had lately suffered at the hands of the newly + formed Roman navy, and the certainty that ere long a tremendous struggle + between the two powers must take place, had redoubled the military ardour + of the nobles. Their training to arms began from their very childhood, and + the sons of the noblest houses were taught, at the earliest age, the use + of arms and the endurance of fatigue and hardship. + </p> + <p> + Malchus, the son of Hamilcar, the leader of the expedition in the desert, + had been, from his early childhood, trained by his father in the use of + arms. When he was ten years old Hamilcar had taken him with him on a + campaign in Spain; there, by a rigourous training, he had learned to + endure cold and hardships. + </p> + <p> + In the depth of winter his father had made him pass the nights uncovered + and almost without clothing in the cold. He had bathed in the icy water of + the torrents from the snow clad hills, and had been forced to keep up with + the rapid march of the light armed troops in pursuit of the Iberians. He + was taught to endure long abstinence from food and to bear pain without + flinching, to be cheerful under the greatest hardships, to wear a smiling + face when even veteran soldiers were worn out and disheartened. + </p> + <p> + “It is incumbent upon us, the rulers and aristocracy of this great city, + my son, to show ourselves superior to the common herd. They must recognize + that we are not only richer and of better blood, but that we are stronger, + wiser, and more courageous than they. So, only, can we expect them to obey + us, and to make the sacrifices which war entails upon them. It is not + enough that we are of pure Phoenician blood, that we come of the most + enterprising race the world has ever seen, while they are but a mixed + breed of many people who have either submitted to our rule or have been + enslaved by us. + </p> + <p> + “This was well enough in the early days of the colony when it was + Phoenician arms alone that won our battles and subdued our rivals. In our + days we are few and the populace are many. Our armies are composed not of + Phoenicians, but of the races conquered by us. Libya and Numidia, Sicily, + Sardinia, and Spain, all in turn conquered by us, now furnish us with + troops. + </p> + <p> + “Carthage is a mighty city, but it is no longer a city of Phoenicians. We + form but a small proportion of the population. It is true that all power + rests in our hands, that from our ranks the senate is chosen, the army + officered, and the laws administered, but the expenses of the state are + vast. The conquered people fret under the heavy tributes which they have + to pay, and the vile populace murmur at the taxes. + </p> + <p> + “In Italy, Rome looms greater and more powerful year by year. Her people + are hardy and trained to arms, and some day the struggle between us and + her will have to be fought out to the death. Therefore, my son, it + behooves us to use every effort to make ourselves worthy of our position. + Set before yourself the example of your cousin Hannibal, who, young as he + is, is already viewed as the greatest man in Carthage. Grudge no hardship + or suffering to harden your frame and strengthen your arms. + </p> + <p> + “Some day you too may lead armies in the field, and, believe me, they will + follow you all the better and more cheerfully if they know that in + strength and endurance, as well as in position, their commander is the + foremost man in his army.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus had been an apt pupil, and had done justice to the pains which his + father had bestowed upon him and to the training he had undergone. He + could wield the arms of a man, could swim the coldest river, endure + hardship and want of food, traverse long distances at the top of his + speed, could throw a javelin with unerring aim, and send an arrow to the + mark as truly as the best of the Libyan archers. + </p> + <p> + “The sun is going down fast, father,” the lad said, “the shadows are + lengthening and the heat is declining.” + </p> + <p> + “We have only your word for the decline of the heat, Malchus,” one of the + younger men laughed; “I feel hotter than ever. This is the fifteenth time + that you have been to the door of the tent during the last half hour. Your + restlessness is enough to give one the fever.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe that you are just as eager as I am, Adherbal,” the boy replied + laughing. “It's your first lion hunt as well as mine, and I am sure you + are longing to see whether the assault of the king of beasts is more + trying to the nerves than that of the Iberian tribesmen.” + </p> + <p> + “I am looking forward to it, Malchus, certainly,” the young man replied; + “but as I know the lions will not quit their coverts until after + nightfall, and as no efforts on my part will hasten the approach of that + hour, I am well content to lie quiet and to keep myself as cool as may + be.” + </p> + <p> + “Your cousin is right,” the general said, “and impatience is a fault, + Malchus. We must make allowances for your impatience on the present + occasion, for the lion is a foe not to be despised, and he is truly as + formidable an antagonist when brought to bay as the Iberians on the banks + of the Ebro—far more so than the revolted tribesmen we have been + hunting for the past three weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “Giscon says nothing,” Adherbal remarked; “he has a soul above even the + hunting of lions. I warrant that during the five hours we have been + reclining here his thoughts have never once turned towards the hunt we are + going to have tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true enough,” Giscon said, speaking for the first time. “I own + that my thoughts have been of Carthage, and of the troubles that threaten + her owing to the corruption and misgovernment which are sapping her + strength.” + </p> + <p> + “It were best not to think too much on the subject, Giscon,” the general + said; “still better not to speak of it. You know that I lament, as you do, + the misgovernment of Carthage, and mourn for the disasters which have been + brought upon her by it. But the subject is a dangerous one; the council + have spies everywhere, and to be denounced as one hostile to the + established state of things is to be lost.” + </p> + <p> + “I know the danger,” the young man said passionately. “I know that + hitherto all who have ventured to raise their voices against the authority + of these tyrants have died by torture—that murmuring has been + stamped out in blood. Yet were the danger ten times as great,” and the + speaker had risen now from his couch and was walking up and down the tent, + “I could not keep silent. What have our tyrants brought us to? Their + extravagance, their corruption, have wasted the public funds and have + paralyzed our arms. Sicily and Sardinia have been lost; our allies in + Africa have been goaded by their exactions again and again into rebellion, + and Carthage has more than once lately been obliged to fight hard for her + very existence. The lower classes in the city are utterly disaffected; + their earnings are wrung from them by the tax gatherers. Justice is denied + them by the judges, who are the mere creatures of the committee of five. + The suffetes are mere puppets in their hands. Our vessels lie unmanned in + our harbours, because the funds which should pay the sailors are + appropriated by our tyrants to their own purposes. How can a Carthaginian + who loves his country remain silent?” + </p> + <p> + “All you say is true, Giscon,” the general said gravely, “though I should + be pressed to death were it whispered in Carthage that I said so; but at + present we can do nothing. Had the great Hamilcar Barca lived I believe + that he would have set himself to work to clear out this Augean stable, a + task greater than that accomplished by our great hero, the demigod + Hercules; but no less a hand can accomplish it. You know how every attempt + at revolt has failed; how terrible a vengeance fell on Matho and the + mercenaries; how the down trodden tribes have again and again, when + victory seemed in their hands, been crushed into the dust. + </p> + <p> + “No, Giscon, we must suffer the terrible ills which you speak of until + some hero arises—some hero whose victories will bind not only the + army to him, but will cause all the common people of Carthage—all + her allies and tributaries—to look upon him as their leader and + deliverer. + </p> + <p> + “I have hopes, great hopes, that such a hero may be found in my nephew, + Hannibal, who seems to possess all the genius, the wisdom, and the talent + of his father. Should the dream which he cherished, and of which I was but + now speaking to you, that of leading a Carthaginian army across the Ebro, + over the Apennines, through the plains of lower Gaul, and over the Alps + into Italy, there to give battle to the cohorts of Rome on their own + ground,—should this dream be verified I say, should success attend + him, and Rome be humbled to the dust, then Hannibal would be in a position + to become the dictator of Carthage, to overthrow the corrupt council, to + destroy this tyranny—misnamed a republic—and to establish a + monarchy, of which he should be the first sovereign, and under which + Carthage, again the queen of the world, should be worthy of herself and + her people. And now let us speak of it no more. The very walls have ears, + and I doubt not but even among my attendants there are men who are spies + in the pay of the council. I see and lament as much as any man the ruin of + my country; but, until I see a fair hope of deliverance, I am content to + do the best I can against her enemies, to fight her battles as a simple + soldier.” + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the tent. Malchus had thrown himself down on his + couch, and for a time forgot even the approaching lion hunt in the + conversation to which he had listened. + </p> + <p> + The government of Carthage was indeed detestable, and was the chief cause + both of the misfortunes which had befallen her in the past, and of the + disasters which were in the future to be hers. The scheme of government + was not in itself bad, and in earlier and simpler times had acted well. + Originally it had consisted of three estates, which answered to the king, + lords, and commons. At the head of affairs were two suffetes chosen for + life. Below them was the senate, a very numerous body, comprising all the + aristocracy of Carthage. Below this was the democracy, the great mass of + the people, whose vote was necessary to ratify any law passed by the + senate. + </p> + <p> + In time, however, all authority passed from the suffetes, the general body + of the senate and the democracy, into the hands of a committee of the + senate, one hundred in number, who were called the council, the real power + being invested in the hands of an inner council, consisting of from twenty + to thirty of the members. The deliberations of this body were secret, + their power absolute. They were masters of the life and property of every + man in Carthage, as afterwards were the council of ten in the republic of + Venice. For a man to be denounced by his secret enemy to them as being + hostile to their authority was to ensure his destruction and the + confiscation of his property. + </p> + <p> + The council of a hundred was divided into twenty subcommittees, each + containing five members. Each of these committees was charged with the + control of a department—the army, the navy, the finances, the roads + and communications, agriculture, religion, and the relations with the + various subject tribes, the more important departments being entirely in + the hands of the members of the inner council of thirty. + </p> + <p> + The judges were a hundred in number. These were appointed by the council, + and were ever ready to carry out their behest, consequently justice in + Carthage was a mockery. Interest and intrigue were paramount in the law + courts, as in every department of state. Every prominent citizen, every + successful general, every man who seemed likely, by his ability or his + wealth, to become a popular personage with the masses, fell under the ban + of the council, and sooner or later was certain to be disgraced. The + resources of the state were devoted not to the needs of the country but to + aggrandizement and enriching of the members of the committee. + </p> + <p> + Heavy as were the imposts which were laid upon the tributary peoples of + Africa for the purposes of the state, enormous burdens were added by the + tax gatherers to satisfy the cupidity of their patrons in the council. + Under such circumstances it was not to be wondered at that Carthage, + decaying, corrupt, ill governed, had suffered terrible reverses at the + hands of her young and energetic rival Rome, who was herself some day, + when she attained the apex of her power, to suffer from abuses no less + flagrant and general than those which had sapped the strength of Carthage. + </p> + <p> + With the impetuosity of youth Malchus naturally inclined rather to the + aspirations of his kinsman Giscon than to the more sober counsels of his + father. He had burned with shame and anger as he heard the tale of the + disasters which had befallen his country, because she had made money her + god, had suffered her army and her navy to be regarded as secondary + objects, and had permitted the command of the sea to be wrested from her + by her wiser and more far seeing rival. + </p> + <p> + As evening closed in the stir in the neighbouring camp aroused Malchus + from his thoughts, and the anticipation of the lion hunt, in which he was + about to take part, again became foremost. + </p> + <p> + The camp was situated twenty days' march from Carthage at the foot of some + hills in which lions and other beasts of prey were known to abound, and + there was no doubt that they would be found that evening. + </p> + <p> + The expedition had been despatched under the command of Hamilcar to + chastise a small tribe which had attacked and plundered some of the + Carthaginian caravans on their way to Ethiopia, then a rich and prosperous + country, wherein were many flourishing colonies, which had been sent out + by Carthage. + </p> + <p> + The object of the expedition had been but partly successful. The lightly + clad tribesmen had taken refuge far among the hills, and, although by dint + of long and fatiguing marches several parties had been surprised and + slain, the main body had evaded all the efforts of the Carthaginian + general. + </p> + <p> + The expedition had arrived at its present camping place on the previous + evening. During the night the deep roaring of lions had been heard + continuously among the hills, and so bold and numerous were they that they + had come down in such proximity to the camp that the troops had been + obliged to rise and light great fires to scare them from making an attack + upon the horses. + </p> + <p> + The general had therefore consented, upon the entreaties of his nephew + Adherbal, and his son, to organize a hunt upon the following night. As + soon as the sun set the troops, who had already received their orders, + fell into their ranks. The full moon rose as soon as the sun dipped below + the horizon, and her light was ample for the object they had in view. + </p> + <p> + The Numidian horse were to take their station on the plain; the infantry + in two columns, a mile apart, were to enter the mountains, and having + marched some distance, leaving detachments behind them, they were to move + along the crest of the hills until they met; then, forming a great + semicircle, they were to light torches, which they had prepared during the + day, and to advance towards the plain shouting and dashing their arms, so + as to drive all the wild animals inclosed in the arc down into the plain. + </p> + <p> + The general with the two young officers and his son, and a party of fifty + spearmen, were to be divided between the two groves in which the camps + were pitched, which were opposite the centre of the space facing the line + inclosed by the beaters. Behind the groves the Numidian horse were + stationed, to give chase to such animals as might try to make their escape + across the open plain. The general inspected the two bodies of infantry + before they started, and repeated his instructions to the officers who + commanded them, and enjoined them to march as noiselessly as possible + until the semicircle was completed and the beat began in earnest. + </p> + <p> + The troops were to be divided into groups of eight, in order to be able to + repel the attacks of any beasts which might try to break through the line. + When the two columns had marched away right and left towards the hills, + the attendants of the elephants and baggage animals were ordered to remove + them into the centre of the groves. The footmen who remained were divided + into two parties of equal strength. The general with Malchus remained in + the grove in which his tent was fixed with one of these parties, while + Adherbal and Giscon with the others took up their station in the larger + grove. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think the lions are sure to make for these groves?” Malchus asked + his father as, with a bundle of javelins lying by his side, his bow in his + hand, and a quiver of arrows hung from his belt in readiness, he took his + place at the edge of the trees. + </p> + <p> + “There can be no certainty of it, Malchus; but it seems likely that the + lions, when driven out of their refuges among the hills, will make for + these groves, which will seem to offer them a shelter from their pursuers. + The fires here will have informed them of our presence last night; but as + all is still and dark now they may suppose that the groves are deserted. + In any case our horses are in readiness among the trees close at hand, and + if the lions take to the plains we must mount and join the Numidians in + the chase.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather meet them here on foot, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there is more excitement, because there is more danger in it, + Malchus; but I can tell you the attack of a wounded lion is no joke, even + for a party of twenty-five well armed men. Their force and fury are + prodigious, and they will throw themselves fearlessly upon a clump of + spears in order to reach their enemies. One blow from their paws is + certain death. Be careful, therefore, Malchus. Stir not from my side, and + remember that there is a vast difference between rashness and bravery.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II: A NIGHT ATTACK + </h2> + <p> + The time seemed to Malchus to pass slowly indeed as he sat waiting the + commencement of the hunt. Deep roars, sounding like distant thunder, were + heard from time to time among the hills. Once or twice Malchus fancied + that he could hear other sounds such as would be made by a heavy stone + dislodged from its site leaping down the mountain side; but he was not + sure that this was not fancy, or that the sound might not be caused by the + roaring of lions far away among the hills. + </p> + <p> + His father had said that three hours would probably elapse before the + circuit would be completed. The distance was not great, but the troops + would have to make their way with the greatest care along the rocky hills + through brushwood and forest, and their advance would be all the more slow + that they had to take such pains to move noiselessly. + </p> + <p> + It was indeed more than three hours after the column had left the camp + when the sound of a distant horn was heard far up the hillside. Almost + instantaneously lights burst out in a great semicircle along the hillside, + and a faint confused sound, as of the shouting of a large body of men, was + heard on the still night air. + </p> + <p> + “That is very well done,” the general said in a tone of satisfaction. “I + had hardly expected it to be so well managed; for the operation on such + broken and difficult ground was not easy to carry out, even with the moon + to help them.” + </p> + <p> + “But see, father!” Malchus said, “there are many patches of darkness in + the line, and the lions might surely escape through these.” + </p> + <p> + “It would not be possible, Malchus, to place the parties at equal + distances over such broken ground. Nor are the lions likely to discover + the gaps in the line; they will be far too much terrified by the uproar + and sudden blaze of light to approach the troops. Hark, how they are + roaring! Truly it is a majestic and terrible sound, and I do not wonder + that the wild natives of these mountains regard the animals with something + of the respect which we pay to the gods. And now do you keep a sharp eye + along the foot of the hills. There is no saying how soon the beasts may + break cover.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly the semicircle of light was seen to contract as the soldiers who + formed it moved forward towards the foot of the hill; but although Malchus + kept his eyes strained upon the fringe of trees at its foot, he could see + no signs of movement. + </p> + <p> + The roaring still continued at intervals, and it was evident that the + beasts inclosed in the arc had descended to the lower slopes of the hill. + </p> + <p> + “They may be upon us sooner than you expect, Malchus. Their colour well + nigh matches with that of the sand, and you may not see them until they + are close upon us.” + </p> + <p> + Presently a Numidian soldier standing behind Malchus touched him on the + shoulder and said in a whisper: “There they are!” pointing at the same + time across the plain. + </p> + <p> + Malchus could for a time see nothing; then he made out some indistinct + forms. + </p> + <p> + “There are six of them,” the general said, “and they are making for this + grove. Get your bows ready.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus could now clearly see the lions approaching. They were advancing + slowly, turning occasionally to look back as if reluctant to quit the + shelter of the hills; and Malchus could hardly resist a start of + uneasiness as one of them suddenly gave vent to a deep, threatening roar, + so menacing and terrible that the very leaves of the trees seemed to + quiver in the light of the moon under its vibrations. The lions seemed of + huge dimensions, especially the leader of the troop, who stalked with a + steady and majestic step at their head. When within fifty yards of the + grove the lions suddenly paused; their leader apparently scented danger. + Again the deep terrible roar rose in the air, answered by an angry + snarling noise on the part of the females. + </p> + <p> + “Aim at the leader,” the general whispered, “and have your brands in + readiness.” + </p> + <p> + Immediately behind the party a fire was burning; it had been suffered to + die down until it was a mere pile of glowing embers, and in this the ends + of a dozen stakes of dried wood were laid. The glow of the fire was + carefully hidden by a circle of sticks on which thick cloths had been + hung. The fire had been prepared in readiness in case the lions should + appear in numbers too formidable to be coped with. The leading lion was + within twenty-five paces of the spot where the party was standing when + Hamilcar gave the word, and a volley of arrows shot forth from their + hiding place. + </p> + <p> + The lion gave a roar of rage and pain, then, crouching for a moment, with + a few tremendous bounds he reached the edge of the wood. He could see his + enemies now, and with a fierce spring threw himself upon them. But as soon + as they had discharged their arrows the soldiers had caught up their + weapons and formed in a close body, and the lion was received upon the + points of a dozen spears. + </p> + <p> + There was a crashing of wood and a snarling growl as one of the soldiers + was struck dead with a blow of the mighty paw of the lion, who, ere he + could recover himself, received half a dozen javelins thrust deep into his + flanks, and fell dead. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the troop had followed him as he sprang forward, but some of + the soldiers, who had been told off for the purpose, seized the lighted + brands and threw them over the head of the leader among his followers. As + the glowing brands, after describing fiery circles in the air, fell and + scattered at their feet, the lions paused, and turning abruptly off dashed + away with long bounds across the front of the grove. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Malchus, to horse!” Hamilcar exclaimed. And the general and his son, + leaping upon their steeds, dashed out from the grove in pursuit of the + troop of lions. These, passing between the two clumps of trees, were + making for the plain beyond, when from behind the other grove a dark band + of horsemen rode out. + </p> + <p> + “Let them pass,” Hamilcar shouted; “do not head them back.” + </p> + <p> + The cavalry reined up until the troop of lions had passed. Hamilcar rode + up to the officer in command. + </p> + <p> + “Bring twenty of your men,” he said; “let the rest remain here. There will + doubtless be more of them yet.” + </p> + <p> + Then with the twenty horsemen he rode on in pursuit of the lions. + </p> + <p> + The chase was an exciting one. For a time the lions, with their long + bounds, kept ahead of the horsemen; but the latter, splendidly mounted on + their well bred steeds, soon began to gain. When they were within a + hundred yards of them one of the lions suddenly faced round. The + Numidians, well accustomed to the sport, needed no orders from their + chief. They scattered at once and broke off on each flank so as to + encircle the lion, who had taken his post on a hummock of sand and lay + couched on his haunches, with his tail lashing his sides angrily, like a + great cat about to make his spring. + </p> + <p> + The horsemen circled round him, dashing up to within five-and-twenty + yards, discharging their arrows, and then wheeling away. Each time the + lion was struck he uttered a sharp, angry growl, and made a spring in the + direction of the horsemen, and then fell back to his post. + </p> + <p> + One of the soldiers, thinking that the lion was now nearly crippled, + ventured to ride somewhat closer; he discharged his arrow, but before he + could wheel his horse the lion with two tremendous springs was upon him. + </p> + <p> + A single blow of his paw brought the horse to the ground. Then the lion + seized the soldier by the shoulder, shook him as a cat would a mouse, and + throwing him on the sand lay with his paw across him. At this moment + Malchus galloped past at full speed, his bow drawn to the arrow head and + fixed. The arrow struck the lion just behind its shoulder. The fierce + beast, which was in the act of rising, sank down quietly again; its + majestic head drooped between its forepaws on to the body of the Numidian, + and there it lay as if overtaken with a sudden sleep. Two more arrows were + fired into it, but there was no movement. + </p> + <p> + “The brave beast is dead,” Malchus said. “Here is the arrow with which I + slew it.” + </p> + <p> + “It was well done, Malchus, and the hide is yours. Let us set off after + the others.” + </p> + <p> + But the stand which the lion had made had been sufficiently long to enable + the rest of the troop to escape. Leaving two or three of their comrades to + remove the body of the soldier, the horsemen scattered in various + directions; but although they rode far over the plain, they could see no + signs of the troop they had pursued. + </p> + <p> + After a time they gave up the pursuit and rode back towards the camp. When + they reached it they found that another troop of lions, eight in number, + had approached the other grove, where two had been killed by the party + commanded by Adherbal and Giscon, and the rest of the cavalry were still + in pursuit of the others. They presently returned, bringing in four more + skins; so that eight lions in all had fallen in the night's work. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Malchus, what do you think of lion hunting?” Adherbal asked as they + gathered again in the general's tent. + </p> + <p> + “They are terrible beasts,” Malchus said. “I had not thought that any + beast could make so tremendous a roar. Of course I have heard those in + captivity in Carthage, but it did not seem nearly so terrible as it + sounded here in the stillness of the desert.” + </p> + <p> + “I own that it made my blood run cold,” Adherbal said; “and their charge + is tremendous—they broke through the hedge of spears as if they had + been reeds. Three of our men were killed.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Malchus agreed; “it seemed almost like a dream for a minute when + the great beast was among us. I felt very glad when he rolled over on to + his side.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a dangerous way of hunting,” Hamilcar said. “The chase on horseback + in the plains has its dangers, as we saw when that Numidian was killed; + but with proper care and skill it is a grand sport. But this work on foot + is too dangerous, and has cost the republic the loss of five soldiers. Had + I had nets with me I would have adopted the usual plan of stretching one + across the trees ten paces in front of us. This breaks the lion's spring, + he becomes entangled in its meshes, and can be destroyed with but little + danger. But no skill or address avails against the charge of a wounded + lion. But you are wounded, Giscon.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a mere nothing,” Giscon said. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” Hamilcar replied, “it is an ugly scratch, Giscon; he has laid open + your arm from the shoulder to the elbow as if it were by the cut of a + knife.” + </p> + <p> + “It served me right for being too rash,” Giscon said. “I thought he was + nearly dead, and approached with my sword to give him a finishing thrust. + When he struck viciously at me I sprang back, but one of his claws caught + my shoulder. A few inches nearer and he would have stripped the flesh from + my arm, and perhaps broken the limb and shoulder bone.” + </p> + <p> + While he was speaking a slave was washing the wound, which he then + carefully bandaged up. A few minutes later the whole party lay down to + sleep. Malchus found it difficult to close his eyes. His pulse was still + throbbing with excitement, and his mind was busy with the brief but + stirring scene of the conflict. + </p> + <p> + Two or three hours passed, and he felt drowsiness creeping over him, when + he heard a sudden challenge, followed instantly by a loud and piercing + yell from hundreds of throats. He sprang in an instant to his feet, as did + the other occupants of the tent. + </p> + <p> + “To arms!” Hamilcar cried; “the enemy are upon us.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus caught up his shield and sword, threw his helmet on his head, and + rushed out of the tent with his father. + </p> + <p> + A tremendous din had succeeded the silence which had just before reigned + in the desert, and the yells of the barbarians rose high in the air, + answered by shouts and loud words of command from the soldiers in the + other grove. The elephants in their excitement were trumpeting loudly; the + horses stamped the ground; the draught cattle, terrified by the din, + strove to break away. + </p> + <p> + Large numbers of dark figures occupied the space some two hundred yards + wide between the groves. The general's guards, twenty in number, had + already sprung to their feet and stood to arms; the slaves and attendants, + panic stricken at the sudden attack, were giving vent to screams and cries + and were running about in confusion. + </p> + <p> + Hamilcar sternly ordered silence. + </p> + <p> + “Let each man,” he said, “take a weapon of some kind and stand steady. We + are cut off from the main body and shall have to fight for our lives. Do + you,” he said to the soldiers, “lay aside your spears and shoot quickly + among them. Fire fast. The great object is to conceal from them the + smallness of our number.” + </p> + <p> + Moving round the little grove Hamilcar posted the slaves at short + distances apart, to give warning should the enemy be attempting an attack + upon the other sides, and then returned to the side facing the other + grove, where the soldiers were keeping up a steady fire at the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The latter were at present concentrating their attention upon their attack + upon the main body. Their scouts on the hills during the previous day had + no doubt ascertained that the Carthaginian force was encamped here, and + the occupants of the smaller grove would fall easy victims after they had + dealt with the main body. The fight was raging furiously here. The natives + had crept up close before they were discovered by the sentries, and with a + fierce rush they had fallen upon the troops before they had time to seize + their arms and gather in order. + </p> + <p> + The fight raged hand to hand, bows twanged and arrows flew, the light + javelins were hurled at close quarters with deadly effect, the shrill + cries of the Numidians mingled with the deeper shouts of the Iberians and + the yells of the natives. Hamilcar stood for a minute irresolute. + </p> + <p> + “They are neglecting us,” he said to Adherbal, “until they have finished + with the main body; we must go to their assistance. At present our men are + fighting without order or regularity. Unless their leaders are with them + they are lost, our presence will encourage and reanimate them. Bring up + the elephants quickly.” + </p> + <p> + The three elephants were at once brought forward, their drivers mounted on + their necks. Four soldiers with their bows and arrows took their places on + the back of each, the general with the rest of the fighting men followed + closely behind. + </p> + <p> + At the orders of their drivers the well trained animals broke into a trot, + and the party advanced from the shadow of the grove. The natives scattered + between it and the wood fired a volley of arrows and then broke as the + elephants charged down upon them. Trained to warfare the elephants dashed + among them, catching some up in their trunks and dashing them lifeless to + the ground, knocking down and trampling upon others, scattering terror + wherever they went, while the archers on their backs kept up a deadly + fire. As soon as the way was open Hamilcar led the little party on foot at + full speed towards the wood. + </p> + <p> + As he entered it he ordered his trumpeter to blow his horn. The well known + signal revived the hopes and courage of the sorely pressed troops, who, + surprised and discouraged, had been losing ground, great numbers falling + before the arrows and javelins of their swarming and active foes. The + natives, surprised at the trumpet sound in the rear, paused a moment, and + before they could turn round to face their unexpected adversaries, + Hamilcar with his little band burst his way through them and joined his + soldiers, who, gathered now in a close body in the centre of the grove, + received their leader with a shout of welcome. + </p> + <p> + Hamilcar's measures were promptly taken. He saw that if stationary his + band must melt away under the shower of missiles which was being poured + upon them. He gave the command and the troops rapidly formed into three + groups, the men of each corps gathering together. Adherbal, who was in + command of the Numidians, placed himself at their head, Giscon led the + Iberians, and Hamilcar headed the heavily armed troops, Malchus taking his + place at his side. Hamilcar had already given his orders to the young + officers. No response was to be made to the fire of the arrows and + javelins, but with spear, sword, and battleaxe the troops were to fall + upon the natives. + </p> + <p> + “Charge!” he shouted in a voice that was heard above the yells of the + barbarians. “Clear the wood of these lurking enemies, they dare not face + you. Sweep them before your path.” + </p> + <p> + With an answering shout the three bodies of men sprang forward, each in a + different direction. In vain the natives poured in volleys of arrows and + javelins; many fell, more were wounded, but all who could keep their feet + rushed forward with fury upon their assailants. + </p> + <p> + The charge was irresistible. The natives, fighting each for himself, were + unable for a moment to withstand the torrent, and, vastly superior in + numbers as they were, were driven headlong before it. When they reached + the edge of the wood each of the bodies broke into two. The Numidians had + directed their course towards their horses, which a party of their own men + were still defending desperately against the attacks of a large body of + natives. Through these they cut their way, and springing upon their steeds + dashed out into the plain, and sweeping round the grove fell upon the + natives there, and cut down the parties of men who emerged in confusion + from its shelter, unable to withstand the assaults of Hamilcar and his + infantry within. + </p> + <p> + The heavy infantry and the Iberians, when they gained the edge of the + wood, had swept to the right and left, cleared the edge of the grove of + their enemies until they met, then joining they again plunged into the + centre. Thus they traversed the wood in every direction until they had + completely cleared it of foes. + </p> + <p> + When the work was done the breathless and exhausted troops gathered + outside, in the light of the moon. More than half their number had fallen; + scarce one but was bleeding from wounds of arrow or javelin. The plain + beyond was thickly dotted to the foot of the hills with the bodies of the + natives who had been cut up by the Numidian horse or trampled by the + elephants, while the grove within was thickly strewn with their bodies. + </p> + <p> + As there was no fear of a renewal of the attack, Hamilcar ordered the men + to fall out of ranks, and the hours until daybreak were passed in + extracting arrows and binding up wounds, and in assisting their comrades + who were found to be still living in the grove. Any natives still + breathing were instantly slain. + </p> + <p> + Hamilcar found that a party of the enemy had made their way into his own + camp. His tent had been hastily plundered, but most of the effects were + found in the morning scattered over the ground between the groves and the + hills, having been thrown away in their flight by the natives when the + horsemen burst out of the wood in pursuit. Of the slaves and attendants + several had been killed, but the greater portion had, when Hamilcar left + the grove with the troops, climbed up into trees, and remained there + concealed until the rout of the assailants. + </p> + <p> + It was found in the morning that over one hundred and fifty of the three + hundred Carthaginian troops had fallen, and that four hundred of the + natives had been slain either in the grove or in the pursuit by cavalry. + </p> + <p> + The following day two envoys arrived from the hostile tribe offering the + submission of their chief. + </p> + <p> + As pursuit in the hills would be useless Hamilcar offered them + comparatively easy terms. A heavy fine in horses and cattle was to be paid + to the republic, and ten of the principal members of the tribe were to be + delivered up as hostages for their future good behaviour. The next day the + hostages were brought into the camp with a portion of the ransom; and + Hamilcar, having thus accomplished the mission he had been charged to + perform, marched away with his troops to Carthage. + </p> + <p> + As they approached the coast the whole character of the scenery changed. + The desert had been left behind them, and they entered a fertile tract of + country which had been literally turned into a garden by the skill and + industry of the Carthaginian cultivators, at that time celebrated + throughout the world for their knowledge of the science of agriculture. + The rougher and more sterile ground was covered with groves of olive + trees, while rich vineyards and orchards of fig and other fruit trees + occupied the better soil. Wherever it was possible little canals leading + water from reservoirs and dammed up streams crossed the plains, and every + foot of the irrigated ground was covered with a luxuriant crop. + </p> + <p> + The villages were scattered thickly, and when the troops arrived within a + day's march of Carthage they came upon the country villas and mansions of + the wealthy inhabitants. These in the richness of their architecture, the + perfection and order of their gardens, and the beauty and taste of the + orchards and grounds which surrounded them, testified alike to the wealth + and taste of their occupants. + </p> + <p> + Fountains threw their water into the air, numerous waterfalls splashed + with a cool, soothing sound over artificial rocks. Statues wrought by + Greek sculptors stood on the terraces, shady walks offered a cool retreat + during the heat of the day, the vine, the pomegranate, and the fig + afforded refreshment to the palate as well as pleasure to the eye. Palm + trees with their graceful foliage waved gently in the passing breezes. All + the countries with which the Carthaginians traded had supplied their + contingent of vegetation to add to the beauty and production of these + gardens, which were the admiration and envy of the civilized world. + </p> + <p> + Crossing the brow of a low range of hills the detachment came in sight of + Carthage. The general and his three companions, who were riding in the + rear of the column, drew in their horses and sat for a while surveying the + scene. It was one which, familiar as it might be, it was impossible to + survey without the deepest feeling of admiration. + </p> + <p> + In the centre stood the great rock of Byrsa, a flat topped eminence with + almost perpendicular sides rising about two hundred feet above the + surrounding plain. This plateau formed the seat of the ancient Carthage, + the Phoenician colony which Dido had founded. It was now the acropolis of + Carthage. Here stood the temples of the chief deities of the town; here + were immense magazines and storehouses capable of containing provisions + for a prolonged siege for the fifty thousand men whom the place could + contain. The craggy sides of the rock were visible but in few places. + Massive fortifications rising from its foot to its summit defended every + point where the rock was not absolutely perpendicular. These walls were of + enormous thickness, and in casemates or recesses in their thickness were + the stables for the elephants, horses, and cattle of the garrison. + </p> + <p> + Round the upper edge of the rock extended another massive wall, above + which in picturesque outline rose the temple and other public edifices. At + the foot of this natural citadel stretched the lower town, with its + crowded population, its dense mass of houses, its temples and forum. The + style of architecture was peculiar to the city. The Carthaginians abhorred + straight lines, and all their buildings presented curves. The rooms were + for the most part circular, semicircular, or oval, and all exterior as + well as interior angles were rounded off. The material used in their + construction was an artificial stone composed of pieces of rock cemented + together with fine sand and lime, and as hard as natural conglomerate. The + houses were surmounted by domes or cupolas. Their towers were always + round, and throughout the city scarce an angle offended the eye of the + populace. + </p> + <p> + Extending into the bay lay the isthmus, known as the Tana, some three + miles in length, communicating with the mainland by a tongue of land a + hundred yards wide. + </p> + <p> + This was the maritime quarter of Carthage; here were the extensive docks + in which the vessels which bore the commerce of the city to and from the + uttermost parts of the known world loaded and unloaded. Here were the + state dockyards where the great ships of war, which had so long made + Carthage the mistress of the sea, were constructed and fitted out. The + whole line of the coast was deeply indented with bays, where rode at + anchor the ships of the mercantile navy. Broad inland lakes dotted the + plain; while to the north of Byrsa, stretching down to the sea and + extending as far as Cape Quamart, lay Megara, the aristocratic suburb of + Carthage. + </p> + <p> + Here, standing in gardens and parks, were the mansions of the wealthy + merchants and traders, the suburb presenting to the eye a mass of green + foliage dotted thickly with white houses. Megara was divided from the + lower town by a strong and lofty wall, but lay within the outer wall which + inclosed Byrsa and the whole of Carthage and stretched from sea to sea. + </p> + <p> + The circumference of the inclosed space was fully twenty miles; the + population contained within it amounted to over eight hundred thousand. On + the north side near the sea, within the line of the outer fortifications, + rose a low hill, and here on the face which sloped gently down to the sea + was the great necropolis—the cemetery of Carthage, shaded by broad + spreading trees, dotted with the gorgeous mausoleums of the wealthy and + the innumerable tombs of the poorer families, and undermined by thousands + of great sepulchral chambers, which still remain to testify to the + vastness of the necropolis of Carthage, and to the pains which her people + bestowed upon the burying places of their dead. + </p> + <p> + Beyond all, from the point at which the travellers viewed it, stretched + the deep blue background of the Mediterranean, its line broken only in the + foreground by the lofty citadel of Byrsa, and far out at sea by the faint + outline of the Isle of Zinbre. + </p> + <p> + For some minutes the party sat immovable on their horses, then Hamilcar + broke the silence: + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a glorious view,” he said; “the world does not contain a site better + fitted for the seat of a mighty city. Nature seems to have marked it out. + With the great rock fortress, the splendid bays and harbours, the + facilities for commerce, the fertile country stretching away on either + hand; give her but a government strong, capable, and honest, a people + patriotic, brave, and devoted, and Carthage would long remain the mistress + of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely she may yet remain so,” Adherbal exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “I fear not,” Hamilcar said gravely, shaking his head. “It seems to be the + fate of all nations, that as they grow in wealth so they lose their manly + virtues. With wealth comes corruption, indolence, a reluctance to make + sacrifices, and a weakening of the feeling of patriotism. Power falls into + the hands of the ignorant many. Instead of the destinies of the country + being swayed by the wisest and best, a fickle multitude, swayed by + interested demagogues, assumes the direction of affairs, and the result is + inevitable—wasted powers, gross mismanagement, final ruin.” + </p> + <p> + So saying Hamilcar set his horse in motion and, followed silently by his + companions, rode with a gloomy countenance after his little columns + towards the capital. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III: CARTHAGE + </h2> + <p> + Carthage was at that time divided between two factions, the one led by the + relatives and friends of the great Hamilcar Barca and known as the Barcine + party. The other was led by Hanno, surnamed the Rich. This man had been + the rival of Hamilcar, and the victories and successes of the latter had + been neutralized by the losses and defeats entailed upon the republic by + the incapacity of the former. Hanno, however, had the support of the + greater part of the senate, of the judges, and of the lower class, which + he attached to himself by a lavish distribution of his vast wealth, or by + the common tie of wholesale corruption. + </p> + <p> + The Barcine party were very inferior in numbers, but they comprised among + them the energy, the military genius, and the patriotism of the community. + They advocated sweeping reforms, the purification of the public service, + the suppression of the corruption which was rampant in every department, + the fair administration of justice, the suppression of the tyranny of the + committee, the vigourous prosecution of the struggle with Rome. They would + have attached to Carthage the but half subdued nations round her who now + groaned under her yoke, ground down to the dust by the enormous tribute + necessitated by the extravagance of the administration of the state, the + corruption and wholesale peculation of its officials. + </p> + <p> + Hamilcar Barca had been the founder of the party; in his absence at the + seat of war it had been led at Carthage by his son-in-law Hasdrubal, whose + fiery energy and stirring eloquence had rendered him a popular idol in + Carthage. But even the genius of Hamilcar and the eloquence of Hasdrubal + would not have sufficed to enable the Barcine party to make head against + the enormous power of the council and the judges, backed by the wealth of + Hanno and his associates, had it not been for the military successes which + flattered the patriotic feelings of the populace. + </p> + <p> + The loss of Sardinia, Corsica, and Sicily had been atoned for by the + conquest of the greater portion of Spain by Hamilcar, and that general + might eventually have carried out his plans for the purification of the + government of Carthage had he not fallen in a battle with the Iberians. + This loss was a terrible blow to the Barcine faction, but the deep feeling + of regret among the population at the death of their great general enabled + them to carry the election of Hasdrubal to be one of the suffetes in his + place, and to obtain for him the command of the army in Spain. + </p> + <p> + There was the less difficulty in the latter appointment, since Hanno's + party were well content that the popular leader should be far removed from + the capital. Hasdrubal proved himself a worthy successor of his + father-in-law. He carried out the policy inaugurated by the latter, won + many brilliant victories over the Iberians, fortified and firmly + established Carthagena as a port and city which seemed destined to rival + the greatness of its mother city, and Carthage saw with delight a great + western settlement growing in power which promised to counterbalance the + influence of the ever spreading territory of her great rival in Italy. + </p> + <p> + After seeing his detachment safely lodged in the barracks Hamilcar and his + companions rode along the streets to the Barcine Syssite, or club, one of + the grandest buildings in Carthage. Throwing the reins of their horses to + some slaves who stood in readiness at the foot of the steps, they entered + the building. As they rode through the streets they had noticed that the + population appeared singularly quiet and dejected, and the agitation which + reigned in the club showed them that something unusual had happened. + Groups of men were standing talking excitedly in the great hall. Others + with dejected mien were pacing the marble pavement. As Hamilcar entered, + several persons hurried up to him. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome back again!” they exclaimed; “your presence is most opportune at + this sad moment.” + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” Hamilcar asked; “I have but this moment arrived, and + rode straight here to hear the news of what has taken place in my + absence.” + </p> + <p> + “What! have you not heard?” they exclaimed; “for the last four days + nothing else has been talked of, nothing else thought of—Hasdrubal + has been assassinated!” + </p> + <p> + Hamilcar recoiled a step as if struck. + </p> + <p> + “Ye gods!” he exclaimed, “can this be so? Hasdrubal the handsome, as he + was well called, the true patriot, the great general, the eloquent orator, + the soul of generosity and patriotism, our leader and hope, dead! Surely + it cannot be.” + </p> + <p> + “It is too true, Hamilcar. Hasdrubal is dead—slain by the knife of + an Iberian, who, it seems, has for months been in his service, awaiting + the chance for revenge for some injuries which his family or people have + suffered from our arms. + </p> + <p> + “It is a terrible blow. This morning a swift sailing ship has arrived with + the news that the army of Spain have with one voice acclaimed the young + Hannibal as their general, and that they demand the ratification of their + choice by the senate and people. Need I tell you how important it is that + this ratification should be gained? Hanno and his satellites are furious, + they are scattering money broadcast, and moving heaven and earth to + prevent the choice falling upon Hannibal, and to secure the appointment + for Hanno himself or one of his clique. They say that to appoint a youth + like this to such a position would be a thing unheard of, that it would + bring countless dangers upon the head of the republic. We know, of course, + that what they fear is not the youth and inexperience, but the talent and + genius of Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + “Young though he is, his wonderful abilities are recognized by us all. His + father, Hamilcar, had the very highest hopes of him, Hasdrubal has written + again and again saying that in his young kinsman he recognized his + superior, and that in loftiness of aim, in unselfish patriotism, in + clearness of judgment, in the marvellous ascendency he has gained over the + troops, in his talent in administration, and in the greatness of his + military conceptions, he saw in him a genius of the highest order. If it + be in man to overthrow the rising greatness of Rome, to reform our + disordered administration, to raise Carthage again to the climax of her + glory and power, that man is Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, then, on him our hopes rest. If we can secure for him the command + of the army in Spain, he may do all and more than all that Hamilcar and + Hasdrubal have done for us. If we fail, we are lost; Hanno will be + supreme, the official party will triumph, man by man we shall be denounced + and, destroyed by the judges, and, worse than all, our hopes of saving + Carthage from the corruption and tyranny which have so long been pressing + her into the dust are at an end. It is a good omen of success that you + have returned from your expedition at such a critical moment. All has gone + well with you, I hope. You know the fate that awaits an unsuccessful + general here.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I know,” Hamilcar said bitterly; “to be judged by a secret tribunal + of civilians, ignorant of even the rudimentary laws of war, and bent not + upon arriving at the truth, but of gratifying their patrons and + accomplices; the end, disgrace and execution. + </p> + <p> + “No, my success has been complete, although not brilliant. I have obtained + the complete submission of the Atarantes, and have brought with me ten of + their principal chiefs as hostages; but my success narrowly escaped being + not only a failure but a disaster. I had in vain striven to come to blows + with them, when suddenly they fell upon me at night, and in the desperate + combat which followed, well nigh half my force fell; but in the end we + inflicted a terrible chastisement upon them and completely humbled their + pride.” + </p> + <p> + “So long as you succeeded in humbling them and bringing home hostages for + their good behaviour, all is well; the lives of a few score of soldiers, + more or less, matters little to Carthage. We have but to send out an order + to the tribes and we can replace them a hundred fold in a week; 'tis only + a failure which would be fatal. Carthage has suffered such terrible + disasters at the hands of her tributaries that she trembles at the + slightest rising, for its success might be the signal for another general + insurrection. If you have humbled the Atarantes, all is well. + </p> + <p> + “I know the council have been anxiously expecting news of your expedition. + Our opinion here has been from the first that, from the small force they + placed at your command, they purposely sent you to disaster, risking the + chance of extended trouble in order to obtain a ground of complaint by + which they could inflame the minds of the populace against our party. But + now, I recommend you to take some refreshment at once after your journey. + The inner council of the club will meet in an hour, and their + deliberations are likely to be long as well as important, for the whole + future of our party, and of Carthage itself, depends upon the issue.” + </p> + <p> + “Malchus,” Hamilcar said, “do you mount your horse and ride out at once + and tell your mother that all has gone well with us, but that I am + detained here on important business, and may not return until nightfall.” + </p> + <p> + “May I come back here, father, after I see my mother? I would fain be of + some use, if I may. I am known to many of the sailors down at the port; I + might go about among them trying to stir them up in favour of Hannibal.” + </p> + <p> + “You may come back if you like, Malchus; your sailors may aid us with + their voices, or, should it come to anything like a popular disturbance, + by their arms. But, as you know, in the voting the common people count for + nothing, it is the citizens only who elect, the traders, shopkeepers, and + employers of labour. Common people count for no more than the slaves, save + when it comes to a popular tumult, and they frighten the shopkeeping class + into voting in accordance with their views. However, we will leave no + stone unturned that may conduce to our success. Do not hurry away from + home, my boy, for your mother would think it unkind after three months' + absence. Our council is likely to last for some hours; when it is at an + end I will look for you here and tell you what has been determined upon.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus mounted his horse and rode out through the narrow streets of the + lower city, through the gateway leading into the suburb, then he loosed + the rein and the horse started at a gallop along the broad road, lined + with stately mansions, and in a quarter of an hour stopped in front of the + villa of Hamilcar. + </p> + <p> + Throwing his bridle to a slave he ran up the broad steps of the portico + and entered the hall. His mother, a stately woman, clad in a long flowing + garment of rich material embroidered in gold, arms and neck bare, her hair + bound up in a knot at the back of her head, which was encircled by a + golden fillet, with pendants of the same metal encrusted with gems falling + on her forehead, rose eagerly to meet him, and his two sisters, girls + older than himself, clad in white robes, confined at the waist with golden + belts, leaped to their feet with a cry of gladness. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome back, my own son,” his mother said; “all is well, I hope, with + your father; It is so, I am sure, for I should read evil news in your + face.” + </p> + <p> + “He is well, mother, well and victorious, though we had a rare fight for + it, I can tell you. But he is kept at the Barcine Syssite on matters + connected with this terrible business of the death of Hasdrubal. He bade + me give you his love, and say he would be back here as soon as he could + get away.” + </p> + <p> + “It is terrible news indeed, Malchus. The loss is a grievous blow to + Carthage, but especially to us who are his near kinsfolk; but for the + moment let us set it aside and talk of your doings. How the sun has + bronzed your face, child! You seem to have grown taller and stouter since + you have been away. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” one of the sisters laughed, “the child is growing up, mother; you + will have to choose another name for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it is about time,” Malchus said, joining in the laugh, + “considering that I have killed a lion and have taken part in a desperate + hand-to-hand fight with the wild Atarantes. I think even my mother must + own that I am attaining the dignity of youth.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder your father let you take part in such strife,” the mother said + anxiously; “he promised me that he would, as far as possible, keep you out + of danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, mother,” Malchus said indignantly, “you don't suppose that my father + was going to coddle me as he might do one of the girls here. You know he + has promised that I shall soon enter the Carthaginian guard, and fight in + the next campaign. I think it has been very hard on me not to have had a + chance of distinguishing myself as my cousin Hannibal did when he was no + older than I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor boy,” his sister laughed, “he has indeed been unfortunate. Who can + say but that if he had only had opportunities he would have been a general + by this time, and that Rome would have been trembling at the clash of his + armour.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus joined heartily in the laugh about himself. + </p> + <p> + “I shall never grow to be a general,” he said, “unless you get me some + food; it is past midday, and I have not broken my fast this morning. I + warn you that I shall not tell you a word of our adventures until I have + eaten, therefore the sooner you order a meal to be served the better.” + </p> + <p> + The meal was speedily served, and then for an hour Malchus sat with his + mother and sisters, giving them a history of the expedition. There was a + little playful grumbling on the part of his sisters when he told them that + he was going to return to the Syssite to hear what had been determined by + the conclave. + </p> + <p> + “Surely you can wait until our father returns here, Malchus,” Thyra, the + elder, said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but I may be useful,” Malchus replied. “There will be lots to be + done, and we shall all do our utmost.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen to him, mother,” Anna, the younger sister, said, clapping her + hands; “this comes of slaying lions and combating with the Atarantes; do + not let us hinder him; beg the slaves to bring round a horse instantly. + Carthage totters, let Malchus fly to its support. What part are you + thinking of taking, my brother, do you mean to harangue the people, or to + urge the galley slaves to revolt, or to lead the troops against the + council?” + </p> + <p> + The two girls burst into a peal of merry laughter, in which Malchus, + although colouring a little, joined heartily. + </p> + <p> + “You are too bad, Anna; what I want is, of course, to hear what has been + done, and to join in the excitement, and really I am not such a boy as you + girls think me, just because you happen to be two or three years older + than I am. You persist in regarding me as a child; father doesn't do so, + and I can tell you I may be more good than you think.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go along, Malchus, do not let us keep you, and don't get into + mischief and remember, my boy,” his mother added, “that Carthage is a + place where it is well that no one should make more enemies than he can + help. A secret foe in the council or among the judges is enough to ruin + the strongest. You know how many have been crucified or pressed to death + without a shadow of pretext, save that they had foes. I would not see you + other than your father's son; you will belong, of course, to the Barcine + party, but there is no occasion to draw enmity and hate upon yourself + before you are in a position to do real service to the cause. And now ride + off with you; I know all our words are falling on deaf ears, and that + willful lads will go their own way.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later and Malchus was on his way back to the club. On his + arrival there he found that the sitting of the inner council was not yet + finished. The building was thronged with the adherents of the party + waiting to ascertain what course was determined upon. He presently came + across Adherbal and Giscon. The former, as usual, was gay, light hearted, + and disposed to view matters in a humorous light; Giscon was stern and + moody. + </p> + <p> + “So, here you are again, Malchus,” Adherbal said. “I thought you would + soon be back. I am glad you have come, for Giscon here grows monotonous as + a companion. Nature in making him forgot to give him that spice of humour + which is to existence what seasoning is to meat. I am ready to fight if it + comes to fighting, to orate if talking is necessary, and to do anything + else which may be within the limits of my powers, but I can't for the life + of me take matters as if the existence of the state depended on me alone. + I have already heard that all is well with you at home. I shall ride out + there and see your mother when this business is over. What they can find + to talk about so long I can't make out. + </p> + <p> + “The question is a simple one, surely. Will it be better for Carthage at + large, and our party in particular, for Hannibal to stay at the head of + the army in Spain, or to come home and bring the influence of his + popularity and reputation to bear upon the populace? There is the question + put in a nutshell, and if they can't decide upon it let them toss up. + There is virtue, I am ready to maintain, in an appeal to dame Fortune. + </p> + <p> + “Look round now, Malchus, is it not amusing to study men's characters. + Look at little Philene going about among the groups, standing on tiptoe to + whisper into the ear first of one and then of another. He prides himself + on his knowledge of affairs, and in his heart believes that he is + shamefully wronged inasmuch as he is not already on the secret committee. + </p> + <p> + “Look at Bomilca leaning against that pillar and lazily pulling his + mustache, an easygoing giant, who looks upon the whole thing as a + nuisance, but who, if he received orders from the conclave, would put + himself at the head of the Libyans, and would march to storm Hanno's + house, and to slaughter his Numidian guard without a question. + </p> + <p> + “Look at Magon's face of importance as he walks about without speaking to + anyone. He is trying to convey to all the impression that he knows + perfectly well what is going on inside, and could if he chose tell you + what the decision will be. There is Carthalon, who is thinking at present, + I warrant, more of the match which he has made of his Arab steed against + that of his comrade Phano, than of the matter in hand. But see, there is a + stir, the curtains are drawing aside at last, the meeting is over.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the heavy curtains which shut off an inner room from the hall + were drawn aside, and the council of the Syssite came out. Each was + speedily surrounded by a group of the members of his own family, or those + who specially looked up to him as a leader. Malchus and the two young + officers were among those who gathered round Hamilcar. + </p> + <p> + “It has been decided,” the general said, “that Hannibal shall be retained + in his command. Therefore, now let all set to work, each in his own + sphere. The populace must be stirred up. We have a small majority in the + council, but the middle class, the men who will vote, are with Hanno. Some + have been bought with his gold, some of the weak fools dream that Carthage + can be great simply as a trading power without army or navy, and think + only of the present advantage they would gain by remission of taxation. It + is these we have to fear, and we must operate upon them by means of the + populace. + </p> + <p> + “If the people gather in the streets and shout for Hannibal, these cowards + will hesitate. They are accessible only in their moneybags, and rather + than risk a riot they would vote for the destruction of Moloch's temple. + Giscon and Adherbal, do you go to the barracks, get as many of your + comrades together as are of our way of thinking, talk to the soldiers of + the glories of Hamilcar Barca, of the rich booty they won under him, of + the glory of their arms when he led them, tell them that in Hannibal they + have their old commander revived, and that Hanno and his companions seek + only to have him removed, because they fear that the luster of his deeds + will overshadow them. + </p> + <p> + “Urge that he is the elect of the army of Spain, that the voice of the + soldiers has acclaimed him, and that the troops here should join their + voices to those of their comrades in Spain. They too may ere long have to + take share in the war, and would it not be far better for them to be led + by a soldier like Hannibal than by Hanno, whose incapacity has been proved + a score of times, and who is solely chosen because he is rich, and because + he has pandered to the fat traders and lazy shopkeepers? + </p> + <p> + “Do you, Stryphex, go to the weavers' quarter; you have influence there. + Work upon the men, point out to them how, since Hamilcar and Hasdrubal + have conquered Spain, and the gold and silver from the mines have poured + into Carthage, their trade has flourished. Before that gold was scarce + known in the city, none could purchase their choice productions, their + wages would scarce keep the wolf from the door. Show them that under Hanno + disaster will be sure to befall our arms, that the Iberians will reconquer + their soil, that the mines will be lost, and we shall have to return to + the leather money of twenty years back.” + </p> + <p> + So one by one Hamilcar despatched the groups round him on various + missions, until Malchus alone remained. + </p> + <p> + “You, Malchus, can, as you suggested, go down to the port; ask the sailors + and fishermen what will become of their trade were the Roman galleys + cruising in our bay. Point out that our conquests in Spain have already + caused the greatest alarm in Rome, and that under Hannibal our arms will + so flourish that Rome will be glad to come to terms with us, and to leave + us free to trade with the world. + </p> + <p> + “Point out how great is the trade and commerce which Carthagena has + already produced. Ask them if they are willing that all this shall be + hazarded, in order that Hanno may gratify his personal ambition, and his + creatures may wring the last penny from the over taxed people of Carthage. + Don't try too much, my boy. Get together a knot of men whom you know; + prime them with argument, and send them among their fellows. Tell them to + work day and night, and that you will see that their time is well paid. + Find out if there are any men who have special influence with their + fellows, and secure them on our side. Promise them what they will; the + Syssite will spend money like water to carry its object. Be discreet, + Malchus; when you have lit the fire, and see that it is well on its way, + withdraw quietly.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus hurried off, and in half an hour was down by the port. Through the + densely packed district which lay behind the lofty warehouses crammed with + goods brought by sea from all parts of the world, he made his way until he + reached the abode of a fisherman, in whose boat he often put to sea. + </p> + <p> + The old man, with three or four grownup sons, was reclining on a pile of + rushes. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome back, my lord Malchus,” he said; “glad am I to see you safely + returned. We have often talked of you, me and my sons, and wondered when + you would again go out for a night's fishing with us. You have come back + at the right time. The tunny are just entering the bay, and in another + week we shall have rare sport.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be glad, indeed, of another sail with you,” Malchus said; “but at + present I have other matters in hand. Hanno and his friends have + determined to oppose the appointment of Hannibal to the army in Spain.” + The fisherman gave a grunt, which signified that the matter was one of + which he knew nothing, and which affected him not in the slightest. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you see the importance of this?” Malchus said. “If Hannibal doesn't + get the command our troops will be beaten, and we shall lose all our trade + with Spain.” The fisherman still appeared apathetic. + </p> + <p> + “My sons have all taken to fishing,” he said indifferently, “and it + matters nothing to them whether we lose the trade of Spain or not.” + </p> + <p> + “But it would make a difference,” Malchus said, “if no more gold and + silver came from Spain, because then, you know, people wouldn't be able to + pay a good price for fish, and there would be bad times for you fishermen. + But that is not the worst of it. The Romans are so alarmed by our progress + in Spain that they are glad to keep friends with us, but if we were driven + out from there they would soon be at war again. You and your sons would be + pressed for the ships of war, and like enough you might see the Roman + fleets hovering on our coasts and picking up our fishing boats.” + </p> + <p> + “By Astarte,” the fisherman exclaimed, “but that would be serious, indeed; + and you say all this will happen unless Hannibal remains as general in + Spain?” + </p> + <p> + “That is so,” Malchus nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Then I tell you what, my boys,” the fisherman said, rising and rubbing + his hands, “we must put our oars into this business. You hear what my lord + Malchus tells us. Get up, there is work to be done. Now, sir, what is the + best way to stop this affair you tell us of? If it's got to be done we + will do it, and I think I can answer for three or four thousand fishing + hands here who ain't going to stand by any more than I am and see the + bread taken out of their mouths. They know old Calcon, and will listen to + what he says. I will set about it at once.” + </p> + <p> + “That is just what I want,” Malchus said. “I want you and your sons to go + about among the fishermen and tell them what is proposed to be done, and + how ruinous it will be for them. You know how fond of fishermen I am, and + how sorry I should be to see them injured. You stir them up for the next + three or four days, and get them to boiling point. I will let you know + when the time comes. There are other trades who will be injured by this + business, and when the time comes you fishermen with your oars in your + hands must join the others and go through the streets shouting 'Hannibal + for general! Down with Hanno and the tax gatherers!'” + </p> + <p> + “Down with the tax gatherers is a good cry,” the old fisherman said. “They + take one fish of every four I bring in, and always choose the finest. + Don't you be afraid, sir; we will be there, oars and all, when you give + the word.” + </p> + <p> + “And now I want you to tell me the names of a few men who have influence + among the sailors of the mercantile ships, and among those who load and + discharge the cargoes; their interest is threatened as well as yours. I am + commissioned to pay handsomely all who do their best for the cause, and I + promise you that you and your sons shall earn as much in four days' work + as in a month's toiling on the sea. The Barcine Club is known to be the + true friend of Carthage, the opponent of those who grind down the people, + and it will spare no money to see that this matter is well carried out.” + </p> + <p> + The fisherman at once went round with Malchus to the abodes of several men + regarded as authorities by the sailors and stevedores. With these, partly + by argument, but much more by the promises of handsome pay for their + exertions, Malchus established an understanding, and paved the way for a + popular agitation among the working classes of the waterside in favour of + Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV: A POPULAR RISING + </h2> + <p> + Day after day Malchus went down to the port. His father was well pleased + with his report of what he had done and provided him with ample funds for + paying earnest money to his various agents, as a proof that their + exertions would be well rewarded. He soon had the satisfaction of seeing + that the agitation was growing. + </p> + <p> + Work was neglected, the sailors and labourers collected on the quays and + talked among themselves, or listened to orators of their own class, who + told them of the dangers which threatened their trade from the hatred of + Hanno and his friends the tax collectors for Hannibal, whose father and + brother-in-law had done such great things for Carthage by conquering Spain + and adding to her commerce by the establishment of Carthagena and other + ports. Were they going to stand tamely by and see trade ruined, and their + families starving, that the tyrants who wrung from them the taxes should + fatten at ease? + </p> + <p> + Such was the tenor of the orations delivered by scores of men to their + comrades on the quays. A calm observer might have noticed a certain + sameness about the speeches, and might have come to the conclusion that + the orators had received their instructions from the same person, but this + passed unnoticed by the sailors and workmen, who were soon roused into + fury by the exhortations of the speakers. They knew nothing either of + Hannibal or of Hanno, but they did know that they were ground down to the + earth with taxation, and that the conquest of Spain and the trade that had + arisen had been of enormous benefit to them. It was, then, enough to tell + them that this trade was threatened, and that it was threatened in the + interest of the tyrants of Carthage, for them to enter heart and soul into + the cause. + </p> + <p> + During these four days the Barcine Club was like the headquarters of an + army. Night and day the doors stood open, messengers came and went + continually, consultations of the leading men of the city were held almost + without a break. Every man belonging to it had his appointed task. The + landed proprietors stirred up the cultivators of the soil, the + manufacturers were charged with the enlightenment of their hands as to the + dangers of the situation, the soldiers were busy among the troops; but + theirs was a comparatively easy task, for these naturally sympathized with + their comrades in Spain, and the name of the great Hamilcar was an object + of veneration among them. + </p> + <p> + Hanno's faction was not idle. The Syssite which was composed of his + adherents was as large as its rival. Its orators harangued the people in + the streets on the dangers caused to the republic by the ambition of the + family of Barca, of the expense entailed by the military and naval + establishments required to keep up the forces necessary to carry out their + aggressive policy, of the folly of confiding the principal army of the + state to the command of a mere youth. They dilated on the wealth and + generosity of Hanno, of his lavish distribution of gifts among the poor, + of his sympathy with the trading community. Each day the excitement rose, + business was neglected, the whole population was in a fever of excitement. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the fourth day the agents of the Barcine Club discovered + that Hanno's party were preparing for a public demonstration on the + following evening. They had a certainty of a majority in the public vote, + which, although nominally that of the people, was, as has been said, + confined solely to what would now be called the middle class. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto the Barcine party had avoided fixing any period for their own + demonstration, preferring to wait until they knew the intention of their + opponents. The council now settled that it should take place on the + following day at eleven o'clock, just when the working classes would have + finished their morning meal. + </p> + <p> + The secret council, however, determined that no words should be whispered + outside their own body until two hours before the time, in order that it + should not be known to Hanno and his friends until too late to gather + their adherents to oppose it. Private messengers were, however, sent out + late to all the members to assemble early at the club. + </p> + <p> + At nine o'clock next morning the Syssite was crowded, the doors were + closed, and the determination of the council was announced to the members, + each of whom was ordered to hurry off to set the train in motion for a + popular outbreak for eleven o'clock. It was not until an hour later that + the news that the Barcine party intended to forestall them reached Hanno's + headquarters. Then the most vigourous efforts were made to get together + their forces, but it was too late. At eleven o'clock crowds of men from + all the working portions of the town were seen making their way towards + the forum, shouting as they went, “Hannibal for general!” “Down with Hanno + and the tax gatherers!” + </p> + <p> + Conspicuous among them were the sailors and fishermen from the port, armed + with oars, and the gang of stevedores with heavy clubs. Hanno and a large + number of his party hurried down to the spot and tried to pacify the + crowd, but the yells of execration were so loud and continuous that they + were forced to leave the forum. The leaders of the Barcine party now + appeared on the scene, and their most popular orator ascended the rostrum. + When the news spread among the crowd that he was a friend of Hannibal and + an opponent of Hanno, the tumult was stayed in order that all might hear + his words. + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” he said, “I am glad to see that Carthage is still true to + herself, and that you resent the attempt made by a faction to remove the + general of the army's choice, the son of the great Hamilcar Barca. To him + and to Hasdrubal, his son-in-law, you owe the conquest of Spain, you owe + the wealth which has of late years poured into Carthage, you owe the trade + which is already doing so much to mitigate your condition. What have Hanno + and his friends done that you should listen to him? It is their incapacity + which has lost Carthage so many of its possessions. It is their greed and + corruption which place such burdens on your backs. They claim that they + are generous. It is easy to be generous with the money of which they have + plundered you; but let them know your will, and they must bend before it. + Tell them that you will have Hannibal and none other as the general of + your armies, and Spain is secure, and year by year your commerce with that + country will increase and flourish.” + </p> + <p> + A roar of assent arose from the crowd. At the same instant a tumult was + heard at the lower entrance to the forum, and the head of a dense body of + men was seen issuing from the street, with shouts of “Hanno forever!” They + were headed by the butchers and tanners, an important and powerful body, + for Carthage did a vast trade in leather. + </p> + <p> + For a time they bore all before them, but the resistance increased every + foot they advanced. The shouts on both sides became louder and more angry. + Blows were soon exchanged, and ere long a pitched battle was raging. The + fishermen and sailors threw themselves into the thick of it, and for ten + minutes a desperate fight raged in the forum. Soon the battle extended, as + bodies of men belonging to either faction encountered each other as they + hurried towards the forum. + </p> + <p> + Street frays were by no means unusual in Carthage, but this was a + veritable battle. Hanno had at its commencement, accompanied by a strong + body of his friends, ridden to Byrsa, and had called upon the soldiers to + come out and quell the tumult. They, however, listened in sullen silence, + their sympathies were entirely with the supporters of Hannibal, and they + had already received orders from their officers on no account to move, + whosoever might command them to do so, until Hamilcar placed himself at + their head. + </p> + <p> + The general delayed doing this until the last moment. Hannibal's friends + had hoped to carry their object without the intervention of the troops, as + it was desirable in every way that the election should appear to be a + popular one, and that Hannibal should seem to have the suffrages of the + people as well as of the army. That the large majority of the people were + with them they knew, but the money which Hanno's friends had lavishly + spent among the butchers, skinners, tanners, and smiths had raised up a + more formidable opposition than they had counted upon. + </p> + <p> + Seeing that their side was gaining but little advantage, that already much + blood had been shed, and that the tumult threatened to involve all + Carthage, Hamilcar and a number of officers rode to the barracks. The + troops at once got under arms, and, headed by the elephants, moved out + from Byrsa. Being desirous to avoid bloodshed, Hamilcar bade his men leave + their weapons behind them, and armed them with headless spear shafts, of + which, with all other things needed for war, there was a large store in + the citadel. As the column sallied out it broke up into sections. The + principal body marched toward the forum, while others, each led by + officers, took their way down the principal streets. + </p> + <p> + The appearance of the elephants and troops, and the loud shouts of the + latter for Hannibal, quickly put an end to the tumult. Hanno's hired mob, + seeing that they could do nothing against such adversaries, at once broke + up and fled to their own quarters of the city, and Hanno and his adherents + sought their own houses. The quiet citizens, seeing that the fight was + over, issued from their houses, and the forum was soon again crowded. + </p> + <p> + The proceedings were now unanimous, and the shouts raised that the senate + should assemble and confirm the vote of the army were loud and strenuous. + Parties of men went out in all directions to the houses of the senators to + tell them the people demanded their presence at the forum. Seeing the + uselessness of further opposition, and fearing the consequences if they + resisted, Hanno and his friends no longer offered any opposition. + </p> + <p> + The senate assembled, and, by a unanimous vote the election of Hannibal as + one of the suffetes in place of Hasdrubal, and as commander-in-chief of + the army in Spain, was carried, and was ratified by that of the popular + assembly, the traders and manufacturers of Hanno's party not venturing to + oppose the will of the mass of mechanics and seafaring population. + </p> + <p> + “It has been a victory,” Hamilcar said, when, accompanied by a number of + his friends, he returned to his home that evening, “but Hanno will not + forget or forgive the events of this day. As long as all goes well in + Spain we may hope for the support of the people, but should any disaster + befall our arms it will go hard with all who have taken a prominent part + in this day's proceedings. Hanno's friends have so much at stake that they + will not give up the struggle. They have at their back all the moneys + which they wring from the people and the tributaries of Carthage, and they + will work night and day to strengthen their party and to buy over the + lower classes. We are the stronger at present; but to carry the popular + vote on a question which would put a stop to the frightful corruption of + our administration, to suppress the tyranny of the council, to sweep away + the abuses which prevail in every class in the state—for that we + must wait till Hannibal returns victorious. Let him but humble the pride + of Rome, and Carthage will be at his feet.” + </p> + <p> + The party were in high spirits at the result of the day's proceedings. Not + only had they succeeded in their principal object of electing Hannibal, + but they had escaped from a great personal danger; for, assuredly, had + Hanno and his party triumphed, a stern vengeance would have been taken + upon all the leading members of the Barcine faction. + </p> + <p> + After the banquet, while Hamilcar and his companions reclined on their + couches at tables, a Greek slave, a captive in war, sang songs of his + native land to the accompaniment of the lyre. A party of dancing girls + from Ethiopia performed their rhythmical movements to the sound of the + tinkling of a little guitar with three strings, the beating of a small + drum, the clashing of cymbals, and the jingling of the ornaments and + little metal bells on their arms and ankles. Perfumes were burned in + censers, and from time to time soft strains of music, played by a party of + slaves among the trees without, floated in through the casements. + </p> + <p> + Malchus was in wild spirits, for his father had told him that it was + settled that he was to have the command of a body of troops which were + very shortly to proceed to Spain to reinforce the army under Hannibal, and + that he should allow Malchus to enter the band of Carthaginian horse which + was to form part of the body under his command. + </p> + <p> + The regular Carthaginian horse and foot formed but a very small portion of + the armies of the republic. They were a corps d'elite, composed entirely + of young men of the aristocratic families of Carthage, on whom it was + considered as almost a matter of obligation to enter this force. They had + the post of honour in battle, and it was upon them the Carthaginian + generals relied principally to break the ranks of the enemy in close + battle. All who aspired to distinguish themselves in the eyes of their + fellow citizens, to rise to power and position in the state, to officer + the vast bodies of men raised from the tributary nations, and to command + the armies of the country, entered one or other of these bodies. The + cavalry was the arm chosen by the richer classes. It was seldom that it + numbered more than a thousand strong. The splendour of their armour and + appointments, the beauty of their horses, the richness of the garments of + the cavaliers, and the trappings of their steeds, caused this body to be + the admiration and envy of Carthage. Every man in it was a member of one + of the upper ranks of the aristocracy; all were nearly related to members + of the senate, and it was considered the highest honour that a young + Carthaginian could receive to be admitted into it. + </p> + <p> + Each man wore on his wrist a gold band for each campaign which he had + undertaken. There was no attempt at uniformity as to their appointments. + Their helmets and shields were of gold or silver, surmounted with plumes + or feathers, or with tufts of white horsehair. Their breastplates were + adorned with arabesques or repousse work of the highest art. Their belts + were covered with gold and studded with gems. Their short kilted skirts + were of rich Tyrian purple embroidered with gold. + </p> + <p> + The infantry were composed of men of good but less exalted families. They + wore a red tunic without a belt. They carried a great circular buckler of + more than a yard in diameter, formed of the tough hide of the river horse, + brought down from the upper Nile, with a central boss of metal with a + point projecting nearly a foot in front of the shield, enabling it to be + used as an offensive weapon in a close fight. They carried short heavy + swords similar to those of the Romans, and went barefooted. Their total + strength seldom exceeded two thousand. + </p> + <p> + These two bodies constituted the Carthaginian legion, and formed but a + small proportion indeed of her armies, the rest of her forces being + entirely drawn from the tributary states. The fact that Carthage, with her + seven hundred thousand inhabitants, furnished so small a contingent of the + fighting force of the republic, was in itself a proof of the weakness of + the state. A country which relies entirely for its defence upon + mercenaries is rapidly approaching decay. + </p> + <p> + She may for a time repress one tributary with the soldiers of the others; + but when disaster befalls her she is without cohesion and falls to pieces + at once. As the Roman orator well said of Carthage: “She was a figure of + brass with feet of clay”—a noble and imposing object to the eye, but + whom a vigourous push would level in the dust. Rome, on the contrary, + young and vigourous, was a people of warriors. Every one of her citizens + who was capable of bearing arms was a soldier. The manly virtues were held + in the highest esteem, and the sordid love of wealth had not as yet + enfeebled her strength or sapped her powers. Her citizens were men, + indeed, ready to make any sacrifice for their country; and such being the + case, her final victory over Carthage was a matter of certainty. + </p> + <p> + The news which afforded Malchus such delight was not viewed with the same + unmixed satisfaction by the members of his family. Thyra had for the last + year been betrothed to Adherbal, and he, too, was to accompany Hamilcar to + Spain, and none could say how long it might be before they would return. + </p> + <p> + While the others were sitting round the festive board, Adherbal and Thyra + strolled away among the groves in the garden. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think you care for me, Adherbal,” she said reproachfully as he + was speaking of the probabilities of the campaign. “You know well that + this war may continue in Spain for years, and you seem perfectly + indifferent to the fact that we must be separated for that time.” + </p> + <p> + “I should not be indifferent to it, Thyra, if I thought for a moment that + this was to be the case. I may remain, it is true, for years in Spain; but + I have not the most remote idea of remaining there alone. At the end of + the first campaign, when our army goes into winter quarters, I shall + return here and fetch you.” + </p> + <p> + “That's all very well,” the girl said, pouting; “but how do you know that + I shall be willing to give up all the delights of Carthage to go among the + savage Iberians, where they say the ground is all white in winter and even + the rivers stop in their courses?” + </p> + <p> + Adherbal laughed lightly. “Then it is not for you to talk about + indifference, Thyra; but it won't be so bad as you fear. At Carthagena you + will have all the luxuries of Carthage. I do not say that your villa shall + be equal to this; but as you will have me it should be a thousand times + dearer to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Your conceit is superb, Adherbal,” Thyra laughed. “You get worse and + worse. Had I ever dreamed of it I should never have consented so + submissively when my father ordered me to regard you as my future + husband.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to think yourself a fortunate girl, Thyra,” Adherbal said, + smiling; “for your father might have taken it into his head to have done + as Hamilcar Barca did, and married his daughters to Massilian and Numidian + princes, to become queens of bands of nomad savages.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they were queens, that was something, even if only of nomads.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think that it would have suited you, Thyra—a seat on + horseback for a throne, and a rough tent for a palace, would not be in + your way at all. I think a snug villa on the slopes of the bay of + Carthagena, will suit you better, not to mention the fact that I shall + make an infinitely more pleasant and agreeable master than a Numidian + chief would do.” + </p> + <p> + “You are intolerable, Adherbal, with your conceit and your mastership. + However, I suppose when the time comes I shall have to obey my father. + What a pity it is we girls cannot choose our husbands for ourselves! + Perhaps the time may come when we shall do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, in your case, Thyra,” Adherbal said, “it would make no difference, + because you know you would have chosen me anyhow; but most girls would + make a nice business of it. How are they to know what men really are? They + might be gamesters, drunkards, brutal and cruel by nature, idle and + spendthrift. What can maidens know of a man's disposition? Of course they + only see him at his best. Wise parents can make careful inquiries, and + have means of knowing what a man's disposition and habits really are.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't think, Adherbal,” Thyra said earnestly, “that girls are such + fools that they cannot read faces; that we cannot tell the difference + between a good man and a bad one.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a girl may know something about every man save the one she loves, + Thyra. She may see other's faults clearly enough; but she is blind to + those of the man she loves. Do you not know that the Greeks depict Cupid + with a bandage over his eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not blind to your faults,” Thyra said indignantly. “I know that you + are a great deal more lazy than becomes you; that you are not sufficiently + earnest in the affairs of life; that you will never rise to be a great + general like my cousin Hannibal.” + </p> + <p> + “That is all quite true,” Adherbal laughed; “and yet you see you love me. + You perceive my faults only in theory and not in fact, and you do not in + your heart wish to see me different from what I am. Is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” the girl said shyly, “I suppose it is. Anyhow, I don't like the + thought of your going away from me to that horrid Iberia.” + </p> + <p> + Although defeated for the moment by the popular vote, the party of Hanno + were not discouraged. They had suffered a similar check when they had + attempted to prevent Hannibal joining Hasdrubal in Spain. + </p> + <p> + Not a moment was lost in setting to work to recover their lost ground. + Their agents among the lower classes spread calumnies against the Barcine + leaders. Money was lavishly distributed, and the judges, who were devoted + to Hanno's party, set their machinery to work to strike terror among their + opponents. Their modes of procedure were similar to those which afterwards + made Venice execrable in the height of her power. Arrests were made + secretly in the dead of night. Men were missing from their families, and + none knew what had become of them. + </p> + <p> + Dead bodies bearing signs of strangulation were found floating in the + shallow lakes around Carthage; and yet, so great was the dread inspired by + the terrible power of the judges, that the friends and relations of those + who were missing dared make neither complaint nor inquiry. It was not + against the leaders of the Barcine party that such measures were taken. + Had one of these been missing the whole would have flown to arms. The + dungeons would have been broken open, and not only the captives liberated, + but their arrest might have been made the pretext for an attack upon the + whole system under which such a state of things could exist. + </p> + <p> + It was chiefly among the lower classes that the agents of Hanno's + vengeance operated. Among these the disappearance of so many men who were + regarded as leaders among the rest spread a deep and mysterious fear. + Although none dared to complain openly, the news of these mysterious + disappearances was not long in reaching the leaders of the Barcine party. + </p> + <p> + These, however, were for the time powerless to act. Certain as they might + be of the source whence these unseen blows descended, they had no evidence + on which to assail so formidable a body as the judges. It would be a rash + act indeed to accuse such important functionaries of the state, belonging, + with scarcely an exception, to powerful families, of arbitrary and cruel + measures against insignificant persons. + </p> + <p> + The halo of tradition still surrounded the judges, and added to the fear + inspired by their terrible and unlimited power. In such an attack the + Barcine party could not rely upon the population to side with them; for, + while comparatively few were personally affected by the arrests which had + taken place, the fear of future consequences would operate upon all. + </p> + <p> + Among the younger members of the party, however, the indignation aroused + by these secret blows was deep. Giscon, who was continually brooding over + the tyranny and corruption which were ruining his country, was one of the + leaders of this section of the party; with him were other spirits as + ardent as himself. They met in a house in a quiet street in the lower + town, and there discussed all sorts of desperate projects for freeing the + city of its tyrants. + </p> + <p> + One day as Giscon was making his way to this rendezvous he met Malchus + riding at full speed from the port. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Malchus, whither away in such haste?” + </p> + <p> + “It is shameful, Giscon, it is outrageous. I have just been down to the + port to tell the old fisherman with whom I often go out that I would sail + with him tomorrow, and find that four days ago he was missing, and his + body was yesterday found by his sons floating in the lagoon. He had been + strangled. His sons are as much overpowered with terror as by grief, they + believe that he has suffered for the part he took in rousing the fishermen + to declare for Hannibal a fortnight since, and they fear lest the terrible + vengeance of Hanno should next fall upon them. + </p> + <p> + “How it happened they know not. A man arrived late in the evening and said + that one of their father's best customers wanted a supply of fish for a + banquet he was to give next day, and that he wanted to speak to him at + once to arrange about the quantity and quality of fish he required. + Suspecting nothing the old man left at once, and was never heard of + afterwards. Next morning, seeing that he had not returned, one of his sons + went to the house to which he had been fetched, but found that its owner + knew nothing of the affair, and denied that he had sent any message + whatever to him. Fearing that something was wrong they searched + everywhere, but it was not until last night that his body was, as I have + told you, found. + </p> + <p> + “They are convinced that their father died in no private feud. He had not, + as far as they know, an enemy in the world. You may imagine how l feel + this; not only did I regard him as a friend, but I feel that it was owing + to his acting as I led him that he has come to his death.” + </p> + <p> + “The tyrants!” Giscon exclaimed in a low voice. “But what can you do, + Malchus?” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to my father,” Malchus replied, “to ask him to take the matter + up.” + </p> + <p> + “What can he do?” Giscon said with a bitter laugh. “What can he prove? Can + he accuse our most noble body of judges, without a shadow of proof, of + making away with this unknown old fisherman. No, Malchus, if you are in + earnest to revenge your friend come with me, I will introduce you to my + friends, who are banded together against this tyranny, and who are sworn + to save Carthage. You are young, but you are brave and full of ardour; you + are a son of General Hamilcar, and my friends will gladly receive you as + one of us.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus did not hesitate. That there would be danger in joining such a + body as Giscon spoke of he knew, but the young officer's talk during their + expedition had aroused in him a deep sense of the tyranny and corruption + which were sapping the power or his country, and this blow which had + struck him personally rendered him in a mood to adopt any dangerous move. + </p> + <p> + “I will join you, Giscon,” he said, “if you will accept me. I am young, + but I am ready to go all lengths, and to give my life if needs be to free + Carthage.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V: THE CONSPIRACY + </h2> + <p> + Giscon led his companion along the narrow lanes until he reached the back + entrance of the house where the meetings were held. Knocking in a + particular way it was opened at once and closed behind them. As they + entered a slave took Malchus' horse without a word and fastened it to a + ring in the wall, where four or five other horses were standing. + </p> + <p> + “I rather wonder you are not afraid of drawing attention by riding on + horseback to a house in such a quarter,” Malchus said. + </p> + <p> + “We dare not meet secretly, you know. The city is full of spies, and + doubtless the movements of all known to be hostile to Hanno and his party + are watched, therefore we thought it best to meet here. We have caused it + to be whispered as a secret in the neighbourhood, that the house has been + taken as a place where we can gamble free from the presence of our elders. + Therefore the only comments we excite is, 'There go those young fools who + are ruining themselves.' It is only because you are on horseback that I + have come round to this gate; had you come on foot we should have entered + by the front. Fortunately there are among us many who are deemed to be + mere pleasure seekers—men who wager fortunes on their horses, who + are given to banquets, or whose lives seem to be passed in luxury and + indolence, but who at heart are as earnest in the cause of Carthage as I + am. The presence of such men among us gives a probability to the tale that + this is a gambling house. Were we all of my stamp, men known to be utterly + hostile to Hanno and his party, suspicion would fall upon our meetings at + once. But here we are.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he drew aside some heavy curtains and entered a large room. + Some ten or twelve young men were assembled there. They looked up in + surprise as Giscon entered followed by his companion. + </p> + <p> + “I have brought a recruit,” Giscon said, “one whom all of you know by + repute if not personally; it is Malchus, the son of General Hamilcar. He + is young to be engaged in a business like ours, but I have been with him + in a campaign and can answer for him. He is brave, ready, thoughtful and + trustworthy. He loves his country and hates her tyrants. I can guarantee + that he will do nothing imprudent, but can be trusted as one of ourselves. + Being young he will have the advantage of being less likely to be watched, + and may be doubly useful. He is ready to take the oath of our society.” + </p> + <p> + As Giscon was the leading spirit of the band his recommendation was taken + as amply sufficient. The young men rose and formed in a circle round + Malchus. All drew their daggers, and one, whom Malchus recognized with a + momentary feeling of surprise as Carthalon, whom Adherbal had pointed out + at the Barcine Club as one who thought only of horse racing, said: + </p> + <p> + “Do you swear by Moloch and Astarte to be true to this society, to devote + yourself to the destruction of the oppressors of Carthage, to carry out + all measures which may be determined upon, even at the certain risk of + your life, and to suffer yourself to be torn to pieces by the torture + rather than reveal aught that passes within these walls?” + </p> + <p> + “That I swear solemnly,” Malchus said. + </p> + <p> + “I need not say,” Carthalon said carelessly, “that the punishment of the + violation of the oath is death. It is so put in our rules. But we are all + nobles of Carthage, and nobles do not break their oaths, so we can let + that pass. When a man's word is good enough to make him beggar himself in + order to discharge a wager, he can be trusted to keep his word in a matter + which concerns the lives of a score of his fellows. And now that this + business is arranged we can go on with our talk; but first let us have + some wine, for all this talking is thirsty work at best.” + </p> + <p> + The young men threw themselves upon the couches around the room and, while + slaves brought round wine, chatted lightly with each other about horses, + the play presented the day before, the respective merits of the reigning + beauties of Carthage, and other similar topics, and Malchus, who was + impressed with the serious nature of the secret conspiracy which he had + just sworn to aid, could not help being surprised at the careless gaiety + of the young men, although engaged in a conspiracy in which they risked + their lives. + </p> + <p> + It was not until some minutes after the slaves had left the apartment that + the light talk and banter ceased, as Giscon rose and said: + </p> + <p> + “Now to business. Malchus has told me that an old fisherman, who took a + lead in stirring up his fellows to declare for Hannibal, has been decoyed + away from his home and murdered; his body has been found floating in the + lake, strangled. This is the nineteenth in the course of a week. These + acts are spreading terror among the working classes, and unless they are + put a stop to we can no longer expect assistance from them. + </p> + <p> + “That these deeds are the work of the officials of the tribunals we have + no doubt. The sooner we strike the better. Matters are getting ripe. I + have eight men sworn into my section among the weavers, and need but two + more to complete it. We will instruct our latest recruit to raise a + section among the fishermen. The sons of the man just murdered should form + a nucleus. We agreed from the first that three hundred resolute men + besides ourselves were required, and that each of us should raise a + section of ten. Malchus brings up our number here to thirty, and when all + the sections are filled up we shall be ready for action. + </p> + <p> + “Failure ought to be impossible. The houses of Hanno and thirty of his + party will be attacked, and the tyrants slain before any alarm can be + given. Another thirty at least should be slain before the town is fairly + aroused. Maybe each section can undertake three if our plans are well + laid, and each chooses for attack three living near each other. We have + not yet settled whether it will be better to separate when this is done, + content with the first blow against our tyrants, or to prepare beforehand + for a popular rising, to place ourselves at the head of the populace, and + to make a clean sweep of the judges and the leaders of Hanno's party.” + </p> + <p> + Giscon spoke in an ordinary matter-of-fact tone, as if he were discussing + the arrangements of a party of pleasure; but Malchus could scarcely + repress a movement of anxiety as he heard this proposal for the wholesale + destruction of the leading men of Carthage. The council thus opened was + continued for three hours. Most of those present spoke, but, to the + surprise of Malchus, there was an entire absence of that gloom and mystery + with which the idea of a state conspiracy was associated in his mind. + </p> + <p> + The young men discussed it earnestly, indeed, but in the same spirit in + which they would have agreed over a disputed question as to the respective + merits of two horses. They laughed, joked, offered and accepted wagers and + took the whole matter with a lightness of heart which Malchus imitated to + the best of his power, but which he was very far from feeling; and yet he + felt that beneath all this levity his companions were perfectly in earnest + in their plans, but they joked now as they would have joked before the + commencement of a battle in which the odds against them were overwhelming + and great. + </p> + <p> + Even Giscon, generally grave and gloomy, was as light hearted as the rest. + The aristocracy of Carthage were, like the aristocracy of all other + countries, from tradition, training, and habit, brave to excess. Just as + centuries later the noblesse of France chatted gaily on the tumbril on + their way to execution, and offered each other their snuff boxes on the + scaffold, so these young aristocrats of Carthage smiled and jested, though + well aware that they were risking their lives. + </p> + <p> + No decision was arrived at, for this could only be decided upon at a + special meeting, at which all the members of the society would be present. + Among those now in council opinions were nearly equally divided. The one + party urged that, did they take steps to prepare the populace for a + rising, a rumour would be sure to meet the ears of their opponents and + they would be on their guard; whereas, if they scattered quickly after + each section had slain two of their tyrants, the operation might be + repeated until all the influential men of Hanno's faction had been + removed. + </p> + <p> + In reply to these arguments the other party urged that delays were always + dangerous, that huge rewards would be offered after the first attempts, + that some of the men of the sections might turn traitors, that Hanno's + party would be on their guard in future, and that the judges would effect + wholesale arrests and executions; whereas, were the populace appealed to + in the midst of the excitement which would be caused by the death of Hanno + and his principal adherents, the people would rise and finish with their + tyrants. + </p> + <p> + After all who wished to speak on the subject had given their opinions, + they proceeded to details; each gave a statement of the number of men + enrolled in his section, with a few words as to the disposition of each. + Almost without an exception each of these men was animated with a sense of + private wrong. Some had lost near relatives, executed for some trifling + offence by the tribunals, some had been ruined by the extortion of the tax + gatherers. All were stated to be ready to give their lives for vengeance. + </p> + <p> + “These agents of ours, you see, Malchus, are not for the most part + animated by any feeling of pure patriotism, it is their own wrongs and not + the injuries of Carthage which they would avenge. But we must take them as + we find them; one cannot expect any deep feeling of patriotism on the part + of the masses, who, it must be owned, have no very great reason to feel + any lively interest in the glories of the republic. So that they eat and + drink sufficiently, and can earn their living, it matters not very greatly + to them whether Carthage is great and glorious, or humbled and defeated. + But this will not always be so. When we have succeeded in ridding Carthage + of her tyrants we must next do all we can so to raise the condition of the + common people that they may feel that they too have a common interest in + the fate of our country. I should not, of course, propose giving to them a + vote; to bestow the suffrage upon the ignorant, who would simply follow + the demagogues who would use them as tools, would be the height of + madness. The affairs of state, the government of the country, the making + of the laws, must be solely in the hands of those fitted for the task—of + the men who, by education, by birth, by position, by study and by leisure + have prepared their minds for such a charge. But the people should share + in the advantages of a good government; they should not be taxed more than + they could reasonably pay, and any tax gatherers who should extort a penny + beyond the legal amount should be disgraced and punished. + </p> + <p> + “The courts should be open to all, the judges should be impartial and + incorruptible; every man should have his rights and his privileges, then + each man, feeling an interest in the stability of the state, would be + ready to bear arms in its defence, and Carthage, instead of being + dependent entirely upon her tributaries and mercenaries, would be able to + place a great army in the field by her own unaided exertions. + </p> + <p> + “The barbarian tribes would cease to revolt, knowing that success would be + hopeless. And as we should be strong at home we should be respected + abroad, and might view without apprehension the rising power of Rome. + There is plenty of room for both of us. For us, Africa and Spain; for her + all the rest of Europe and as much of Asia as she cares to take. We could + look without jealousy at each other's greatness, each secure in his own + strength and power. Yes, there may be a grand future before Carthage yet.” + </p> + <p> + The meeting now broke up. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going, Malchus?” Giscon asked the lad as they went out into + the courtyard; “to see the sacrifices? You know there is a grand function + today to propitiate Moloch and to pray for victory for our arms.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Malchus said with a shudder. “I don't think I am a coward, Giscon, + but these terrible rites frighten me. I was taken once by my father, and I + then swore that never again, unless it be absolutely necessary for me in + the performance of public office, will I be present at such a scene. For + weeks afterwards I scarcely slept; day and night there was before me that + terrible brazen image of Moloch. If I fell off to sleep, I woke bathed in + perspiration as I heard the screams of the infants as they were dropped + into those huge hands, heated to redness, stretched out to receive them. I + cannot believe, Giscon, that the gods are so cruel. + </p> + <p> + “Then there was the slaughter of a score of captives taken in war. I see + them now, standing pale and stern, with their eyes directed to the brazen + image which was soon to be sprinkled with their blood, while the priests + in their scarlet robes, with the sacrificial knives in hand, approached + them. I saw no more, for I shut my eyes till all was over. I tell you + again, Giscon, I do not believe the gods are so cruel. Why should the gods + of Phoenicia and Carthage alone demand blood? Those of Greece and Rome are + not so bloodthirsty, and yet Mars gives as many victories to the Roman + arms as Moloch does to ours.” + </p> + <p> + “Blaspheme not the gods, Malchus,” Giscon said gloomily; “you may be sure + that the wreath of a conquering general will never be placed around your + brow if you honour them not.” + </p> + <p> + “If honouring them means approval of shedding the blood of infants and + captives, I will renounce all hopes of obtaining victory by their aid.” + </p> + <p> + “I would you had spoken so before, Malchus; had I known that you were a + scorner of the gods I would not have asked you to join in our enterprise. + No good fortune can be expected to attend our efforts unless we have the + help of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “The matter is easily mended, Giscon,” Malchus said calmly. “So far I have + taken no step towards carrying out your plans, and have but listened to + what you said, therefore, no harm can yet have been done. Strike my name + off the list, and forget that I have been with you. You have my oath that + I will say nought of anything that I have heard. You can well make some + excuse to your comrades. Tell them, for example, that though I fear not + for myself, I thought that, being the son of Hamilcar, I had no right to + involve his name and family in such an enterprise, unless by his orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it were better so,” Giscon said after a pause; “I dare not continue + the enterprise with one who condemns the gods among us; it would be to + court failure. I did not dream of this; who could have thought that a lad + of your age would have been a spurner of the gods?” + </p> + <p> + “I am neither a condemner nor a spurner,” Malchus said indignantly; “I say + only that I believe you worship them wrongfully, that you do them + injustice. I say it is impossible that the gods who rule the world can + have pleasure in the screams of dying infants or the groans of slaughtered + men.” + </p> + <p> + Giscon placed his hand to his ears as if to shut out such blasphemy, and + hurried away, while Malchus, mounting his horse, rode out slowly and + thoughtfully to his father's villa. He was not at heart sorry that he was + freed from this association into which, without knowing the measures by + which it intended to carry out its aims, he had rashly entered. He was + ready for armed insurrection against the tyrants of Carthage, but he + revolted from the thought of this plan for a midnight massacre—it + was not by such means that he would have achieved the regeneration of his + country. He felt, too, that the reason which he had given Giscon was a + valid one. He had no right, at his age, to involve his family in such a + conspiracy. Did it fail, and were he found to be among the conspirators, + Hanno and his associates would be sure to seize the fact as a pretext for + assailing Hamilcar. They would say that Malchus would never have joined in + such a plot had he not known that it had the approval of his father, and + that he was in fact but the representative of his family in the design for + overthrowing the constitution of the republic. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately for Malchus, a few days later orders were given for the + instant embarkation of a portion of the reinforcements destined for + Hannibal. Hamilcar was to proceed in command of them, and, busied with his + preparation for the start, Malchus thought little more of the conspiracy + which was brewing. Thirty large merchant ships were hired to convey the + troops, who numbered six thousand. These were principally Libyan footmen. + The main body, with the Numidian horse, were to follow shortly. At last + the day for embarkation arrived, and the troops defiled through the temple + of Moloch, where sacrifices were offered up for the success of the + enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Malchus, under the pretense that something was not ready, at the last + moment lingered at home, and only joined his comrades, a hundred young men + of the Carthaginian horse, on the quays. This body, all composed of young + men of the best families of Carthage, were to sail in the same ship which + carried Hamilcar. The scene was a busy one—the docks of Carthage + were extensive, and the ships which were to convey the expedition lay in + deep water by the quays, so that the troops could march on board. A great + crowd of the populace had assembled to view the embarkation. These were + with difficulty kept from crowding the troops and impeding their movement + by a cordon of soldiers. + </p> + <p> + As the troops marched on to the quay they were formed up in parties by the + side of the ships which were to convey them. Very different was the + demeanour of the men of the different nationalities. The Libyans were + stern and silent, they were part of the contingent which their state was + bound to furnish to Carthage, and went unwillingly, cursing in their + hearts the power which tore them from their homes to fight in a war in + which they had neither concern nor interest. + </p> + <p> + Near them were a body of Garamantes, wrapped in the long bernous which + then as now was the garb of the children of the desert. Tall, swarthy + figures these, lissome and agile, with every muscle standing out clear + through the brown skin. Strange as must have been the scene to them, there + was no wonder expressed in the keen glances which they shot around them + from underneath their dark eyebrows. Silent and taciturn, scarce a word + was to be heard among them as they stood awaiting the orders to embark; + they were there unwillingly, and their hearts were far away in the distant + desert, but none the less would they be willing to fight when the time + came. Terrible foes these would be in a night attack, with their stealthy + tiger-like tread, their gleaming, vengeful eyes, and their cruel mouths. + </p> + <p> + Very different were the band of Ethiopians from the distant Soudan, with + their cloaks of lion skin, and the gaudy feathers fastened in a fillet + round their heads. Their black faces were alive with merriment and wonder—everything + was new and extraordinary to them. The sea, the ships, the mighty city, + the gathered crowd, all excited their astonishment, and their white teeth + glistened as they chatted incessantly with a very babel of laughter and + noise. + </p> + <p> + Not less light hearted were the chosen band of young nobles grouped by the + general's ship. Their horses were held in ranks behind them for the last + time by their slaves, for in future they would have to attend to them + themselves, and as they gathered in groups they laughed and jested over + the last scandal in Carthage, the play which had been produced the night + before at the theatre, or the horse race which was to be run on the + following day. As to the desperate work on which they were to be engaged—for + it was whispered that Hannibal had in preparation some mighty enterprise—it + troubled them not at all, nor the thought that many of them might never + look on Carthage again. In their hearts perhaps some of them, like + Malchus, were thinking sadly of the partings they had just gone through + with those they loved, but no signs of such thoughts were apparent in + their faces or conversation. + </p> + <p> + Presently a blast of trumpets sounded, and the babel of voices was hushed + as if by magic. The soldiers fell into military order, and stood + motionless. Then Hamilcar walked along the quays inspecting carefully each + group, asking questions of the captains of the ships as to their store of + provisions and water, receiving from the officers charged with that duty + the lists of the war machines and stores which were stored away in the + hulls; and, having assured himself that everything was in order, he gave + the signal to his trumpeter, who again blew a long and piercing blast. + </p> + <p> + The work of embarkation at once commenced. The infantry were soon on + board, but the operation of shipping the horses of the cavalry took + longer. Half of these were stored away in the hold of the general's ship, + the rest in another vessel. When the troops were all on board the soldiers + who had kept back the crowd were withdrawn, and the Carthaginians thronged + down on to the quay. A small space was still kept clear on the wharf by + whose side the admiral's ship was lying, and here was gathered a throng of + the aristocracy of the city to see the last of their sons and relatives of + the guard. + </p> + <p> + Having seen their horses safely stowed below the young men crowded to the + side of the ship to exchange adieus with their friends. The parting was a + brief one, for the wind was fair, and the general anxious to be well out + of the bay before nightfall. Therefore the signal was hoisted. Numbers of + slaves seized the hawsers of the ships and towed them along through the + narrow passage which connected the docks with the sea. A shout of adieu + rose from the crowd, the sails were hoisted, and the fleet proceeded on + its way. + </p> + <p> + The arrangements for the comfort of the troops at sea were simple and + primitive. Each man shifted for himself. The whole space below was + occupied by cargo or horses. The troops lived and slept on deck. Here, on + wide flat stones, they cooked their meals, whiled away the day by games of + chance, and slept at night on skins or thick rugs. Fortunately the weather + was fair. It was early in March, but the nights were not cold. + </p> + <p> + The fleet hugged the coast, anchoring at night, until the northern shores + stood out clear and well defined as Spain stretched down towards Africa. + Then they crossed and cruised along until they arrived at Carthagena. + Short as was the time which had elapsed since the foundation of that city, + its aspect was already imposing and extensive. It lay at the head of a + gulf facing south, about a mile in depth and nearly double that width. + Across the mouth of this bay was an island, with but a narrow passage on + each side, protecting it from the southern winds, and forming with it a + magnificent harbour. + </p> + <p> + On a bold hill at the head of the harbour stood the town. This hill rose + from a wide lagoon, which communicated on one side with the sea, and was + on the other separated from it only by a strip of land, four hundred yards + wide. Through this a wide channel had been dug. Thus the hill, which was + of considerable extent, rugged and precipitous, was isolated, and could + only be attacked by sea. + </p> + <p> + The town was built in a sort of amphitheatre facing the sea, and was + surrounded by a strong fortification two miles and a half in + circumference, so that even should an assailant cross the lagoon, which in + summer was nearly dry, he would have before him an almost impregnable + defence to carry. Here, in buildings whose magnitude surprised the + newcomers, acquainted as they were with the buildings of Carthage, were + stored the treasures, the baggage, the ammunition of war, and the + provisions of the army. + </p> + <p> + It had been the aim of the great Hamilcar, and of Hasdrubal after him, to + render the army of Spain as far as possible independent of the mother + country. They well knew how often the treasury of Carthage was empty owing + to the extravagance and dishonesty of her rulers, and how impossible it + would be to obtain thence the supplies required for the army. Therefore + they established immense workshops, where arms, munitions of war, machines + for sieges, and everything required for the use of the army were + fabricated. + </p> + <p> + Vast as were the expenses of these establishments, the revenues of Iberia + were amply sufficient not only to defray all the cost of occupation, but + to transmit large sums to Carthage. These revenues were derived partly + from the tribute paid by conquered tribes, partly from the spoils taken in + captured cities, but most of all from the mines of gold and silver, which + were at that time immensely rich, and were worked by the labour of slaves + taken in war or of whole tribes subdued. + </p> + <p> + Some idea of the richness of these mines may be formed by the fact that + one mine, which Hannibal had inherited from his father, brought in to him + a revenue of nearly a thousand pounds a day; and this was but one of his + various sources of wealth. This was the reason that Hamilcar, Hasdrubal, + and Hannibal were able to maintain themselves in spite of the intrigues of + their enemies in the capital. Their armies were their own rather than + those of the country. + </p> + <p> + It was to them that the soldiers looked for their pay, as well as for + promotion and rewards for valour, and they were able, therefore, to carry + out the plans which their genius suggested untrammelled by orders from + Carthage. They occupied, indeed, a position very similar to that of + Wallenstein, when, with an army raised and paid from his private means, he + defended the cause of the empire against Gustavus Adolphus and the princes + of the Protestant league. It is true that the Carthaginian generals had + always by their side two commissioners of the senate. The republic of + Carthage, like the first republic of France, was ever jealous of her + generals, and appointed commissioners to accompany them on their + campaigns, to advise and control their movements and to report on their + conduct; and many of the defeats of the Carthaginians were due in no small + degree to their generals being hampered by the interference of the + commissioners. They were present, as a matter of course, with the army of + Hannibal, but his power was so great that their influence over his + proceedings was but nominal. + </p> + <p> + The war which was about to break out with Rome is called the second Punic + war, but it should rather be named the war of Hannibal with Rome. He + conceived and carried it out from his own resources, without interference + and almost without any assistance from Carthage. Throughout the war her + ships lay idle in her harbour. Even in his greatest need Carthage never + armed a galley for his assistance. The pay of the army came solely from + his coffers, the material for the war from the arsenals constructed by his + father, his brother-in-law, and himself. It was a war waged by a single + man against a mighty power, and as such there is, with the exception of + the case of Wallenstein, nothing to resemble it in the history of the + world. + </p> + <p> + Passing through the narrow passage into the harbour the fleet sailed up to + the end of the bay, and were soon alongside the spacious quays which had + been erected. A large quantity of shipping already lay there, for the + trade of Carthagena with the mother city and with the ports of Spain, + Africa, and the East already rivaled that of Carthage. A group of officers + were gathered on the quay as Hamilcar's ship, which was leading the fleet, + neared it, and Hamilcar exclaimed, “There is Hannibal himself!” + </p> + <p> + As the ship moored alongside the quay Hannibal came on board and warmly + embraced his cousin, and then bestowed a cordial greeting upon Malchus. + </p> + <p> + “Why, cousin Malchus,” he said, “though it is but a year since I was in + Carthage, I should scarce have known you, so much have you grown. I see + you have entered the cavalry. That is well. You cannot begin too early to + accustom yourself to war.” + </p> + <p> + Then turning, he went among the young men of the guard, to all of whom he + was personally known, greeting them with a cordiality and kindness which + greatly gratified them. Malchus gazed at him with admiration. Fortunately + an accurate description of Hannibal has come down to us. He was one who, + even at first sight, won all hearts by his lofty and noble expression, by + the kindness and sincerity which his face expressed. The Carthaginians, as + a race, were short, but Hannibal was very tall, and his great width of + shoulders testified to his immense strength. + </p> + <p> + The beauty of the Carthaginian race was proverbial, but even among them he + was remarkable. His head was well placed on his shoulders; his carriage + was upright and commanding; his forehead lofty; his eye, though soft and + gentle at ordinary times, was said to be terrible in time of battle. His + head was bare. His hair, of a golden brown, was worn long, and encircled + by a golden band. His nose was long and straight, forming, with the + forehead, a perfect profile. The expression of the mouth was kind but + firm. His beard was short. The whole contour of the face was noble in the + extreme. + </p> + <p> + In battle he wore a helmet of bronze closely fitting the head, behind + which projected a curved metal plate covering his neck. A band of gold + surrounded the helmet; in front were five laurel leaves in steel; at the + temples two leaves of the lotus of the same metal. On the crest, rising + from an ornament enriched with pearls, was a large plume of feathers, + sometimes red and sometimes white. A tuft of white horsehair fell from the + plate behind. A coat of mail, made of a triple tissue of chains of gold, + covered his body. Above this he wore a shirt of the finest white linen, + covered to the waist by a jerkin of leather overlaid with gold plates. A + large mantle of purple embroidered with gold hung from his shoulders. He + wore sandals and leggings of red morocco leather. + </p> + <p> + But it was only on special occasions that Hannibal was thus magnificently + clad. On the march he dressed generally in a simple blouse like that worn + by his soldiers. His arms were borne behind him by an esquire. These + consisted of his shield, of Galatian manufacture. Its material was bronze, + its shape circular. In the centre was a conical, sharply pointed boss. The + face of the shield was ornamented with subjects taken from the history of + Carthage in relief. The offensive arms were a sword, a lance, and a bow + with arrows. But it was not to the splendour of his appearance that + Hannibal owed the enthusiasm by which he was regarded by his troops. His + strength and skill were far superior to those of any man in his army. His + food was as simple as that of his soldiers, he was capable of going for + days without eating, and it was seldom that he broke his fast until the + day's work was over. When he ate it would be sitting on horseback, or as + he walked about seeing to the needs of the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + At night he slept among them, lying on a lion skin without covering. He + was indifferent to heat and cold, and in the heaviest tempest of wind and + rain would ride bareheaded among his troops, apparently unconscious of the + tempest against which he was struggling. So far as was known he was + without a vice. He seldom touched wine. His morals were irreproachable. He + never gave way to anger. His patience under trials and difficulties of all + sorts was illimitable. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the greatest trials and dangers he preserved his + cheerfulness, and had ever an encouraging word for his soldiers. Various + as were the nationalities of the troops who followed him, constrained as + most of them had been to enter the service of Carthage, so great was their + love and admiration for their commander that they were ready to suffer all + hardships, to dare all dangers for his sake. It was his personal + influence, and that alone, which welded this army, composed of men of + various nationalities and tribes, into one whole, and enabled it to + perform the greatest military exploits in the world's history, and for + years to sustain a terrible struggle against the whole power of Rome. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI: A CAMPAIGN IN SPAIN + </h2> + <p> + Among the young officers who had followed Hannibal on board were some who + had left Carthage only a few months before and were known to Malchus. From + them he learned with delight that the troops would take the field at once. + </p> + <p> + “We are going on a campaign against the Vacaei,” one of them said. “The + army marched out two days since. Hannibal has been waiting here for your + arrival, for a fast sailing ship which started a few hours after you + brought the news that you were on your way, and you will set off to join + the rest without delay. It is going to be a hard campaign.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the country of the Vacaei?” Malchus asked. + </p> + <p> + “A long way off,” the other replied. “The marches will be long and + tiresome. Their country lies somewhat to the northwest of the great + plateau in the centre of Iberia. We shall have to ascend the mountains on + this side, to cross the plateau, to follow the rivers which flow to the + great ocean.” + </p> + <p> + The Vacaei, in fact, dwelt in the lands bordered by the upper Duero, their + country comprising a portion of old Castille, Leon, and the Basque + provinces. The journey would indeed be a long and difficult one; and + Hannibal was undertaking the expedition not only to punish the turbulent + Vacaei, who had attacked some of the tribes which had submitted to + Carthage, but to accustom the troops to fatigues and hardships, and to + prepare them for the great expedition which he had in view. No time was + indeed lost, for as soon as the troops were landed they were formed up and + at once started on their march. + </p> + <p> + “This is more than we bargained for,” Trebon, a young guardsman whose + place in the ranks was next to Malchus, said to him. “I thought we should + have had at least a month here before we set out. They say the city is as + gay as Carthage; and as I have many friends here I have looked forward to + a month of jollity before starting. Every night when I lay down on the + hard planks of the deck I have consoled myself with the thought that a + soft bed awaited me here; and now we have to take at once to the bare + ground, with nothing but this skin strapped on the pommel of my saddle to + sleep on, and my bernous to cover me. It is colder already a great deal + than it was at Carthage; and if that is so here, what will it be on the + tops of those jagged mountains we see before us? Why, as I live, that + highest one over there is of dazzling white! That must be the snow we have + heard of—the rain turned solid by cold, and which they say causes a + pain to the naked limbs something like hot iron. Fancy having to sleep in + such stuff!” + </p> + <p> + Malchus laughed at the complaints of his comrade. + </p> + <p> + “I confess I am glad we are off at once,” he said, “for I was sick of + doing nothing but idling away my time at Carthage; and I suppose it would + be just the same here. How busy are the streets of the town! Except for + the sight of the mountains which we see through the breaks of the houses, + one might believe one's self still at home.” + </p> + <p> + The aspect of Carthagena, indeed, closely resembled that of the mother + city, and the inhabitants were of the same race and blood. + </p> + <p> + Carthagena had in the first place been formed by a great colony of + Libyans. The inhabitants of that province inhabiting the seaports and + coasts near Carthage were a mixture of Phoenician and native blood. They + were ever impatient of the supremacy of Carthage, and their rebellions + were frequent and often dangerous. After the suppression of these + insurrections, Carthage, sensible of the danger arising from the + turbulence of her neighbours, deported great numbers of them to form + colonies. Vast numbers were sent up into the Soudan, which was then one of + the most important possessions of the republic. The most extensive, + however, of these forced emigrations was the great colony sent to found + Carthagena, which had thus in a very few years, under the fostering genius + of the great Hamilcar, become a great and prosperous city. + </p> + <p> + Carthage itself had thus suddenly sprung into existence. After many + internal troubles the democracy of Tyre had gained the upper hand in that + city; and finding their position intolerable, the whole of the aristocracy + decided to emigrate, and, sailing with a great fleet under their queen + Dido or Elisa—for she was called by both names—founded + Carthage. This triumph of the democracy in Tyre, as might be expected, + proved the ruin of that city. Very rapidly she fell from the lofty + position she had held, and her place in the world and her proud position + as Queen of the Seas was very speedily taken by Carthage. + </p> + <p> + The original Libyan colony of Carthagena had been very largely increased + by subsequent emigration, and the populace presented an appearance very + similar to that of the mother city, save that instead of the swarthy + desert tribesmen, with their passive face and air of proud indifference, + mingling with the population of the town, there was in Carthagena a large + admixture of native Iberians, who, belonging to the tribes first subdued + by Carthage, had either been forced to settle here to supply manual labour + needed for the rising city, or who had voluntarily abandoned their + wandering life and adopted the more settled habitudes and more assured + comforts of existence in a great town. + </p> + <p> + Skirting the lower part of the city, Hamilcar's force marched along the + isthmus and crossed the bridge over the canal cut through it, and was soon + in the country beyond. The ground rose gradually, and after marching for + six miles the brigade was halted at a spot to which Hannibal had, when the + fleet was first discerned approaching along the coast, despatched some + bullocks and other provisions for their use. The march was a short one, + but after a week's confinement on board ship the men were little fitted + for a long journey. The bullocks and other rations were served out to the + various companies, and the work of preparing the repast began. Malchus was + amused, although rather disgusted at his first experience in a real + campaign. When with Hamilcar on the expedition against the Atarantes he + had formed part of his father's suite and had lived in luxury. He was now + a simple soldier, and was called upon to assist to cut up the bullock + which had fallen to the share of the Carthaginian cavalry. + </p> + <p> + Some of the party went out to cut and bring in wood for the fires and + cooking; others moistened the flour and made dough for the flat cakes + which would be baked in the hot embers and eaten with the meat. Loud + shouts of laughter rose as the young soldiers worked at their unaccustomed + tasks, superintended by the officers, who, having all made several + campaigns, were able to instruct them as to their duties. From a culinary + point of view the meal could not be pronounced a success, and was, indeed, + a contrast to the food to which the young nobles were accustomed. The + march, however, and the keen bracing air had given them good appetites, + and the novelty and strangeness of the experience gave a zest to the food; + and in spite of the roughness of the meal, all declared that they had + never dined better. Many fires were now lit; and round these, as the + evening closed in, the men gathered in groups, all closely wrapped in + their bernouses, which were worn alike by officers and men of the whole of + the nationalities serving in the Carthaginian army, serving as a cloak by + day and a blanket at night. Presently a trampling of horses was heard, and + Hannibal and his personal staff rode into the encampment. + </p> + <p> + He had not started until several hours after them, when, having given his + last orders and made all final arrangements for the management of affairs + during his absence, he had ridden on to join the army. Dismounting, he + went at once on foot among the troops, chatting gaily with them and + inquiring how they fared. After visiting all the other detachments he came + to the bivouac of the Carthaginian horse, and for an hour sat talking by + their fires. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he said as he rose to go, “the others will sleep well enough + tonight; but you sybarites, accustomed to your soft couches and your + luxuries, will fare badly. I remember my first night on the hard ground, + although 'tis now sixteen years back, how my limbs ached and how I longed + for morning. Now, let me give you a hint how to make your beds + comfortable. Mind, this is not for the future, but till your limbs get + accustomed to the ground you may indulge in luxuries. Before you try to go + off to sleep note exactly where your hip bones and shoulders will rest; + take your daggers and scoop out the earth at these points so as to make + depressions in which they may lie. Then spread your lion skins above them + and lie down. You will sleep as comfortably as if on a soft couch.” + </p> + <p> + Many of the young soldiers followed Hannibal's advice; others, among whom + was Malchus, determined to accustom themselves at once to the hard ground. + Malchus was not long in getting to sleep, his last thought being that the + precaution advised by Hannibal to ensure repose was altogether + unnecessary. But he changed his opinion when, two or three hours later, he + woke up with acute pains in his hip and shoulder. After trying vainly, by + changing his position, again to go off to sleep, he rose, rolled up the + skin, and set to work to make the excavations recommended by the general. + Then spreading out the skin again he lay down, and was astonished to find + how immense was the relief afforded by this simple expedient. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak the party were in motion. Their march was a long one; for + Hannibal wished to come up with the main army as soon as possible, and no + less than thirty miles were encompassed before they halted for the night. + They were now far up on the slopes of the Sierras. The latter part of the + journey had been exceedingly toilsome. The route was mostly bare rock, + which sorely tried the feet of the soldiers, these being in most cases + unprotected even by sandals. Malchus and his mounted companions did not of + course suffer in their feet. But they were almost as glad as the infantry + when the camping place was reached, for nothing is more fatiguing to a + horseman than to be obliged to travel in the saddle for ten hours at the + pace of footmen. The halting place this time was near the upper edge of + the forest which then clothed the lower slopes of the mountains. + </p> + <p> + Enough meat had been killed on the previous evening for three days' + rations for the troops, and there was therefore no loss of time in + preparing the meal. Wood, of course, was in abundance, and the pots were + soon hanging from thick poles placed above the fires. The night was + exceedingly cold, and the soldiers were grateful for the shelter which the + trees afforded from the piercing wind which blew across the snow covered + peaks of the higher range of mountains. + </p> + <p> + “What is that noise?” Malchus asked one of the officers as, after the meal + was finished and silence began to reign in the camp, a deep sound was + heard in the forest. + </p> + <p> + “That is the howling of a pack of wolves,” the officer said. “They are + savage brutes, and when in company will not hesitate to attack small + parties of men. They abound in the mountains, and are a scourge to the + shepherds of the plains, especially in the cold weather, when they descend + and commit terrible damage among the flocks.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I did not know the sound,” Malchus said. “The nights were noisy + enough sometimes at the southern edge of the desert. The packs of jackals, + with their sharp yelping cry, abounded; then there was the deeper note of + the hyenas, and the barking cry of troops of monkeys, and the thundering + roar of the lions. They were unpleasant enough, and at first used to keep + one awake; but none of them were so lugubrious as that mournful howl I + hear now. I suppose sometimes, when there is nothing else to do, we get up + hunting parties?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” the officer replied; “it is the chief amusement of our garrisons in + winter among the wild parts of the country. Of course, near Carthagena + these creatures have been eradicated; but among the mountains they abound, + and the carcass of a dead horse is sure to attract plenty of them. It is a + sport not without danger; and there are many instances where parties of + five or six have gone out, taking with them a carcass to attract the + wolves, and have never returned; and a search has resulted in the + discovery of their weapons, injured and perhaps broken, of stains of blood + and signs of a desperate struggle, but of them not so much as a bone has + remained behind.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought lion hunting was an exciting sport but the lions, although they + may move and hunt in companies, do not fight in packs, as these fierce + brutes seem to do. I hope some day to try it. I should like to send back + two of their heads to hang on the wall by the side of that of the lion I + killed up in the desert.” + </p> + <p> + “Next winter you may do so,” the officer said. “The season is nearly over + now, and you may be sure that Hannibal will give us enough to do without + our thinking of hunting wolves. The Vacaei are fierce enough. Perhaps two + of their heads would do instead of those of wolves.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think my mother and sisters would approve of that,” Malchus + laughed; “so I must wait for the winter.” + </p> + <p> + The night did not pass so quietly as that which had preceded it. The + distant howling of the wolves, as they hunted in the forest, kept the + horses in a tremor of terror and excitement, and their riders were obliged + over and over again to rise and go among them, and by speaking to and + patting them, to allay their fear. So long as their masters were near them + the well trained horses were quiet and tractable, and would at a whispered + order lie down and remain in perfect quiet; but no sooner had they left + them and again settled to sleep than, at the first howl which told that + the pack were at all approaching, the horses would lift their heads, prick + their ears in the direction of the sound, and rise to their feet and stand + trembling, with extended nostrils snuffing the unknown danger, pawing the + ground, and occasionally making desperate efforts to break loose from + their picket ropes. + </p> + <p> + The work of soothing had then to be repeated, until at last most of the + riders brought their lions' skins and lay down by the prostrate horses, + with their heads upon their necks. The animals, trained thus to sleep with + their riders by their side, and reassured by the presence of their + masters, were for the most part content to lie quiet, although the packs + of wolves, attracted by the scent of the meat that had been cooked, + approached close to the camp and kept up a dismal chorus round it until + morning. + </p> + <p> + Day by day the march was continued. The country was wild and rugged, + foaming torrents had to be crossed, precipices surmounted, barren tracts + traversed. But after a week's hard marching the column had overcome the + greater part of the difficulty, had crossed the Sierras and gained the + plateau, which with a gradual fall slopes west down to the Atlantic, and + was for the most part covered with a dense growth of forests. They now to + their satisfaction overtook the main body of the army, and their marches + would be somewhat less severe, for hitherto they had each day traversed + extra distances to make up for the two days' loss in starting. Here + Malchus for the first time saw the bands of Gaulish mercenaries. + </p> + <p> + The Spanish troops had excited the admiration and astonishment of the + Carthaginians by their stature and strength; but the Gauls were a still + more powerful race. They belonged to the tribes which had poured down over + the Apennines, and occupied the northern portion of Spain long anterior to + the arrival of the Carthaginians. Their countenances were rugged, and as + it seemed to Malchus, savage. Their colour was much lighter than that of + any people he had yet seen. Their eyes were blue, their hair, naturally + fair or brown, was dyed with some preparation which gave it a red colour. + </p> + <p> + Some wore their long locks floating over their shoulders, others tied it + in a knot on the top of their heads. They wore a loose short trouser + fastened at the knee, resembling the baggy trousers of the modern Turks. A + shirt with open sleeves came halfway down their thighs, and over it was a + blouse or loose tunic decorated with ornaments of every description, and + fastened at the neck by a metal brooch. Their helmets were of copper, for + the most part ornamented with the horns of stags or bulls. On the crest of + the helmet was generally the figure of a bird or wild beast. The whole was + surmounted by immense tufts of feathers, something like those of our + Highland bonnets, adding greatly to the height and apparent stature of the + wearers. + </p> + <p> + The Gauls had a passion for ornaments, and adorned their persons with a + profusion of necklaces, bracelets, rings, baldricks, and belts of gold. + Their national arms were long heavy pikes—these had no metal heads, + but the points were hardened by fire; javelins of the same description—these + before going into battle they set fire to, and hurled blazing at the enemy—lighter + darts called mat ras saunions, pikes with curved heads, resembling the + halberds of later times; and straight swords. Hannibal, however, finding + the inconvenience of this diversity of weapons, had armed his Gaulish + troops only with their long straight swords. These were without point, and + made for cutting only, and were in the hands of these powerful tribesmen + terrible weapons. These swords were not those they had been accustomed to + carry, which were made of copper only, and often bent at the first blow, + but were especially made for them in Carthage of heavy steel, proof + against all accident. + </p> + <p> + The march was conducted with all military precautions, although they were + still traversing a country which had been already subdued. Nevertheless + they moved as if expecting an instant attack. The light horse scoured the + country. The lithe and active soldiers furnished by the desert tribes + formed the advanced guard of the army, and marched also on its flanks, + while the heavy armed soldiery marched in solid column ready for battle. + Behind them came the long train of baggage protected by a strong rear + guard. + </p> + <p> + At last they reached a fertile country, and were now in the land of the + Vacaei and their allies. Arbocala, now called Tordesillas, was captured + without much difficulty. The siege was then laid to Salamanca, the chief + town of the enemy. In the actual siege operations the Carthaginian horse + took no part. The place resisted vigourously, but the machines of Hannibal + effected a breach in the walls, and the inhabitants, seeing that further + resistance was impossible, offered to capitulate, stipulating that they + should be allowed to depart unharmed, leaving behind them all their arms + and their treasure. + </p> + <p> + The Carthaginian army were drawn up in readiness to march into the town as + the Vacaei came out. As they filed past the Carthaginians they were + inspected to see that they had carried out the terms of the agreement. It + was found that they had done so rigidly—not an arm of any kind was + found upon them. Their necklaces, bracelets, and ornaments had all been + left behind. + </p> + <p> + “What a savage looking race!” Malchus remarked to Trebon; “they look at us + as if they would gladly spring on us, unarmed as they are, and tear us + with their hands. They are well nigh as dark skinned as the Numidians.” + </p> + <p> + “Here come their women!” Trebon said; “verily I would as soon fight the + men as these creatures. Look how they glare at us! You see they have all + had to give up their ornaments, so they have each their private grievance + as well as their national one.” + </p> + <p> + When the whole of the population had filed out, the Carthaginian army + entered the town, with the exception of a body of light horse who were + ordered to remain without and keep an eye on the doings of the late + garrison. Malchus was amused at the scene within. The members of the + Carthaginian horse disdained to join in the work of plunder, and were, + therefore, free to watch with amusement their comrades at work. The amount + of booty was large, for the number of gold ornaments found in every house, + deposited there by the inhabitants on departing, was very great; but not + satisfied with this the soldiers dug up the floors in search of buried + treasure, searched the walls for secret hiding places, and rummaged the + houses from top to bottom. Besides the rich booty, the soldiers burdened + themselves with a great variety of articles which it would be impossible + for them to carry away. + </p> + <p> + Men were seen staggering under the weight of four or five heavy skins. + Some had stuck feathers in their helmets until their heads were scarce + visible. Some had great bundles of female garments, which they had + collected with a vague idea of carrying them home to their families. The + arms had in the first place been collected and placed under a strong + guard, and picked troops were placed as sentries over the public treasury, + whose contents were allotted to the general needs of the army. + </p> + <p> + Night fell soon after the sack commenced. Malchus with a number of his + comrades took possession of one of the largest houses in the place, and, + having cleared it of the rubbish with which it was strewn, prepared to + pass the night there. Suddenly a terrible uproar was heard—shouts, + cries, the clashing of arms, the yells of the enemy, filled the air. The + cavalry charged to watch the Vacaei, believing that these had departed + quietly, had abandoned their post, and had entered the town to join in the + work of plunder. + </p> + <p> + As the garrison had marched out the men had been rigidly searched; but the + women had been allowed to pass out without any close inspection. This + carelessness cost the Carthaginians dear, for under their garments they + had hidden the swords and daggers of the men. Relying upon the disorder + which would reign in the city, the Vacaei had returned, and now poured in + through the gates, slaying all whom they met. + </p> + <p> + For a short time a terrible panic reigned among the Carthaginians, great + numbers were cut down, and it seemed as if the whole force would be + destroyed. Hannibal and his generals rode about trying to get the + scattered men to form and oppose the enemy; but the panic was too general, + and had it not been for the Carthaginian legion all would have been lost. + The horse and foot, however, of this body, having abstained from joining + in the pillage, had, for the most part, kept together in bodies, and these + now sallied out in close and regular order, and fell upon the attacking + enemy. + </p> + <p> + The streets were too narrow for cavalry to act, and Malchus and his + comrades fought on foot. The enemy, who had scattered on their work of + slaughter, were in their turn taken at a disadvantage, and were unable to + withstand the steady attack of the solid bodies. These, in the first + place, cut their way to the square in the centre of the town, and there + united. Hannibal, seeing he had now a solid body of troops under his + command, at once broke them up into parties and advanced down all the + streets leading from the central square. The hand-to-hand fight which was + going on all over the town was soon terminated. The Carthaginians fell in + in good order behind the ranks of their comrades, and the small bodies + soon became columns which swept the enemy before them. + </p> + <p> + The enemy fought desperately, firing the houses, hurling stones from the + roofs upon the columns, and throwing themselves with reckless bravery upon + the spears, but their efforts were in vain. Foot by foot they were driven + back, until they were again expelled from the town. Keeping together, and + ever showing front to the Carthaginians, the Vacaei, now reduced to less + than half their number, retired to an eminence near the town, and there + prepared to sell their lives dearly. The Carthaginians now fell into their + regular ranks, and prepared to storm the enemy's position; but Hannibal + rode forward alone towards the Vacaei, being plainly visible to them in + the broad blaze of light from the burning city. + </p> + <p> + From his long residence in Spain he was able to speak the Iberian tongue + with fluency, and indeed could converse with all the troops of the various + nationalities under the banner of Carthage in their own language. + </p> + <p> + “Men of Salamanca,” he said, “resist no longer. Carthage knows how to + honour a brave enemy, and never did men fight more valiantly in defence of + their homes than you have done, and although further resistance would be + hopeless, I will press you no further. Your lives are spared. You may + retain the arms you know so well how to wield, and tomorrow my army will + evacuate your town and leave you free to return to it.” + </p> + <p> + Hannibal's clemency was politic. He would have lost many more men before + he finally overcame the desperate band, and he was by no means desirous of + exciting a deep feeling of hate among any of the tribes, just as he was + meditating withdrawing the greater portion of the army for his enterprise + against Rome. With the fall of Salamanca the resistance of the Vacaei + ceased, and Hannibal prepared to march back to Carthagena. + </p> + <p> + A storm, however, had gathered in his rear. Great numbers of the Vacaei + had sought refuge among the Olcades, who had been subdued the previous + autumn, and together they had included the whole of the fierce tribes + known as the Carpatans, who inhabited the country on the right bank of the + upper Tagus, to make common cause with them against the invaders. As + Hannibal approached their neighbourhood they took up their position on the + right bank of the river near Toledo. Here the stream is rapid and + difficult of passage, its bed being thickly studded with great boulders + brought down in time of flood from the mountains. The country on each side + of the river is sandy, free from forests or valleys, which would cover the + movements of an army. + </p> + <p> + The host gathered to oppose the Carthaginians were fully one hundred + thousand strong, and Hannibal saw at once that his force, weakened as it + was with its loss at Salamanca, and encumbered by the great train laden + with the booty they had gathered from the Vacaei, would have no chance + whatever in a battle with so vast a body. The enemy separated as he + approached the river, their object being evidently to fall upon his rear + when engaged in the difficult operation of crossing. The Carthaginians + moved in two heavy columns, one on each side of their baggage, and + Hannibal's orders were stringent that on no account should they engage + with the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The natives swarmed around the columns, hurling darts and javelins; but + the Carthaginians moved forward in solid order, replying only with their + arrows and slings, and contenting themselves with beating off the attacks + which the bolder of their foes made upon them. Night was falling when they + arrived on the bank of the river. The enemy then desisted from their + attack, believing that in the morning the Carthaginians would be at their + mercy, encumbered by their vast booty on one side and cut off from retreat + by a well nigh impassable river on the other. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the army reached the river Hannibal caused the tents of all the + officers to be erected. The baggage wagons were arranged in order, and the + cattle unharnessed. The troops began to throw up intrenchments, and all + seemed to show that the Carthaginians were determined to fight till the + last on the ground they held. It was still light enough for the enemy to + perceive what was being done, and, secure of their prey in the morning, + they drew off to a short distance for the night. Hannibal had learned from + a native that morning of a ford across the river, and it was towards this + that he had been marching. As soon as it was perfectly dark a number of + men entered the river to search for the ford. This was soon discovered. + </p> + <p> + Then the orders were passed noiselessly round to the soldiers, and these, + in regular order and in the most perfect quiet, rose to their feet and + marched down to the ford. A portion of the infantry first passed, then the + wagons were taken over, the rest of the infantry followed, and the cavalry + and the elephants brought up the rear. The point where the river was + fordable was at a sharp angle, and Hannibal now occupied its outer side. + As daylight approached he placed his archers on the banks of the river + where, owing to the sharp bend, their arrows would take in flank an enemy + crossing the ford, and would also sweep its approaches. + </p> + <p> + The cavalry were withdrawn some distance, and were ordered not to charge + until the Spaniards had got across the river. The elephants, forty in + number, were divided into two bodies. One of these was allotted to protect + each of the bodies of infantry on the bank from attack, should the + Spaniards gain a strong footing on the left bank. When day broke the enemy + perceived that the Carthaginians had made the passage of the river. + Believing that they had been too much alarmed to risk a battle, and were + retreating hastily, the natives thronged down in a multitude to the river + without waiting for their leaders or for orders to be given, and rushing + forward, each for himself, leaped into the river. + </p> + <p> + Numbers were at once swept away by the stream, but the crowd who had + struck upon the ford pressed forward. When they were in midstream in a + tumultuous mass Hannibal launched his cavalry upon them, and a desperate + conflict ensued in the river. The combat was too unequal to last long. The + Spaniards, waist deep in the rapid stream, had difficulty in retaining + their feet, they were ignorant of the width or precise direction of the + ford, and were hampered by their own masses; the cavalry, on the other + hand, were free to use their weapons, and the weight and impetus of their + charge was alone sufficient to sweep the Spanish from their footing into + deep water. + </p> + <p> + Many were drowned, many more cut down, and the rest driven in disorder + back across the river. But fresh hordes had now arrived; Hannibal sounded + the retreat, and the cavalry retired as the Spaniards again threw + themselves into the stream. As the confused mass poured across the ford + the two divisions of infantry fell upon them, while the arrows of the + archers swept the struggling mass. Without order or discipline, bewildered + at this attack by a foe whom they had regarded as flying, the Spaniards + were driven back across the river, the Carthaginians crossing in their + rear. + </p> + <p> + The flying Iberians scattered terror among their comrades still flocking + down to the bank, and as the Carthaginian infantry in solid column fell + upon them, a panic seized the whole host and they scattered over the + plain. The Carthaginian cavalry followed close behind the infantry, and at + once dashed forward among the broken masses, until the Spanish army, + lately so confident of victory, was but a broken mass of panic stricken + fugitives. + </p> + <p> + The victory of Toledo was followed at once by the submission of the whole + of the tribes of Spain south of the Ebro, and Hannibal, having seen that + the country was everywhere pacified, marched back with his army to + Carthagena to pass the winter there (220-219 B.C.). + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII: A WOLF HUNT + </h2> + <p> + The summer's work had been a hard one and the young soldiers of the + Carthaginian cavalry rejoiced when they marched into Carthagena again, + with the prospect of four months' rest and gaiety. When in the field their + discipline was as strict and their work as hard as that of the other + corps, but, whereas, when they went into winter quarters, the rest of the + army were placed under tents or huts, this corps d'elite were for the time + their own masters. + </p> + <p> + Two or three times a week they drilled and exercised their horses, but + with these exceptions they were free to do as they chose. Scarce one but + had relations or friends in Carthagena with whom they took up their abode, + and those who were not so fortunate found a home at the great military + club, of which, ranking as they did with the officers of other corps, they + were all members. + </p> + <p> + Hamilcar and Malchus had rooms assigned to them in the splendid mansion of + Hannibal, which was the centre of the life and gaiety of the place, for + Hannibal had, before starting on his campaign in the spring, married + Imilce, the daughter of Castalius, a Spaniard of noble blood, and his + household was kept up with a lavish magnificence, worthy alike of his + position as virtual monarch of Spain and of his vast private wealth. Fetes + were given constantly for the amusement of the people. At these there were + prizes for horse and foot racing, and the Numidian cavalry astonished the + populace by the manner in which they maneuvered their steeds; bowmen and + slingers entered the lists for prizes of value given by the general; and + the elephants exhibited proof of their docility and training. + </p> + <p> + In the bay there were races between the galleys and triremes, and + emulation was encouraged among the troops by large money prizes to the + companies who maneuvered with the greatest precision and activity. For the + nobles there were banquets and entertainments of music. The rising + greatness of Carthagena had attracted to her musicians and artists from + all parts of the Mediterranean. Snake charmers from the far Soudan and + jugglers from the distant East exhibited their skill. Poets recited their + verses, and bards sung their lays before the wealth and beauty of + Carthagena. Hannibal, anxious at once to please his young wife and to + increase his popularity, spared no pains or expense in these + entertainments. + </p> + <p> + Gay as they were Malchus longed for a more stirring life, and with five or + six of his comrades obtained leave of absence for a month, to go on a + hunting expedition in the mountains. He had heard, when upon the campaign, + the issue of the plot in which he had been so nearly engaged. It had + failed. On the very eve of execution one of the subordinates had turned + traitor, and Giscon and the whole of those engaged in it had been arrested + and put to a cruel death. + </p> + <p> + Malchus himself had been denounced, as his name was found upon the list of + the conspirators, and an order had been sent to Hannibal that he should be + carried back a prisoner to Carthage. Hannibal had called the lad before + him, and had inquired of him the circumstances of the case. Malchus + explained that he had been to their meeting but once, being taken there by + Giscon, and being in entire ignorance of the objects of the plot, and that + he had refused when he discovered them to proceed in the matter. Hannibal + and Hamilcar blamed him severely for allowing himself at his age to be + mixed up in any way in public affairs; but they so represented the matter + to the two Carthaginian commissioners with the army, that these had + written home to say, that having inquired into the affair they found that + beyond a boyish imprudence in accompanying Giscon to the place where the + conspirators met, Malchus was not to blame in the matter. + </p> + <p> + The narrow escape that he had had was a lesson which was not lost upon + Malchus. Hamilcar lectured him sternly, and pointed out to him that the + affairs of nations were not to be settled by the efforts of a handful of + enthusiasts, but that grievances, however great, could only be righted + when the people at large were determined that a change should be made. + </p> + <p> + “There would be neither order nor stability in affairs, Malchus, if + parties of desperate men of one party or another were ever striving for + change, for revolution would be met by counter revolution. The affairs of + nations march slowly; sudden changes are ever to be deprecated. If every + clique of men who chance to be supported by a temporary wave of public + opinion, were to introduce organic changes, there would be no stability in + affairs. Capital would be alarmed; the rich and powerful, seeing their + possessions threatened and their privileges attacked by the action of the + demagogues of the hour, would do as did our forefathers of Tyre, when the + whole of the aristocracy emigrated in a body to Carthage, and Tyre + received a blow from which she has never recovered.” + </p> + <p> + For some time after this event Malchus had felt that he was in disgrace, + but his steadiness and good conduct in the campaign, and the excellent + reports which his officers gave of him, had restored him to favour; and + indeed his father and Hannibal both felt that a lad might well be led away + by an earnest enthusiast like Giscon. + </p> + <p> + The hunting party took with them a hundred Iberian soldiers used to the + mountains, together with six peasants acquainted with the country and + accustomed to the chase. They took several carts laden with tents, wine, + and provisions. Four days' journey from Carthagena took the party into the + heart of the mountains, and here, in a sheltered valley through which ran + a stream, they formed their camp. + </p> + <p> + They had good sport. Sometimes with dogs they tracked the bears to their + lair, sometimes the soldiers made a wide sweep in the hills, and, having + inclosed a considerable tract of forest, moved forward, shouting and + clashing their arms until they drove the animals inclosed down through a + valley in which Malchus and his companions had taken post. + </p> + <p> + Very various was the game which then fell before their arrows and + javelins. Sometimes a herd of deer would dart past, then two bears with + their family would come along growling fiercely as they went, and looking + back angrily at the disturbers of their peace. Sometimes a pack of wolves, + with their red tongues hanging out, and fierce, snarling barks, would + hurry along, or a wild boar would trot leisurely past, until he reached + the spot where the hunters were posted. The wolves and deer fell + harmlessly before the javelins of the Carthaginians, but the bears and + wild boars frequently showed themselves formidable opponents, and there + were several desperate fights before these yielded to the spears and + swords of the hunters. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes portions of the animals they had killed were hung up at night + from the bough of a tree at a distance from the camp, to attract the + bears, and one or two of the party, taking their post in neighbouring + trees, would watch all night for the coming of the beasts. The snow was + now lying thick on the tops of the mountains, and the wolves were + plentiful among the forests. + </p> + <p> + One day Malchus and two of his companions had followed a wounded deer far + up among the hills, and were some miles away from the camp when the + darkness began to set in. + </p> + <p> + “I think we had better give it up,” Malchus said; “we shall find it + difficult as it is to find our way back; I had no idea that it was so + late.” + </p> + <p> + His companions at once agreed, and they turned their faces towards the + camp. In another half hour it was perfectly dark under the shadow of the + trees, but the moon was shining, and its position afforded them a means of + judging as to the direction where the camp lay. But even with such + assistance it was no easy matter making their way. The country was rough + and broken; ravines had to be crossed, and hills ascended. After pushing + on for two hours, Halcon, the eldest of the party, said: + </p> + <p> + “I am by no means sure that we are going right after all. We have had a + long day's work now, and I do not believe we shall find the camp tonight. + I think we had better light a fire here and wrap ourselves in our cloaks. + The fire will scare wild beasts away, and we shall be easily able to find + the camp in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + The proposal was at once accepted; sticks were collected, and, with flint + and steel and the aid of some dried fungus which they carried in their + pouches, a fire was soon lit, and some choice portions of a deer which + they had killed early in the day were soon broiling on sticks over it. + </p> + <p> + “We must keep watch by turns,” Halcon said; “it will not do to let the + fire burn low, for likely enough we may be visited by bears before + morning.” + </p> + <p> + After eating their meal and chatting for some time, Halcon and his + companions lay down to rest, Malchus volunteering to keep the first watch. + For some time he sat quietly, occasionally throwing logs on the fire from + the store which they had collected in readiness. Presently his attitude + changed, he listened intently and rose to his feet. Several times he had + heard the howls of wolves wandering in the woods, but he now made out a + long, deep, continuous howling; he listened for a minute or two and then + aroused his companions. + </p> + <p> + “There is a large pack of wolves approaching,” he said, “and by the + direction of the sound I judge they are hunting on the traces of our + footsteps. That is the line by which we came down from yonder brow, and it + seems to me that they are ascending the opposite slope.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and by the sound there must be a very large pack of them,” Halcon + agreed; “pile up the fire and set yourselves to gather more wood as + quickly as possible; these beasts in large packs are formidable foes.” + </p> + <p> + The three men set to work, vigourously cutting down brushwood and lopping + off small boughs of trees with their swords. + </p> + <p> + “Divide the fire in four,” Halcon said, “and pile the fuel in the centre; + they will hardly dare to pass between the fires.” + </p> + <p> + The pack was now descending the slope, keeping up a chorus of howls and + short yelps which sent a shiver of uneasiness through Malchus. As the + wolves approached the spot the howling suddenly ceased. + </p> + <p> + “They see us,” Halcon said; “keep a sharp lookout for them, but do not + throw away a shot, we shall need all our arrows before daylight.” + </p> + <p> + Standing perfectly quiet, the friends could hear the pattering sound made + by the wolves' feet upon the fallen leaves; but the moon had sunk now, and + they were unable to make out their figures. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” Malchus said in a whisper, “that I can see specks of + fire gleaming on the bushes.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the reflection of the fire in their eyes,” Halcon replied. “See! + they are all round us! There must be scores of them.” + </p> + <p> + For some time the wolves approached no closer; then, encouraged by the + silence of the little group standing in the centre of the fire, two or + three gray forms showed themselves in the circle of light. Three bows + twanged. Two of the wolves fell, and the third, with a howl of pain, fled + in the darkness. There was a sound of snarling and growling; a cry of + pain, a fierce struggle, and then a long continued snarling. + </p> + <p> + “What are they doing?” Malchus asked with a shudder. + </p> + <p> + “I believe they are eating their wounded comrade,” Halcon replied. “I have + heard such is the custom of the savage brutes. See, the carcasses of the + other two have disappeared already.” + </p> + <p> + Short as had been the time which had elapsed since they had fallen, other + wolves had stolen out, and had dragged away the bodies of the two which + had been killed. This incident, which showed how extreme was the hunger of + the wolves, and how noiseless were their motions, redoubled the vigilance + of the party. + </p> + <p> + Malchus threw a handful of brushwood on to each of the fires. + </p> + <p> + “We must be careful of the fuel,” Halcon said. “I would we had thought of + this before we lay down to sleep. If we had collected fuel enough for our + fires we should have been safe; but I doubt much if our supply will last + now till morning.” + </p> + <p> + As the hours went on the attitude of the wolves became more and more + threatening, and in strong bodies they advanced close up to the fires. + Every time that they did so armfuls of fuel were thrown on, and as the + flames leaped up brightly they each time fell back, losing several of + their numbers from the arrows of the little party. But the pile of fuel + was now sinking fast, and except when the wolves advanced it was necessary + to let the fires burn down. + </p> + <p> + “It must want four hours yet of daylight,” Halcon said, as he threw on the + last piece of wood. “Look round as the fire blazes up and see if you can + make out any tree which may be climbed. I would that we had taken to them + at first instead of trusting to our fires.” + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately they had chosen a somewhat open space of ground for their + encampment, for the brushwood grew thick among the trees. + </p> + <p> + “There is a tree over there,” Malchus said, pointing to it, “with a bough + but six feet from the ground. One spring on to that and we are safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” Halcon assented; “we will attempt it at once before the fire + burns low. Put your swords into your sheaths, sling your bows and arrows + behind you, and take each a burning brand. These will be better weapons in + such a case than swords or spears. Now, are you ready? Now!” + </p> + <p> + Waving the burning brands over their heads, the three Carthaginians dashed + across the intervening space towards the tree. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if the wolves were conscious that their prey were attempting + to escape them; for, with a fierce howl, they sprang from the bushes and + rushed to meet them; and, undeterred by the blazing brands, sprang upon + them. + </p> + <p> + Malchus scarce knew what passed in the short, fierce struggle. One wolf + sprang upon his shield and nearly brought him to the ground; but the sharp + boss pierced its body, and he flung it from him, at the same moment that + he dashed the brand full in the face of another. A third sprang upon his + shoulder, and he felt its hot breath in his face. Dropping his brand, he + drove his dagger deep into its side. Then he hurled his heavy shield among + the mass of wolves before him, took a bound into their midst, and grasping + the bough, swung himself into the tree and sat there with his legs drawn + up as a score of wolves leaped up towards him with open mouths. + </p> + <p> + He gave a cry of horror. His two friends were down, and a confused mass of + struggling bodies alone showed where they had fallen. For an instant he + hesitated, debating whether he should leap down and strive to rescue them; + but a glance below showed him that he would be pulled down long before he + could reach the spot where they had fallen. + </p> + <p> + Shifting himself along the arm until he reached the trunk, he rose to his + feet and sent his arrows vengefully into the midst of the struggling mass + of wolves until he had but three or four shafts left. These he reserved as + a last resource. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to do now, and he sat down on the branch, and burst into + tears over the fate of his comrades. When he looked up again all was + quiet. The fierce pack had devoured not only his comrades, but their own + fallen companions, and now sat in a circle with their red tongues hanging + out and their eyes fixed upon him. As the fire gradually died out their + form disappeared; but he could hear their quick breathing, and knew that + they were still on the watch. + </p> + <p> + Malchus climbed the tree until he reached a fork where he could sit at + ease, and there waited for morning, when he hoped that his foes would + disappear. But as the gray light dawned he saw them still on the watch; + nor, as the dawn brightened into day, did they show any signs of moving. + </p> + <p> + When he saw they had no intention of leaving the place, Malchus began to + consider seriously what he had best do. He might still be, for aught he + knew, miles away from the camp, and his friends there would have no means + of knowing the position in which he was placed. They would no doubt send + out all the soldiers in search of the party; but in that broken wilderness + of forest and mountain, it was the merest chance whether they would find + the spot where he was prisoner. Still, it appeared to him that this was + the only possibility of his rescue. The trees grew thickly together, and + he could easily have climbed from that in which he was stationed to the + next, and might so have made his way for some distance; but as the wolves + were watching him, and could see as well by night as by day, there was no + advantage in shifting his position. + </p> + <p> + The day passed slowly. The wolves had for the most part withdrawn from + beneath the tree, but a few kept their station there steadily, and Malchus + knew that the rest were only lying beneath the bushes round; for he could + hear their frequent snarling, and sometimes a gray head was thrust out, + and a pair of eager eyes looked hungrily towards him. From time to time + Malchus listened breathlessly in hopes of hearing the distant shouts of + his comrades; but all was still in the forest, and he felt sure that the + wolves would hear anyone approaching before he should. + </p> + <p> + Once or twice, indeed, he fancied that by their pricked ears and attitude + of attention they could hear sounds inaudible to him; but the alarm, if + such it was, soon passed away, and it might have been that they were + listening only to the distant footsteps of some stag passing through the + forest. Night came again with its long, dreary hours. Malchus strapped + himself by his belt to the tree to prevent himself from falling and + managed to obtain a few hours of uneasy sleep, waking up each time with a + start, in a cold perspiration of fear, believing that he was falling into + the hungry jaws below. In the morning a fierce desire to kill some of his + foes seized him, and he descended to the lowest branch. + </p> + <p> + The wolves, seeing their prey so close at hand, thronged thickly under it, + and strove to leap up at him. Lying down on the bough, and twisting his + legs firmly under it to give him a purchase, Malchus thrust his sword + nearly to the hilt between the jaws, which snapped fiercely as a wolf + sprang to within a few inches of the bough. Several were killed in this + way, and the rest, rendered cautious, withdrew to a short distance. + Suddenly an idea struck Malchus. He took off his belt and formed it into a + running noose, and then waited until the wolves should summon up courage + to attack again. It was not long. Furious with hunger, which the prey they + had already devoured was only sufficient to whet, the wolves again + approached and began to spring towards the bough. + </p> + <p> + Malchus dropped the noose over one of their necks, and with an effort, + hauled it to the bough, and despatched it with his dagger. Then he moved + along the bough and hung it on a branch some ten feet from the ground, + slashing open with his dagger its chest and stomach. Having done this he + returned to his place. Six wolves were one after the other so hauled up + and despatched, and as Malchus expected, the smell of their blood rendered + the pack more savage than ever. They assembled round the foot of the tree, + and continued to spring at the trunk, making vain endeavours to get at the + supply of food which hung tantalizingly at so short a distance beyond + their reach. + </p> + <p> + So the day passed as before without signs of rescue. When it became dark + Malchus again descended to the lowest trunk, and fired his three remaining + arrows among the wolves below him. Loud howls followed each discharge, + followed by a desperate struggle below. Then he tumbled from their + position the six dead wolves to the ground below, and then as noiselessly + as possible made his way along a bough into an adjoining tree, and so into + another, till he had attained some distance from the spot where the wolves + were fighting and growling over the remains of their companions, far too + absorbed in their work for any thought of him. + </p> + <p> + Then he dropped noiselessly to the ground and fled at the top of his + speed. It would be, he was sure, some time before the wolves had completed + their feast; and even should they discover that he was missing from the + tree, it would probably be some time before they could hit upon his scent, + especially, as, having just feasted on blood, their sense of smell would + for a time be dulled. His previsions were accurate. Several times he + stopped and listened in dread lest he should hear the distant howl, which + would tell him that the pack was again on his scent. All was quiet, save + for the usual cries and noises in the forest. In two hours he saw a + distant glow of light, and was soon in the encampment of his friends. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Malchus!” his comrades exclaimed as he entered the tent, “where have + you been these two days? Why, you are splashed with blood. Where are + Halcon and Chalcus?” + </p> + <p> + “Dead,” Malchus said—“devoured by wolves.” + </p> + <p> + A cry of horror broke from the three young guardsmen. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis too true,” Malchus went on; “but give me food and wine. I have + neither eaten nor drunk for the last two days, and I have gone through a + terrible time. Even now I seem to see all round me countless cruel eyes, + and hungry open mouths with their red tongues.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that Malchus was utterly worn and exhausted his companions hastened + to place food and drink before him before asking any further questions. + </p> + <p> + Malchus drank a cup of wine and took a mouthful of bread; but he was too + faint and exhausted at present to eat more. He had supported well the + terrible strain for the last forty-eight hours, and as he had run through + the forest he had not noticed how it had told upon him; but now that he + was safe among his friends he felt as weak as a child. For a time he lay + upon the lion skin on which he had thrown himself upon entering the tent, + unable to reply to his comrades' questions. Then, as the cordial began to + take effect, he roused himself and forced himself to eat more. After that + he told his friends what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “You have indeed had an escape, Malchus; but how was it you did not take + to the trees at once?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not think of it,” Malchus said, “nor, I suppose, did the others. + Halcon was our leader, and we did as he told us. He thought the fires + would keep them off. Who could have thought the beasts would have ventured + to attack us!” + </p> + <p> + “I have always heard they were terrible,” one of the others said; “but I + should have thought that three armed men would have been a match for any + number of them.” + </p> + <p> + “It would have been as much as thirty could have done to withstand them,” + Malchus replied; “they did not seem to care for their lives, but sought + only to slay. There were hundreds and hundreds of them. I would rather + march alone to the assault of a walled city than face those terrible + beasts.” + </p> + <p> + In the morning the whole party started for the scene of the encounter. + </p> + <p> + Malchus had some difficulty in discovering it; but at last, after + searching a long time he came upon it. + </p> + <p> + The ground beneath the tree was everywhere trampled and torn by the wolves + in their struggles, and was spotted with patches of dry blood. The + helmets, shields and arms of Halcon and Chalcus lay there, but not a + remnant of their bones remained, and a few fragments of skin and some + closely gnawed skulls alone testified to the wolves which had fallen in + the encounter. The arms were gathered up, and the party returned to their + camp, and the next day started for Carthagena for, after that experience, + none cared for any further hunting. + </p> + <p> + It was some weeks before Malchus completely recovered from the effects of + the strain he had undergone. His nights were disturbed and restless. He + would constantly start from his couch, thinking that he heard the howl of + the wolves, and any sudden noise made him start and turn pale. Seeing how + shaken his young kinsmen was, and what he had passed through, Hannibal + sent him several times in ships which were going across to Africa for + stores. He did not venture to send him to Carthage; for although his + influence with the commissioners had been sufficient to annul the order of + the council for the sending of Malchus as a prisoner there, it was + probable that were he to return he would be seized and put to death—not + for the supposed crime he had committed, but to gratify the hatred of + Hanno against himself and his adherents. + </p> + <p> + The sea voyages soon restored Malchus to his accustomed health. Trained + and disciplined as his body had been by constant exercise, his nerves were + not easily shaken, and soon recovered their tone, and when, early in + March, he rejoined his regiment, he was able to enter with zest and energy + into the preparations which Hannibal was making for the siege of Saguntum. + Difficult as this operation would be, the preparations which were being + made appeared enormous. Every week ships brought over reinforcements of + troops, and the Iberian contingents were largely increased. + </p> + <p> + One day Malchus entered an apartment where his father and Hannibal were + talking earnestly together with a large map spread out before them. He + would have retired at once, but Hannibal called him in. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, Malchus, I would have no secrets from you. Although you are + young I know that you are devoted to Carthage, that you are brave and + determined. I see in you what I was myself at your age, but nine years + ago, and it may be that some day you will be destined to continue the work + which I am beginning. You, too, have commenced early, your training has + been severe. As your father's son and my cousin your promotion will + naturally be rapid. I will, therefore, tell you my plans. It is clear that + Rome and Carthage cannot both exist—one or the other must be + destroyed. It is useless to strike at extremities, the blow must be dealt + at the heart. Unfortunately our fleet is no longer superior to that of + Rome, and victories at sea, however important, only temporarily cripple an + enemy. + </p> + <p> + “It is by land the blow must be struck. Were the sea ours, I should say, + land troops in southern Italy, and continue to pour over reinforcements + until all the fighting men of North Africa are at the gates of Rome. But + without the absolute command of the sea this cannot be done. Therefore I + intend to make Spain our base, and to march through Southern Gaul over the + Alps into Italy, and there to fight the Romans on their own ground. + Already I have agents at work among the Gauls and the northern tribes of + Italy, who will, I trust, join me in the war against our common enemy. The + enterprise is a great one, but it is not impossible; if it succeeds, Rome + will be destroyed and Carthage will reign, without a rival, mistress of + the world. The plan was Hasdrubal's, but it has fallen to me to carry it + out.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a grand plan indeed,” Malchus exclaimed enthusiastically—“a + glorious plan, but the difficulties seem tremendous.” + </p> + <p> + “Difficulties are made to be overcome by brave men,” Hannibal said. “The + Alps are the greatest barrier, but my agents tell me that the difficulties + are not insuperable even for elephants. But before we start we have Spain + to subdue. Saguntum is under the protection of Rome, and must be crushed, + and all the country north of the Ebro conquered and pacified. This done + the passage of reinforcements to my army in Italy will be easy. The Gauls + will favour us, the mountains tribes will be crushed or bought over, so + that the route for the advance of reinforcements, or for our retreat, if + too hardly pressed, will be always open. But all this is for yourself + alone. + </p> + <p> + “My plans must not yet be known. Already our enemies in Carthage are + gaining in strength. Many of our adherents have been put to death and the + estates of others confiscated; but the capture of Saguntum will restore + our supremacy, and the enthusiasm which it will incite among the populace + will carry all before it. The spoils which will be taken there will be + sufficient to silence every murmur in Carthage. Now leave us, Malchus, we + have much to talk over and to arrange, and I have given you plenty to + think about for the present.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII: A PLOT FRUSTRATED + </h2> + <p> + After leaving Hannibal, Malchus did not rejoin his comrades, but mounted + the hills behind the town and sat down there, looking over the sea, and + thinking over the vast plan which Hannibal's words had laid before him, + and to which his father had once alluded in his presence. Malchus had been + brought up by Hamilcar to regard Rome as the deadly enemy of Carthage, but + he had not till now seen the truth which Hannibal had grasped, that it was + a struggle not for empire only between the two republics, but one of life + and death—that Carthage and Rome could not coexist, and that one or + other of them must be absolutely destroyed. + </p> + <p> + This, indeed, was the creed of the Barcine party, and was, apart from the + minor questions of internal reforms, the great point on which they + differed from Hanno and the trading portion of the community, who were his + chief supporters. These were in favour of Carthage abandoning her colonies + and conquests, and devoting herself solely to commerce and the acquisition + of wealth. Believing that Rome, who would then have open to her all Europe + and Asia to conquer, would not grudge to Carthage the northern seaboard of + Africa, they forgot that a nation which is rich and defenceless will + speedily fall a victim to the greed of a powerful and warlike neighbour, + and that a conqueror never needs excuses for an attack upon a defenceless + neighbour. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto Malchus had thought only of a war with Rome made up of sea fights + and of descents upon Sicily and Sardinia. The very idea of invading Italy + and striking at Rome herself had never even entered his mind, for the + words of his father had been forgotten in the events which followed so + quickly upon them. The prospect which the words opened seemed immense. + First Northern Spain was to be conquered, Gaul to be crossed, the terrible + mountains of which he had heard from travellers were next to be + surmounted, and finally a fight for life and death to be fought out on the + plains of Italy. The struggle would indeed be a tremendous one, and + Malchus felt his heart beat fast at the thought that he was to be an actor + in it. Surely the history of the world told of no greater enterprise than + this. Even the first step which was to be taken, a mere preliminary to + this grand expedition, was a most formidable one. + </p> + <p> + Saguntum stood as an outpost of Rome. While Carthage had been advancing + from the south Rome had been pressing forward from the east along the + shores of the Mediterranean, and had planted herself firmly at Marseilles, + a port which gave her a foothold in Gaul, and formed a base whence she + could act in Spain. In order to check the rising power of the + Carthaginians there she had entered into a firm alliance with the + Saguntines, whose country occupied what is now the district of Valencia. + By the terms of the last treaty between the two republics each was + forbidden to make war upon tribes in alliance with their rivals, and + Saguntum being thus under the jurisdiction of Rome, an attack upon it + would be almost equivalent to a declaration of war. + </p> + <p> + The position of the city was one of great strength. It stood on an almost + isolated rock at the foot of a spur of the mountains which formed an + amphitheatre behind it. Around it extended a rich and fertile country, the + sea was less than a mile from its walls, and the Romans could thus quickly + send succour to their allies. The rock on which the town stood was well + nigh inaccessible, falling sheer down from the foot of the walls, and was + assailable only on the western side, where the rocks sloped gradually down + to the plain. Here the walls were extremely strong and lofty, and were + strengthened by a great tower which dominated the whole slope. It would be + difficult to form approaches, for the rock was bare of soil and afforded + no cover of any kind. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto the Carthaginian generals had scrupulously respected the + territory of the Saguntines, but now that the rest of Spain was subdued it + was necessary to reduce this advanced post of Rome—this open door + through which Rome, now mistress of the sea, could at any moment pour her + legions into the heart of Spain. + </p> + <p> + The Saguntines were not ignorant of the danger which threatened them. They + had again and again sent urgently to Rome to demand that a legion should + be stationed there for their protection. But Rome hesitated at despatching + a legion of troops to so distant a spot, where, in case of a naval + reverse, they would be isolated and cut off. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal had not far to look for an excuse for an attack upon Saguntum. On + the previous year, while he had been engaged in his campaign against the + Carpatans, the Saguntines, taking advantage of his critical position, had + made war upon the town of Torbola, an ally of Carthage. Torbola had + implored the assistance of Hannibal, and he was now preparing to march + against Saguntum with his whole force without waiting for the arrival of + spring. His preparations had been silently made. The Saguntines, although + uneasy, had no idea of any imminent danger, and the Carthaginian army + collected in and around Carthagena were in entire ignorance that they were + about to be called upon to take the field. + </p> + <p> + “What say you, Malchus?” Hannibal asked that evening. “It is time now that + I gave you a command. As my near relative it is fitting that you should be + in authority. You have now served a campaign, and are eligible for any + command that I may give you. You have shown yourself prompt in danger and + worthy to command men. Which would you rather that I should place under + you—a company of these giant Gauls, of the steady Iberians, of the + well disciplined Libyans, or the active tribesmen of the desert? Choose + which you will, and they shall be yours.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus thought for some time. + </p> + <p> + “In the day of battle,” he said at last, “I would rather lead Gauls, but, + in such a march as you have told me you are meditating, I would rather + have a company of Numidian footmen to act as scouts and feel the way for + the army. There would not, perhaps, be so much glory to be obtained, but + there would be constant work and excitement, and this will be far better + than marching in the long column of the army.” + </p> + <p> + “I think your choice is a good one,” Hannibal replied. “Such a corps will + be needed to feel the way as we advance, to examine the roads and indicate + that by which the column had best move, and to guard against ambushes and + surprises. Tomorrow I will inspect the Numidian footmen and will put them + through their exercises. We will have foot races and trials of skill with + the bow, and I will bid their officers pick me out two hundred of the most + active and vigourous among them; these you shall have under your command. + You can choose among your comrades of the guards one whom you would like + to have as your lieutenant.” + </p> + <p> + “I will take Trebon,” Malchus said; “we fought side by side through the + last campaign. He is prompt and active, always cheerful under fatigue, and + as brave as a lion. I could not wish a better comrade.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” Hannibal replied, “henceforth you are captain of the advanced + company of the army. Remember, Malchus, that the responsibility is a great + one, and that henceforward there must be no more boyish tricks. Your + company will be the eyes of the army, and upon your vigilance its safety, + when we once start upon our expedition, will in no slight degree depend. + Remember, too, that you have by your conduct to justify me in choosing my + young kinsman for so important a post.” + </p> + <p> + The next day the Numidians were put through their exercises, and by + nightfall the two hundred picked men were chosen from their ranks and were + placed by Hannibal under the command of Malchus. Trebon was greatly + pleased when he found himself appointed as lieutenant of the company. + Although of noble family his connections were much less influential than + those of the majority of his comrades, and he had deemed himself + exceptionally fortunate in having been permitted to enter the chosen corps + of the Carthaginian cavalry, and had not expected to be made an officer + for years to come, since promotion in the Carthaginian army was almost + wholly a matter of family influence. + </p> + <p> + “I am indeed obliged to you, Malchus,” he said as he joined his friend + after Hannibal had announced his appointment to him. “The general told me + that he had appointed me at your request. I never even hoped that such + good fortune would befall me. Of course I knew that you would speedily + obtain a command, but my people have no influence whatever. The general + says that your company are to act as scouts for the army, so there will be + plenty of opportunity to distinguish ourselves. Unfortunately I don't see + much chance of fighting at present. The Iberian tribesmen had such a + lesson last autumn that they are not likely for a long time to give us + further trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not make yourself uneasy on that score, Trebon,” Malchus said, “I can + tell you, but let it go no further, that ere long there will be fighting + enough to satisfy even the most pugnacious.” + </p> + <p> + One evening Malchus had left the club early. Full as he was of the + thoughts of the tremendous struggle which was soon to begin between the + great antagonists, he wearied of the light talk of his gay comrades. The + games of chance, to which a room in the club was allotted, afforded him no + pleasure; nor had he any interest in the wagering which was going on as to + the merits of the horses which were to run in the races on the following + day. On leaving the club he directed his footsteps towards the top of the + hill on which Carthagena stood, and there, sitting alone on one of the + highest points, looked over the sea sparkling in the moonlight, the many + vessels in the harbour and the lagoons stretching inland on each side of + the city. + </p> + <p> + He tried to imagine the course that the army was to follow, the terrible + journey through the snow covered passes of that tremendous range of + mountains of which he had heard, the descent into the plains of Italy, and + the first sight of Rome. He pictured to himself the battles which would + have to be fought by the way, and above all, the deadly conflict which + would take place before Rome could be carried by assault, and the great + rival of Carthage be humbled to the dust. Then he pictured the return of + the triumphant expedition, the shouting multitudes who would acclaim + Hannibal the sole arbitrator of the destinies of Carthage, and in his + heart rejoiced over the changes which would take place—the overthrow + of the faction of Hanno, the reform of abuses, the commencement of an era + of justice, freedom, and prosperity for all. + </p> + <p> + For more than three hours he sat thus, and then awoke to the fact that the + night was cold and the hour late. Drawing his bernous tightly round him he + descended into the city, which was now for the most part wrapped in sleep. + He was passing through the native quarter when a door opened and several + men came out. Scarcely knowing why he did so Malchus drew back into a + doorway until they had moved on ahead of him, and then followed them at + some little distance. At any other time he would have thought nothing of + such an incident, but his nerves were highly strung at the moment, and his + pause was dictated more by an indisposition to encounter anything which + might disturb the current of his thoughts than by any other motive. + </p> + <p> + In the moonlight he could see that two of the five men ahead of him were + members of the Carthaginian horse guard, for the light glittered on their + helmets; the other three were, by their attire, natives. Two of the latter + soon separated from the others, and on reaching the better part of the + town the two Carthaginians turned down a side street, and in the still + night Malchus heard the parting words to their neighbour, “At the same + place tomorrow night.” The remaining native kept straight along the road + which Malchus was following. Still onward he went, and Malchus, to his + surprise, saw him go up to one of the side entrances to Hannibal's palace. + He must have knocked very quietly, or someone must have been waiting to + admit him, for without a sound the door was opened and the man entered. + </p> + <p> + Malchus went round to the principal entrance, and after a little badinage + from the officer on guard as to the lateness of the hour at which he + returned, made his way to his apartment. + </p> + <p> + He was puzzled by what he had seen. It was strange that two of the + Carthaginian guard, men necessarily belonging to noble families, should + have been at a native gathering of some sort in the upper town. Strange, + too, that a man probably an attendant or slave belonging to the palace + should also have been present. The more he thought of it the more he was + puzzled to account for it, and before he went to sleep he came to the + resolution that he would, if possible, on the following night discover the + object of such a gathering. + </p> + <p> + Next evening, therefore, he returned from the Syssite early, exchanged his + helmet for a skullcap, and, wrapping himself in his cloak, made his way to + the house from which he had seen the men come forth. It stood at the + corner of the street. Thick hangings hung across the openings for the + windows, and prevented even a ray of light from finding its way out. + Listening attentively Malchus could hear a low hum of voices within. As + there were still people about he moved away for half an hour. + </p> + <p> + On his return the street was deserted. Malchus put his hand through a + window opening into the side street and felt that the hanging was composed + of rushes tightly plaited together. With the point of his dagger he very + cautiously cut a slit in this, and applying his eye to it was able to + obtain a glimpse of the apartment within. On low stools by a fire two + Carthaginians were sitting, while four natives were seated on the rushes + which covered the floor. Malchus recognized the Carthaginians at once, for + they were members of the troop in which he had served. Neither of them + were men popular among their fellows, for they belonged to families + closely related to Hanno. They had always, however, professed the greatest + admiration for Hannibal, and had declared that for their part they + altogether repudiated the doings of the party to which their family + belonged. + </p> + <p> + The conversation was carried on in low tones, a precaution absolutely + necessary in the day when glass windows were unknown, unless the discourse + was upon general subjects. Malchus listened attentively, but although he + thought he caught the words Hanno and Hannibal repeated several times, he + was unable to hear more. At the end of the half hour the conference was + apparently at an end, for all rose to their feet. One of the Carthaginians + put a bag, which was evidently heavy, into the hands of one of the + natives, and the party then went out. Malchus stepped to the corner and + caught the words, “Tomorrow night, then, without fail.” + </p> + <p> + The party then separated, the Carthaginians passing straight on, the + natives waiting until they had gone some little distance ahead before they + followed. Malchus remained for some little time in the side street before + he sallied out and took his way after them. After he saw two of the + natives leave the other, he quickened his steps and passed the man, who + proceeded alone towards the palace, a short distance before he arrived + there. As he did so he glanced at his face, and recognized him as one of + the attendants who waited at Hannibal's table. Malchus did not turn his + head, however, but kept straight on his way and entered the palace as + usual. + </p> + <p> + “Malchus,” the captain of the guard laughed as he went in, “assuredly I + shall have to tell Hamilcar of your doings. Last night you entered an hour + after every one had retired to rest, tonight you are back in better time, + but assuredly you have not been to the Syssite in that hunting cap. This + savours of a mystery. Do not pretend to me that you have been looking + after your company of Numidians at this time of the night, because, did + you swear it by Astarte, I should not believe you.” + </p> + <p> + “No; I think I could invent a better story than that if I were put to it,” + Malchus said with a laugh; “but as I am not obliged to invent one at all, + I will leave you to do so for me. In truth I have been about some private + business, but what that business is is a profound secret.” + </p> + <p> + “A secret of state, no doubt,” the officer rejoined. “Well, I will say + nothing this time; but do not let it occur again, or I shall think that + some Iberian maiden has captured that susceptible heart of yours.” + </p> + <p> + After Malchus had reached his chamber he sat down for some time in deep + thought. It was clear to him that something was wrong. This secret meeting + of the two Carthaginians with natives, one of whom was employed in + Hannibal's household, could mean no good. Money had passed, too, and, + judging from the size and apparent weight of the bag, no inconsiderable + amount. What could it mean? It was but a few months before that Hasdrubal + had fallen beneath the dagger of a native servant. Could this be a plot + against the life of Hannibal? + </p> + <p> + The two Carthaginians were connected with Hanno, and might well be agents + employed to rid him of his great rival. And yet he had heard nothing which + would justify his bringing so grave an accusation against these men. The + money which he had seen exchanged might be for the price of a horse or of + a slave, and he might only make himself ridiculous were he to speak to + Hannibal or his father as to what had occurred. He decided, therefore, + that any action he might take must be on his own account. If the words he + had overheard meant anything, and if a plot were really on hand, it was to + be carried out on the following night. Malchus determined to take steps to + meet it. + </p> + <p> + The next day he took Trebon into his counsels and told him of the + mysterious meetings which he had accidentally discovered. There was free + access to Hannibal's palace; officers were constantly coming in and out, + and soldiers arriving and leaving with messages and orders. Malchus, had, + therefore, had no difficulty in passing into his apartment, one by one, + ten picked men of his company. They had orders to remain there perfectly + quiet, and Trebon also took post with them, Malchus telling him to make + some excuse or other to prevent any attendant or slave from entering the + apartment while he was absent. + </p> + <p> + There was a concert that evening; the palace was crowded with guests. From + time to time Malchus stole away to his room, where the Numidians were + seated on the ground silent and immovable as so many bronze statues. At + other times he kept near Hannibal, watching closely the movements of every + native who passed near him; and ready to spring forward instantly if he + saw any signs of an evil intention. However, he did not much apprehend, + that even if his suspicions were correct and a plot was on foot against + Hannibal, any attempt would be made to assassinate him in the midst of a + crowded assembly, where there would be no possibility of escape for the + perpetrators of such a deed. At last the guests began to depart, and an + hour later all was quiet in the palace. Laying aside his sandals, Malchus + stole noiselessly over the marble pavements until he approached the + entrance which he had twice seen opened so late. A slave was lying close + to it. + </p> + <p> + Unobserved Malchus stole away again to his chamber and bade the Numidians + follow him. Noiselessly the troop of barefooted Arabs moved shadowlike + through the lofty halls and corridors. Two of them he placed at the + entrance to the chamber where Hannibal slept, with orders to allow no one + to pass until he returned, then with the others he proceeded to the + entrance. Few lights only were burning in the passages, and it was not + until they were close at hand that the slave perceived the approaching + figures. He leaped to his feet, but before he could cry out Malchus + stepped forward and said: + </p> + <p> + “Silence, if you value your life. You know me; I am Malchus the son of + Hamilcar. Now, tell me the truth, or tomorrow the torture shall wring it + from you. Who placed you here, and why?” + </p> + <p> + “Carpadon, one of the chief attendants, ordered me to remain here to admit + him on his return. I knew not there was harm in it,” the slave said. + </p> + <p> + “Is it the first time you have kept watch for such a purpose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord, some six or seven times he has gone out late.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know the cause of his absence?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord, it would not become a slave to question one of the chief + attendants of my lord Hannibal as to why he goes or comes.” + </p> + <p> + The man's manner was so natural, and his surprise at the interest which + one of the rank of Malchus showed in the doings of an attendant so + genuine, that Malchus was convinced he knew nothing of any enterprise in + which the man who had placed him there might be engaged. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” he said, “I will believe what you tell me. Now, do you resume + your place at the door, and open it as usual at his signal. Say no word + and make no sign which may lead him to know of our presence here. Mind, my + eye will be upon you, and your life will pay for any treachery.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus with four of his men now took post on one side of the door, + standing well back in the shadow so that their presence would not be + noticed by anyone entering. Trebon with the remaining four men took up a + similar position on the other side of the doorway. + </p> + <p> + Two hours passed. At length a low tap followed by two others was heard at + the door. The slave at once opened it. Carpadon entered, and with a sudden + movement threw one arm round the slave's neck and with the other stabbed + him to the heart. Then he opened the door wide, and said in a low tone: + </p> + <p> + “Enter, all is safe.” + </p> + <p> + In a moment a dark mass of men poured in at the door. The matter was more + serious than Malchus had expected. He had looked for the entry perhaps of + three or four men, and had intended to close in behind them and cut them + off; but here were a score at least, and how many more might be outside he + knew not. He therefore gave the signal by shouting “Carthage,” and at once + with his followers fell upon one flank of the natives, for such their + dress showed them to be, while Trebon attacked them on the other. There + was a shout of surprise and alarm at the unexpected onslaught, and several + were cut down at once. The others, drawing their swords, began to defend + themselves, trying at the same time to retreat to the door, through which, + however, many others were still pressing in. For a few minutes a severe + fight went on, and the numbers and desperation of Carpadon's followers + began to tell, and, in spite of the efforts of Malchus and the Numidians, + they would have been forced to fall back and allow the others to pass out, + had not help been at hand. + </p> + <p> + The shouting and clashing of weapons had awakened the palace, and the + officer of the guard with ten of his men, some of them bearing torches, + came running at full speed from their post at the chief entrance. As the + guard came up and stood gazing uncertain what to do, or among whom the + conflict was raging, Malchus for a moment drew out from the fray. + </p> + <p> + “Seize and disarm all the natives,” he said; “the Numidians are here by my + orders.” + </p> + <p> + The instant the soldiers understood the situation they fell to, and the + natives, whose retreat was cut off by the Numidians, were speedily + disarmed; those nearer to the door had, the instant they saw the torches + approaching, taken to flight. + </p> + <p> + A moment later Hannibal, Hamilcar, and many other officers resident at the + palace came running up. + </p> + <p> + “What means this fray, Malchus?” + </p> + <p> + “It means an attempt upon your life, Hannibal, which I have been fortunate + enough to discover and defeat.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are these men?” Hamilcar asked. + </p> + <p> + “So far as I know they are natives,” Malchus replied. “The chief of the + party is that man who lies bleeding there; he is one of your attendants.” + </p> + <p> + One of the soldiers held a torch close to the man's face. + </p> + <p> + “It is Carpadon,” Hannibal said. “I believed him honest and faithful.” + </p> + <p> + “He is the tool of others, Hannibal; he has been well paid for this + night's work.” + </p> + <p> + Hannibal gave orders for the prisoners to be strictly guarded, and then, + with Hamilcar and Malchus, returned to his private study. The lamps were + lighted by the attendants, who then withdrew. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Malchus, tell us your story,” Hannibal said. “It seems strange to me + that you should have said nought to your father or me of what you had + learned, and left us to take such measures as might seem fit to us, + instead of taking the matter into your own hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Had I had certainties to go upon I should assuredly have done so, but, as + you will see when I tell you all I had learned, I had nothing but + suspicions, and those of the vaguest, and for aught I knew I might be + altogether in the wrong.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus then gave the full details of the manner in which his suspicions + had been first excited, and in which on the previous night he had taken + steps to ascertain whether there were any foundation for them. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” he concluded, “there was no sort of certainty, nothing to prove + that the money was not paid for the purchase of a horse or slave. It was + only the one fact that one of the party was a servant here that rendered + what I discovered serious. Had it not been for the fate of Hasdrubal I + should never have given the matter a second thought; but, knowing that he + was assassinated by a trusted servant, and seeing two men whose families I + knew belonged to Hanno's faction engaged in secret talk with one of your + attendants, the suspicion struck me that a similar deed might again be + attempted. The only words I had to go upon were, 'Tomorrow night, then, + without fail.' This was not enough for me to bring an accusation against + two men of noble family; and, had I told you the tale without the + confirmation it has now received, you would probably have treated it but + lightly. I resolved, therefore, to wait and see, taking such precaution + that no harm could come of my secrecy. I concealed in my room ten of my + Numidians, with my lieutenant Trebon—an ample force whatever might + betide. + </p> + <p> + “If, as I suspected, this man intended, with two or three others, to steal + into your chamber and slay you while you slept, we could at once have + stopped the attempt; should he come with a larger force, we could, as is + proved, resist them until the guard arrived on the spot. If, on the other + hand, night passed off quietly and my suspicions proved to be altogether + erroneous, I should escape the ridicule which would certainly have been + forthcoming had I alarmed you without cause.” + </p> + <p> + “You have acted very wisely and well, my son,” Hamilcar said, “and + Carthage owes you the life of our beloved Hannibal. You indeed reasoned + with great wisdom and forethought. Had you informed us of what you had + discovered we should have taken precautions which would doubtless have + effected the object; but they would probably have become known to the + plotters, and the attempt would have been postponed and attempted some + other time, and perhaps with success. What say you, Hannibal, have I not + reason to be proud of this young son of mine?” + </p> + <p> + “You have indeed, Hamilcar, and deeply am I indebted to him. It is not my + life I care for, although that now is precious to me for the sake of my + beloved Imilce, but had I fallen now all the plans which we have thought + of together would have been frustrated, and the fairest chance which + Carthage ever had of fighting out the quarrel with her rival would have + been destroyed. Truly it has been a marvellous escape, and it seems to me + that the gods themselves must have inspired Malchus to act as he did on + such slight grounds as seeing two Carthaginians of the guard in company + with three or four natives at a late hour of the evening.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think will be best to do with the traitors who have plotted + against your life, Hannibal? Shall we try and execute them here, or send + them to Carthage to be dealt with?” + </p> + <p> + Hannibal did not answer for a minute. + </p> + <p> + “I think, Hamilcar, the best plan will be to keep silent altogether as to + the danger I have run. The army would be furious but would at the same + time be dispirited were it known in Carthage that two of her nobles had + been executed for an attempt on my life. It would only cause a fresh + outbreak of animosity and an even deadlier feud than before between + Hanno's friends and ours. Therefore, I say, let the men taken tonight be + executed in the morning without question asked, and let no word be said by + them or by us that they were bribed by Carthaginians. All in the palace + now know that a party of natives have broken in, and will guess that my + life was their object; there is no need that they should know more. As to + the two men, I will call them before me tomorrow, with none but you + present, and will let them know that I am aware that they are the authors + of this attempt, and will bid them resign their places in the guard and + return at once to Carthage.” + </p> + <p> + “It grieves me that they should go unpunished,” Hamilcar said; “but + doubtless your plan is the wisest.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” Hannibal said, rising, “we will to bed again. Malchus, acquaint + Trebon of our determination that silence is to be kept; tell him that I + shall bear him in mind, and not forget his share in this night's work. As + for you, Malchus, henceforth you are more than my cousin; you have saved + my life, and I shall never forget it. I shall tell Imilce in the morning + of the danger which has passed, for it is sure to come to her ears, and + she will know better than I do how to thank you.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly in the morning Hannibal's orders were carried out; the twelve + natives taken prisoners were beheaded without any of the usual tortures + which would have been inflicted upon a similar occasion. No less than + fourteen others had been killed in the fight. The two Carthaginian nobles + were sent for by Hannibal. They came prepared to die, for they knew + already by rumour that the attempt had failed, and doubted not when the + summons reached them that Carpadon had denounced them as his accomplices. + But they went to their certain doom with the courage of their class—pale, + perhaps, but otherwise unmoved. Hannibal was alone with Hamilcar when they + entered. + </p> + <p> + “That assassination is not an altogether unknown crime in Carthage,” he + said quietly, “I was well aware, but I did not before think that nobles in + the Carthaginian horse would stoop to it. I know that it was you who + provided the gold for the payment of the men who made an attempt upon my + life, that you personally paid my attendant Carpadon to hire assassins, + and to lead them to my chamber. Were I to denounce you, my soldiers would + tear you in pieces. The very name of your families would be held accursed + by all honest men in Carthage for all time. I do not ask you whether I + have given you cause for offence, for I know that I have not done so; you + acted simply for the benefit of Hanno. Whether you were instructed by him + I do not deign to ask. I shall not harm you. The tale of your infamy is + known to but four persons, and none others will ever know it. I am proud + of the honour of the nobles of Carthage, and would not that the scum of + the people should bandy the name of your families on their lips as guilty + of so foul an act of treason. You will, of course, at once resign your + positions in the Carthaginian horse. Make what pretext you will—illness + or private affairs. Tomorrow sail for Carthage, and there strive by + efforts for the good of your country to efface the remembrance of this + blow which you would have struck her.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, with a wave of the hand he dismissed them. + </p> + <p> + They went without a word, too astonished at his clemency, too humiliated + by their own disgrace even to utter a word of thanks. When they were + fairly beyond the palace they looked at each other as men awakened from a + dream. + </p> + <p> + “What a man!” one of them exclaimed. “No wonder the soldiers adore him! He + has given us our lives—more, he has saved our names from disgrace. + Henceforth, Pontus, we, at least, can never again take part against him.” + </p> + <p> + “It is almost too much to bear,” the other said; “I feel that I would + rather that he had ordered us to instant execution.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, for our own sakes, Pontus, but not for those of others. For myself I + shall retire to the country; it seems to me that never again shall I be + able to mix with others; they may know nothing of it, but it will be ever + on my mind. How they would shrink back in horror were what we have done + whispered to them! Truly, were it not for my family, I would prefer death + with the worst torture to life as it will be now.” + </p> + <p> + The excitement in the army was intense when it became known that a body of + Iberians had attempted to break into Hannibal's palace with the design of + murdering him, and many of the soldiers, seizing their arms, hurried + towards the city, and had not an officer ridden with the news to Hannibal, + they would assuredly have fallen upon the native inhabitants, and a + general massacre would have taken place. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal at once mounted and rode out to meet the soldiers. He was + received with enthusiastic acclamations; at length he raised his arm to + restore silence, and then addressed the troops, telling them how deeply he + valued the evidence of their affection, but that he prayed them to return + to their camps and lay by their arms. + </p> + <p> + “We must not,” he said, “confound the innocent with the guilty. Those who + were concerned in the attempt have paid the penalty with their lives; it + is not because a handful of Spaniards have plotted against me that you are + to swear hatred against the whole race; were you to punish the innocent + for the guilty you would arouse the fury of the Iberians throughout the + whole peninsula, and all our work would have to be done over again. You + know that above all things I desire the friendship and goodwill of the + natives. Nothing would grieve me more than that, just as we are attaining + this, our efforts should be marred by a quarrel between yourselves and the + people here. I pray you, therefore, as a personal favour to me, to abstain + from all tumult, and go quietly back to your camp. The attack upon my + palace was made only by some thirty or forty of the scum of the + inhabitants, and the attempt was defeated by the wisdom and courage of my + young cousin Malchus, whom you must henceforth regard as the saviour of my + life.” + </p> + <p> + The soldiers at once acceded to the request of their general, and after + another outburst of cheering they returned quietly to their camp. + </p> + <p> + The result of this affair was to render Malchus one of the most popular + personages in the army, and the lad was quite abashed by the enthusiastic + reception which the soldiers gave him when he passed among them. It + removed, too, any feeling of jealousy which might have existed among his + former comrades of the Carthaginian horse, for although it was considered + as a matter of course in Carthage that generals should appoint their near + relatives to posts of high command, human nature was then the same as now, + and men not possessed of high patronage could not help grumbling a little + at the promotion of those more fortunate than themselves. Henceforth, + however, no voice was ever raised against the promotion of Malchus, and + had he at once been appointed to a command of importance none would have + deemed such a favour undeserved by the youth who had saved the life of + Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX: THE SIEGE OF SAGUNTUM + </h2> + <p> + A few days later the Carthaginian army were astonished by the issue of an + order that the whole were to be in readiness to march upon the following + day. The greatest excitement arose when the news got abroad. None knew + against whom hostilities were to be directed. No one had heard aught of + the arrival of messengers announcing fresh insurrection among the recently + conquered tribes, and all sorts of surmises were indulged in as to the foe + against whom this great force, the largest which had ever been collected + by Carthage, were about to get in motion. + </p> + <p> + The army now gathered around Carthagena amounted, indeed, to a hundred and + fifty thousand men, and much surprise had for some time existed at the + continual arrival of reinforcements from home, and at the large number of + troops which had during the winter been raised and disciplined from among + the friendly tribes. + </p> + <p> + Simultaneously with the issue of the order long lines of wagons, laden + with military stores, began to pour out from the arsenals, and all day + long a procession of carts moved across the bridge over the canal in the + isthmus to the mainland. The tents were struck at daylight, the baggage + loaded up into the wagons told off to accompany the various bodies of + soldiers, and the troops formed up in military order. + </p> + <p> + When Hannibal rode on to the ground, surrounded by his principal officers, + a shout of welcome rose from the army; and he proceeded to make a close + inspection of the whole force. The officers then placed themselves at the + head of their respective commands, the trumpets gave the signal, and the + army set out on a march, as to whose direction and distance few present + had any idea, and from which few, indeed, were ever destined to return. + </p> + <p> + There was no longer any occasion for secrecy as to the object of the + expedition. The generals repeated it to their immediate staffs, these + informed the other officers, and the news speedily spread through the army + that they were marching against Saguntum. The importance of the news was + felt by all. Saguntum was the near ally of Rome, and an attack upon that + city could but mean that Carthage was entering upon another struggle with + her great rival. + </p> + <p> + Saguntum lay about 140 miles north of Carthagena, and the army had to + cross the range of mountains now known as the Sierra Morena, which run + across the peninsula from Cape St. Vincent on the west to Cape St. Martin + on the east. The march of so large an army, impeded as it was by a huge + train of wagons with stores and the machines necessary for a siege, was + toilsome and arduous in the extreme. But all worked with the greatest + enthusiasm and diligence; roads were made with immense labour through + forests, across ravines, and over mountain streams. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal himself was always present, encouraging the men by his praises, + and sharing all their hardships. + </p> + <p> + At last the mountains were passed, and the army poured down into the + fertile plains of Valencia, which town, however, was not then in + existence. Passing over the site where it is now situated they continued + their march north until Saguntum, standing on its rocky eminence, came + into view. + </p> + <p> + During the march Malchus and his company had led the way, guided by + natives, who pointed out the easiest paths. As there were no enemies to be + guarded against, they had taken their full share in the labours of the + army. + </p> + <p> + The Saguntines were already aware of the approach of the expedition. No + sooner had it crossed the crest of the mountains than native runners had + carried the news of its approach, and the inhabitants had spent the + intervening time in laying in great stores of provisions, and in making + every preparation for defence. The garrison was small in comparison with + the force marching against it, but it was ample for the defence of the + walls, for its position rendered the city well nigh impregnable against + the machines in use at the time, and was formidable in the extreme even + against modern artillery, for 2000 years afterwards Saguntum, with a + garrison of 3000 men, resisted for a long time all the efforts of a French + army under General Suchet. As soon as his force arrived near the town + Hannibal rode forward, and, in accordance with the custom of the times, + himself summoned the garrison to surrender. Upon their refusal he solemnly + declared war by hurling his javelin against the walls. The troops at once + advanced to the assault, and poured flights of arrows, masses of stones + from their machines, javelins, and missiles of all descriptions into the + city, the defenders replying with equal vigour from the walls. At the end + of the first day's fighting Hannibal perceived that his hopes of carrying + the place by assault were vain—for the walls were too high to be + scaled, too thick to be shaken by any irregular attack—and that a + long siege must be undertaken. + </p> + <p> + This was a great disappointment to him, as it would cause a long delay + that it would be scarce possible to commence the march which he meditated + that summer. As to advancing, with Saguntum in his rear, it was not to be + thought of, for the Romans would be able to land their armies there and to + cut him off from all communication with Carthagena and Carthage. There + was, then, nothing to be done but to undertake the siege in regular order. + </p> + <p> + The army formed an encampment in a circle round the town. A strong force + was left to prevent the garrison from making a sortie, and the whole of + the troops were then marched away in detachments to the hills to fell and + bring down the timber which would be required for the towers and walls, + the bareness of the rock rendering it impossible to construct the + approaches as usual with earth. In the first place, a wall, strengthened + by numerous small towers, was erected round the whole circumference of the + rock; then the approaches were begun on the western side, where attack was + alone possible. + </p> + <p> + This was done by lines of wooden towers, connected one with another by + walls of the same material; movable towers were constructed to be pushed + forward against the great tower which formed the chief defence of the + wall, and on each side the line of attack was carried onward by portable + screens covered with thick hide. In the meantime the Saguntines were not + idle. Showers of missiles of all descriptions were hurled upon the working + parties, great rocks from the machines on the walls crashed through the + wooden erections, and frequent and desperate sorties were made, in which + the Carthaginians were almost always worsted. The nature of the ground, + overlooked as it was by the lofty towers and walls, and swept by the + missiles of the defenders, rendered it impossible for any considerable + force to remain close at hand to render assistance to the workers, and the + sudden attacks of the Saguntines several times drove them far down the + hillside, and enabled the besieged, with axe and fire, to destroy much of + the work which had been so labouriously carried out. + </p> + <p> + In one of these sorties Hannibal, who was continually at the front, + overlooking the work, was seriously wounded by a javelin in the thigh. + Until he was cured the siege languished, and was converted into a + blockade, for it was his presence and influence alone which encouraged the + men to continue their work under such extreme difficulties, involving the + death of a large proportion of those engaged. Upon Hannibal's recovery the + work was pressed forward with new vigour, and the screens and towers were + pushed on almost to the foot of the walls. The battering rams were now + brought up, and—shielded by massive screens, which protected those + who worked them from the darts and stones thrown down by the enemy, and by + lofty towers, from whose tops the Carthaginian archers engaged the + Saguntines on the wall—began their work. + </p> + <p> + The construction of walls was in those days rude and primitive, and they + had little of the solidity of such structures in succeeding ages. The + stones were very roughly shaped, no mortar was used, and the displacement + of one stone consequently involved that of several others. This being the + case it was not long before the heavy battering rams of the Carthaginians + produced an effect on the walls, and a large breach was speedily made. + Three towers and the walls which connected them fell with a mighty crash, + and the besiegers, believing that the place was won, advanced to the + assault. But the Saguntines met them in the breach, and for hours a + desperate battle raged there. + </p> + <p> + The Saguntines hurled down upon the assailants trunks of trees bristling + with spearheads and spikes of iron, blazing darts and falariques—great + blocks of wood with projecting spikes, and covered thickly with a mass of + pitch and sulphur which set on fire all they touched. Other species of + falariques were in the form of spindles, the shaft wrapped round with flax + dipped in pitch. Hannibal fought at the head of his troops with desperate + bravery, and had a narrow escape of being crushed by an enormous rock + which fell at his feet; but in spite of his efforts and those of his + troops they were unable to carry the breach, and at nightfall fell back to + their camp, having suffered very heavy losses. + </p> + <p> + Singularly enough the French columns were repulsed in an effort to carry a + breach at almost the same spot, the Spaniards hurling among them stones, + hand grenades of glass bottles and shells, and defending the breach with + their long pikes against all the efforts of Suchet's troops. + </p> + <p> + Some days passed before the attack was renewed, as the troops were worn + out by their labours. A strong guard in the meantime held the advanced + works against any sorties of the Saguntines. + </p> + <p> + These, on their side, worked night and day, and by the time the + Carthaginians again advanced the wall was rebuilt and the breach closed. + But Hannibal had also been busy. Seeing that it was impossible for his + troops to win an entrance by a breach, as long as the Saguntines occupied + every point commanding it, he caused a vast tower to be built, + sufficiently lofty to overlook every point of the defences, arming each of + its stages with catapults and ballistas. He also built near the walls a + great terrace of wood higher than the walls themselves, and from this and + from the tower he poured such torrents of missiles into the town that the + defenders could no longer remain upon the walls. Five hundred Arab miners + now advanced, and these, setting to work with their implements, soon + loosened the lower stones of the wall, and this again fell with a mighty + crash and a breach was opened. + </p> + <p> + The Carthaginians at once swarmed in and took possession of the wall; but + while the besiegers had been constructing their castle and terrace, the + Saguntines had built an interior wall, and Hannibal saw himself confronted + with a fresh line of defences. + </p> + <p> + As preparations were being made for the attack of the new defences + messengers arrived saying that the Carpatans and Orotans, furious at the + heavy levies of men which had been demanded from them for the army, had + revolted. Leaving Maharbal to conduct the siege in his absence, Hannibal + hurried away with a portion of his force, and returned in two months, + having put down the revolt and severely punished the tribesmen. + </p> + <p> + While the siege had been continuing the Romans had been making vain + efforts to induce the Carthaginians to desist. No sooner had the + operations commenced than agents from the Roman senate waited on Hannibal + and begged him to abandon the siege. Hannibal treated their remonstrance + with disdain, at the same time writing to Carthage to say that it was + absolutely necessary that the people of Saguntum, who were insolent and + hostile, relying on the protection of Rome, should be punished. The envoys + then went to Carthage, where they made an animated protest against what + they regarded as an unprovoked attack upon their allies. Rome, in fact, + was anxious at this moment to postpone the struggle with Carthage for the + same reason that Hannibal was anxious to press it on. + </p> + <p> + She had but just finished a long struggle with the Gaulish tribes of + Northern Italy, and was anxious to recover her strength before she engaged + in another war. It was for this very reason that Hannibal desired to force + on the struggle. His friends at Carthage persuaded the senate to refuse to + listen to the envoys of Rome. Another embassy was sent to Hannibal, but + the general would not give them an interview, and, following the + instructions they had received, the ambassadors then sailed to Carthage to + make a formal demand for reparation, and for the person of Hannibal to be + delivered over to them for punishment. + </p> + <p> + But the Barcine party were for the moment in the ascendancy; long + negotiations took place which led to nothing, and all this time the + condition of the Saguntines was becoming more desperate. Five new + ambassadors were therefore sent from Rome to ask in the name of the + republic whether Hannibal was authorized by the Carthaginians to lay siege + to Saguntum, to demand that he should be delivered to Rome, and, in case + of refusal, to declare war. The Carthaginian senate met in the temple of + Moloch and there received the Roman ambassadors. Q. Fabius, the chief man + of the embassy, briefly laid the demands of Rome before the senate. + Cestar, one of the Barcine leaders, replied, refusing the demands. Fabius + then rose. + </p> + <p> + “I give you the choice—peace or war?” + </p> + <p> + “Choose yourself,” the Carthaginians cried. + </p> + <p> + “Then I choose war,” Fabius said. + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” the assembly shouted. + </p> + <p> + And thus war was formally declared between the two Republics. But Saguntum + had now fallen. The second wall had been breached by the time Hannibal had + returned from his expedition, and an assault was ordered. As before, the + Saguntines fought desperately, but after a long struggle the Carthaginians + succeeded in winning a footing upon the wall. + </p> + <p> + The Saguntines, seeing that further resistance was vain, that the + besiegers had already won the breach, that there was no chance of + assistance from Rome, and having, moreover, consumed their last + provisions, sought for terms. Halcon, the Saguntine general, and a noble + Spaniard named Alorcus, on the part of Hannibal, met in the breach. + Alorcus named the conditions which Hannibal had imposed—that the + Saguntines should restore to the Torbolates the territory they had taken + from them, and that the inhabitants, giving up all their goods and + treasures, should then be permitted to leave the town and to found a new + city at a spot which Hannibal would name. + </p> + <p> + The Saguntines, who were crowding round, heard the terms. Many of the + principal senators at once left the place, and hurrying into their houses + carried the gold and silver which they had there, and also some of that in + the public treasury, into the forum, and piling up a vast heap of wood set + it alight and threw themselves into the flames. This act caused a + tremendous commotion in the city. A general tumult broke out, and + Hannibal, seeing that his terms were refused, poured his troops across the + breach, and after a short but desperate fight captured the city. In + accordance with the cruel customs of the times, which, however, were + rarely carried into effect by Hannibal, the male prisoners were all put to + the sword, as on this occasion he considered it necessary to strike terror + into the inhabitants of Spain, and to inflict a lesson which would not be + forgotten during his absence in the country. + </p> + <p> + The siege had lasted eight months. The booty taken was enormous. Every + soldier in the army had a rich share of the plunder, and a vast sum was + sent to Carthage; besides which the treasure chests of the army were + filled up. All the Spanish troops had leave given them to return to their + homes for the winter, and they dispersed highly satisfied with the booty + with which they were laden. This was a most politic step on the part of + the young general, as the tribesmen, seeing the wealth with which their + countrymen returned, no longer felt it a hardship to fight in the + Carthaginian ranks, and the levies called out in the spring went willingly + and even eagerly. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal returned with his African troops to spend the winter at + Carthagena. He was there joined by the emissaries he had sent to examine + Southern Gaul and the passes of the Alps, to determine the most + practicable route for the march of the army, and to form alliances with + the tribes of Southern Gaul and Northern Italy. Their reports were + favourable, for they had found the greatest discontent existing among the + tribes north of the Apennines, who had but recently been conquered by the + Romans. + </p> + <p> + Their chiefs, smarting under the heavy yoke of Rome, listened eagerly to + the offers of Hannibal's agents, who distributed large sums of money among + them, and promised them, in return for their assistance, not only their + freedom from their conqueror, but a full share in the spoils of Rome. The + chiefs replied that they would render any assistance to the Carthaginians + as soon as they passed the Alps, and that they would then join them with + all their forces. The reports as to the passes of the Alps were less + satisfactory. Those who had examined them found that the difficulties they + offered to the passage of an army were enormous, and that the tribes who + inhabited the lower passes, having suffered in no way yet at the hands of + Rome, would probably resist any army endeavouring to cross. + </p> + <p> + By far the easiest route would be to follow the seashore, but this was + barred against the Carthaginians by the fact that the Massilians (the + people of Marseilles) were the close allies of Rome. They had admitted + Roman colonists among them, and carried on an extensive trade with the + capital. Their town was strong, and their ports would be open to the Roman + fleets. The tribes in their neighourhood were all closely allied with + them. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal saw at once that he could not advance by the route by the sea + without first reducing Marseilles. This would be an even more difficult + operation than the siege of Saguntum, as Rome would be able to send any + number of men by sea to the aid of the besieged, and the great struggle + would be fought out in Southern Gaul instead of, as he wished, in Italy. + Thus he decided to march by a route which would take him far north of + Marseilles, even although it would necessitate a passage through the + terrible passes of the Alps. + </p> + <p> + During the winter Hannibal laboured without intermission in preparing for + his expedition. He was ever among his soldiers, and personally saw to + everything which could conduce to their comfort and well being. He took a + lively interest in every minute detail which affected them; saw that their + clothing was abundant and of good quality, inspected their rations, and + saw that these were well cooked. + </p> + <p> + It was this personal attention to the wants of his soldiers which, as much + as his genius as a general, his personal valour, and his brilliant + qualities, endeared him to his troops. They saw how anxious he was for + their welfare; they felt that he regarded every man in his army as a + friend and comrade, and in return they were ready to respond to every + appeal, to make every sacrifice, to endure, to suffer, to fight to the + death for their beloved leader. His troops were mercenaries—that is, + they fought for pay in a cause which in no way concerned them—but + personal affection for their general supplied in them the place of the + patriotism which inspires modern soldiers, and transformed these semi + barbarous tribesmen into troops fit to cope with the trained legionaries + of Rome. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal was far in advance of any of the generals of his time in all + matters of organization. His commissariat was as perfect as that of modern + armies. It was its duty to collect grain from the country through which + the army marched, to form magazines, to collect and drive with the troops + herds of cattle, to take over the provisions and booty brought in by + foraging parties, and, to see to the daily distribution of rations among + the various divisions. + </p> + <p> + Along the line of communication depots were formed, where provisions, + clothing, and arms were stored in readiness for use, and from which the + whole army could, in case of necessity, be supplied with fresh clothing + and shoes. A band of surgeons accompanied the army, at the head of whom + was Synhalus, one of the most celebrated physicians of the time. So + perfect were the arrangements that it is said that throughout the long + campaign in Italy not a single day passed but that the troops, elephants, + and animals of all descriptions accompanying the army received their daily + rations of food. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X: BESET + </h2> + <p> + During the winter Hannibal made every preparation to ensure the + tranquillity of Spain while he was absent. In order to lessen the number + of possible enemies there he raised a body of twelve hundred horse and + fourteen thousand infantry from among the most turbulent tribes, and sent + them across to Africa to serve as garrisons in Carthage and other points, + while an equal number of African troops were brought over to garrison + Spain, of which Hasdrubal, Hannibal's brother, was to have the government + during his absence. + </p> + <p> + Hanno, an able general, was to command the force which was to be left in + southern Gaul to keep open the communications between the Pyrenees and the + Alps, while the youngest brother, Mago, a youth of about the same age as + Malchus, was to accompany him to Italy. Hannibal's wife and a child which + had been born in the preceding spring, were sent by ship to Carthage. + </p> + <p> + In the early spring the march commenced, the army following the coast line + until it reached the mouth of the Ebro. The mountainous and broken country + lying between this river and the Pyrenees, and now known as Catalonia, was + inhabited by fierce tribes unconquered as yet by Roman or Carthaginian. + Its conquest presented enormous difficulties. There was no coherence + between its people; but each valley and mountain was a stronghold to be + defended desperately until the last. The inhabitants, accustomed to the + mountains, were hardy, active, and, vigourous, ready to oppose a desperate + resistance so long as resistance was possible, and then to flee across + their hills at a speed which defied the fleetest of their pursuers. + </p> + <p> + Every man was a soldier, and at the first alarm the inhabitants of the + villages abandoned their houses, buried their grain, and having driven + away their cattle into almost inaccessible recesses among the hills, + returned to oppose the invaders. The conquest of such a people was one of + the most difficult of undertakings, as the French generals of Napoleon + afterwards discovered, to their cost. The cruelty of the mountaineers was + equal to their courage, and the lapse of two thousand years changed them + but little, for in their long struggle against the French they massacred + every detachment whom they could surprise among the hills, murdered the + wounded who fell into their hands, and poisoned wells and grain. + </p> + <p> + The army which Hannibal had brought to the foot of this country through + which he had to pass, amounted to 102,000 men, of which 12,000 were + cavalry and 90,000 infantry. This force passed the Ebro in three bodies of + equal strength. The natives opposed a desperate resistance, but the three + columns pressed forward on parallel lines. The towns were besieged and + captured, and after two months of desperate fighting Catalonia was + subdued, but its conquest cost Hannibal twenty-one thousand men, a fifth + of his whole army. Hanno was for the time left here with ten thousand + infantry and a thousand cavalry. He was to suppress any fresh rising, to + hold the large towns, to form magazines for the army, and to keep open the + passes of the Pyrenees. He fixed his headquarters at Burgos. His + operations were facilitated by the fact that along the line of the sea + coast were a number of Phoenician colonies who were natural allies of the + Carthaginians, and aided them in every way in their power. Before + advancing through the passes of the Pyrenees Hannibal still further + reduced the strength of his force by weeding out all those who had in the + conflict among the mountains shown themselves wanting in personal strength + or in military qualities. Giving these leave to return home he advanced at + the head of fifty thousand picked infantry and nine thousand cavalry. + </p> + <p> + The company under Malchus had rendered good service during the campaign of + Catalonia. It had accompanied the column marching by the seashore; with + this were the elephants, the treasure, and the heavy baggage of the army. + It had throughout been in advance of the column, feeling the way, + protecting it from ambushes, and dispersing any small bodies of tribesmen + who might have placed themselves on heights, whence with arrows and slings + they could harass the column on its march. The company had lost + comparatively few men in the campaign, for it had taken no part in the + various sieges. Its duties, however, were severe in the extreme. The men + were ever on the watch, scouting the country round, while the army was + engaged in siege operations, sometimes ascending mountains whence they + could command views over the interior or pursuing bands of tribesmen to + their refuges among the hills. + </p> + <p> + Severely as Malchus had trained himself in every exercise, he found it at + first difficult to support the fatigues of such a life; but every day his + muscles hardened, and by the end of the campaign he was able to keep on + foot as long as the hardest of his men. + </p> + <p> + One day he had followed a party of the tribesmen far up among the + mountains. The enemy had scattered, and the Arabs in their hot pursuit had + also broken up into small parties. Malchus kept his eye upon the man who + appeared to be the chief of the enemy's party, and pressing hotly upon him + brought him to bay on the face of a steep and rugged gorge. Only one of + the Numidians was at hand, a man named Nessus, who was greatly attached to + his young leader, and always kept close to him in his expeditions. The + savage, a bulky and heavy man, finding he could no longer keep ahead of + his fleet footed pursuers, took his post at a narrow point in the path + where but one could oppose him; and there, with his heavy sword drawn, he + awaited the attack. Malchus advanced to meet him, sword in hand, when an + arrow from Nessus whizzed past him and struck the chief in the throat, and + his body fell heavily down the rocks. + </p> + <p> + “That is not fair,” Malchus said angrily. “I would fain have fought him + hand to hand.” + </p> + <p> + The Arab bowed his head. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” he said, “the combat would not have been even; the man had the + upper ground, and you would have fought at a grievous disadvantage. Why + should you risk your life in a fight with the swords, when my arrow has + answered all purposes? What should I have said if I had gone back without + you? What satisfaction would it have been to me to avenge your fall? What + would they have said to me when I told them that I looked on idly while + you engaged in such a struggle? Valour is valour, and we all know that my + lord is the bravest among us; but the life of the cousin of our general is + too valuable to be risked for nought when we are embarked upon a great + enterprise.” + </p> + <p> + “Look, Nessus! what is there?” Malchus exclaimed, his attention attracted + by a dark object which was crossing the narrow path some distance ahead + and ascending the steep side of the gorge. “It is a bear, let us follow + him; his flesh will form a welcome change for the company tonight.” + </p> + <p> + The bear, who had been prowling in the bottom of the ravine, had been + disturbed by the fall of the body of the savage near him, and started + hastily to return to its abode, which lay high up on the face of the + cliff. Malchus and his companion hurried forward to the spot where it had + crossed the path. The way was plain enough; there were scratches on the + rock, and the bushes growing in the crevices were beaten down. The path + had evidently been frequently used by the animal. + </p> + <p> + “Look out, my lord!” Nessus exclaimed as Malchus hurried along. “These + bears of the Pyrenees are savage brutes. See that he does not take you + unawares.” + </p> + <p> + The rocks were exceedingly steep; and Malchus, with his bow in his hand + and the arrow fitted and ready to draw, climbed on, keeping his eyes on + every clump of bush lest the bear should be lurking there. At last he + paused. They had reached a spot now but a short distance from the top. The + cliff here fell almost perpendicularly down, and along its face was a + narrow ledge scarcely a foot wide. Along this it was evident the bear had + passed. + </p> + <p> + “I should think we must be near his den now, Nessus. I trust this ledge + widens out before it gets there. It would be an awkward place for a + conflict, for a stroke of his paw would send one over the edge.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be close behind you, my lord,” said Nessus, whose blood was now + up with the chase. “Should you fail to stop him, drop on one knee that I + may shoot over you.” + </p> + <p> + For some fifty yards the ledge continued unbroken. Malchus moved along + cautiously, with his arrow in the string and his shield shifted round his + shoulder, in readiness for instant action. Suddenly, upon turning a sharp + corner of the cliff, he saw it widened ten feet ahead into a sort of + platform lying in the angle of the cliff, which beyond it again jutted + out. On this platform was a bear, which with an angry growl at once + advanced towards him. Malchus discharged his arrow; it struck the bear + full on the chest, and penetrated deeply. With a stroke of his paw the + animal broke the shaft asunder and rushed forward. Malchus threw forward + the point of his spear, and with his shield on his arm awaited the onset. + He struck the bear fairly on the chest, but, as before, it snapped the + shaft with its paw, and rising to its feet advanced. + </p> + <p> + “Kneel, my lord!” Nessus exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + Malchus dropped on one knee, bracing himself as firmly as he could against + the rock, and, with his shield above his head and his sword in his hand, + awaited the attack of the enraged animal. He heard the twang of the bow + behind him; then he felt a mighty blow, which beat down his shield and + descended with terrible force upon his helmet, throwing him forward on to + his face. Then there was a heavy blow on his back; and it was well for him + that he had on backpiece as well as breastplate, or the flesh would have + been torn from his shoulder to his loins. As the blow fell there was an + angry roar. For a moment he felt crushed by a weight which fell upon him. + This was suddenly removed, and he heard a crash far below as the bear, + pierced to the heart by the Arab's spear, fell over the precipice. Nessus + hastened to raise him. + </p> + <p> + “My lord is not hurt, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “In no way, Nessus, thanks to you; but my head swims and my arm is well + nigh broken with that blow. Who would have thought a beast like that could + have struck so hard? See, he has dented in my helmet and has bent my + shield! Now, before we go back and search for the body, let us see what + its den is like.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you take my spear, my lord; your own is broken, and your bow has gone + over the precipice. It may be that there is another bear here. Where one + is, the other is seldom far off.” + </p> + <p> + They advanced on to the platform, and saw in the corner of the angle a + cave entering some distance into the hill. As they approached the entrance + a deep growl was heard within. + </p> + <p> + “We had best leave it alone, my lord,” Nessus said as they both recoiled a + step at the entrance. “This is doubtless the female, and these are larger + and fiercer than the males.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you, Nessus,” Malchus said. “Were we on other ground I + should say let us attack it, but I have had enough of fighting bears on + the edge of a precipice. There is as much meat as we can carry ready for + us below. Besides, the hour is late and the men will be getting uneasy. + Moreover, we are but half armed; and we cannot get at her without crawling + through that hole, which is scarce three feet high. Altogether, we had + best leave her alone.” + </p> + <p> + While they were speaking the bear began to roar angrily, the deeper notes + being mingled with a chorus of snarls and whinings which showed that there + was a young family with her. + </p> + <p> + “Do you go first, Nessus,” Malchus said. “The rear is the post of honour + here, though I fancy the beast does not mean to come out.” + </p> + <p> + Nessus without a word took the lead, and advanced across the platform + towards the corner. + </p> + <p> + As he was in the act of turning it he sprang suddenly back, while an arrow + flew past, grazing the corner of the rock. + </p> + <p> + “There are a score of natives on the path!” he exclaimed. “We are in a + trap.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus looked round in dismay. It was evident that some of the natives + must have seen the fall of their leader and watched them pursue the bear, + and had now closed in behind them to cut off their retreat. The situation + was a most unpleasant one. The ledge extended no further than the + platform; below, the precipice fell away sheer down a hundred feet; above, + it rose as high. The narrow path was occupied with numerous foes. In the + den behind them was the angry bear. + </p> + <p> + For a moment the two men looked at each other in consternation. + </p> + <p> + “We are fairly caught, Nessus,” Malchus said. “There is one thing, they + can no more attack us than we can attack them. Only one can come round + this corner at a time, and we can shoot or spear them as they do so. We + are tolerably safe from attack, but they can starve us out.” + </p> + <p> + “They can shoot over from the other side of the ravine,” Nessus said; + “their arrows will carry from the opposite brow easily enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” Malchus said firmly, “we must dispose of the bear; we must have + the cave. We shall be safe there from their arrows, while, lying at the + entrance, we could shoot any that should venture past the corner. First, + though, I will blow my horn. Some of our men may be within hearing.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus pulled forth the horn which he carried. It was useless, being + completely flattened with the blow that the bear had struck him. + </p> + <p> + “That hope is gone, Nessus,” he said. “Now let us get the bear to come out + as soon as possible, and finish with her. Do you stand at the corner with + your arrow ready, in case the natives should try to surprise us, and be + ready to aid me when she rushes out.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus went to the mouth of the den, struck his spear against the side, + and threw in some pieces of stone; but, although the growling was deep and + continuous, the bear showed no signs of an intention of coming out. + </p> + <p> + The Arab was an old hunter, and he now asked Malchus to take his place + with the bow while he drove the bear out. He first took off his bernous, + cut off several strips from the bottom, knotted them together, and then + twisted the strip into a rope. Growing out from a crevice in the rock, + some three feet above the top of the cave, was a young tree; and round + this, close to the root, Nessus fastened one end of his rope, the other he + formed into a slip-knot and let the noose fall in front of the cave, + keeping it open with two twigs placed across it. Then he gathered some + brushwood and placed it at the entrance, put a bunch of dried twigs and + dead leaves among it, and, striking a light with his flint and steel on + some dried fungus, placed this in the middle of the sticks and blew upon + it. In a minute a flame leaped up. “Now, my lord,” he said, “be ready with + your sword and spear. The beast will be out in a minute; she cannot stand + the smoke.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus ran to the corner and looked round. The natives were at a distance + along the ledge, evidently with no intention of attacking a foe of whom + they felt sure. A taunting shout was raised and an arrow flew towards him, + but he instantly withdrew his head and ran back to the platform. + </p> + <p> + A minute later there was a fierce growl and the bear rushed out. The + brushwood was scattered as, checked suddenly in its rush by the noose, the + animal rose on its hind legs. In an instant the spear of Nessus was + plunged deeply into it on one side, while Malchus buried his sword to the + hilt in its body under the fore shoulder of the other. Stabbed to the + heart, the beast fell prostrate. Nessus repeated his blow, but the animal + was dead. Five young bears rushed out after their mother, growling and + snapping; but as these were only about a quarter grown they were easily + despatched. + </p> + <p> + “There is a supply of food for a long time,” Malchus said cheerfully; “and + as there is a drip of water coming down in this angle we shall be able to + quench our thirst. Ah! we are just in time.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke an arrow struck the rock close to them and dropped at their + feet. Others came in rapid succession; and, looking at the brow of the + opposite side of the ravine, they saw a number of natives. + </p> + <p> + “Pull the bear's body across the mouth of the cave,” Malchus said, “it + will prevent the arrows which strike the rock in front from glancing in. + The little bears will do for food at present.” + </p> + <p> + They were soon in the cave, which opened beyond the entrance and extended + some distance into the mountain; it was seven or eight feet wide and lofty + enough to stand upright in. Nessus lay down behind the bear, with his bow + and arrow so as to command the angle of the rock. Malchus seated himself + further in the cave, sheltered by the entrance from the arrows which from + time to time glanced in at the mouth. Only once did Nessus have to shoot. + The natives on the ledge, informed by their comrades on the opposite side + of the gorge that their foes had sought refuge in the cave, ventured to + advance; but the moment the first turned the corner he fell over the + precipice, transfixed by an arrow from the bow of Nessus, and the rest + hastily retreated. + </p> + <p> + “Hand me your flint and steel, Nessus, and a piece of fungus. I may as + well have a look round the cave.” + </p> + <p> + A light was soon procured, and Malchus found that the cave extended some + fifty feet back, narrowing gradually to the end. It had evidently been + used for a long time by wild animals. The floor was completely covered + with dry bones of various sizes. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he saw that this was the case Malchus tore off a strip of his + linen shirt, and rolling it into a ball set it on fire. On this he piled + up small bones, which caught readily, and he soon had a bright and almost + smokeless fire. He now took the place of Nessus. The latter skinned and + cut up one of the small bears, and soon had some steaks broiling over the + fire. By this time it was getting dusk without. + </p> + <p> + When the meat was cooked Nessus satisfied his hunger and then sallied out + from the cave and took his post as sentry with his spear close to the + angle of the rock, as by this time the natives on the opposite side, being + no longer able to see in the gathering darkness, had ceased to shoot. + Malchus ate his food at his leisure, and then joined his companion. + </p> + <p> + “We must get out of here somehow, Nessus. Our company will search for us + tomorrow; but they might search for a week without finding us here; and, + as the army is advancing, they could not spare more than a day; so, if we + are to get away, it must be by our own exertions.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to fight my way along this ledge, my lord, if such is your + wish. They cannot see us to fire at, and as only one man can stand + abreast, their numbers would be of no avail to them.” + </p> + <p> + “Not on the ledge, Nessus; but they would hardly defend that. No doubt + they are grouped at the further end, and we should have to fight against + overwhelming numbers. No, that is not to be thought of. The only way of + escape I can think of would be to let ourselves down the precipice; but + our bernouses would not make a rope long enough.” + </p> + <p> + “They would not reach a third of the distance,” Nessus replied, shaking + his head. “They have been worn some time, and the cloth is no longer + strong. It would need a broad strip to support us.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so, Nessus, but we have materials for making the rope long + enough, nevertheless.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand you, my lord. Our other garments would be of but + little use.” + </p> + <p> + “Of no use at all, Nessus, and I was not thinking of them; but we have the + skins of the bears—the hide of the old bear at least is thick and + tough—and a narrow strip would bear our weight.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” Nessus said. “How stupid of me not to think of it, for in the + desert we make all our rope of twisted slips of hide. If you will stand + sentry here, my lord, I will set about it at once.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus took the spear, and Nessus at once set to work to skin the bear, + and when that was done he cut long strips from the hide, and having + fastened them together, twisted them into a rope. + </p> + <p> + The bernouses—which when on the march were rolled up and worn over + one shoulder like a scarf, as the German and Italian soldiers carry their + blankets in modern times—were also cut up and twisted, and in three + hours Nessus had a rope which he assured Malchus was long enough to reach + to the bottom of the precipice and sufficiently strong to bear their + weight. + </p> + <p> + One end was fastened to the trunk of the young tree, and the rope was then + thrown over the edge of the platform. One of the young bear's skins was + fastened round and round it at the point where it crossed the edge of the + rocky platform, to prevent it from being cut when the weight was put upon + it, and they then prepared for their descent. + </p> + <p> + “Do you go first,” Malchus said. “As soon as I feel that the rope is + loose, I will follow you.” + </p> + <p> + The Arab swung himself off the edge, and in a very short time Malchus felt + the rope slacken. He followed at once. The first twenty feet the descent + was absolutely perpendicular, but after that the rock inclined outward in + a steep but pretty regular slope. Malchus was no longer hanging by the + rope; but throwing the principal portion of his weight still upon it, and + placing his feet on the inequalities of the rock, he made his way down + without difficulty. Presently he stood by Nessus at the foot of the slope. + </p> + <p> + “We had better make up the ravine. There will be numbers of them at its + mouth. We can see the glow of their fires from here.” + </p> + <p> + “But we may not be able to find a way up,” Nessus said; “the sides seem to + get steeper and steeper, and we may find ourselves caught in a trap at the + end of this gorge. At any rate we will try that way first. I wish the moon + was up; it is as black as a wolf's mouth here, and the bottom of the gorge + is all covered with boulders. If we stumble, and our arms strike a stone, + it will be heard by the natives on the opposite heights.” + </p> + <p> + They now set forward, feeling their way with the greatest care; but in the + dense darkness the task of making their way among the boulders was + difficult in the extreme. They had proceeded but a short distance when a + loud yell rose from the height above them. It was repeated again and + again, and was answered by shouts from the opposite side and from the + mouth of the ravine. + </p> + <p> + “By Astarte!” Malchus exclaimed, “they have found out that we have escaped + already.” + </p> + <p> + It was so. One of the natives had crept forward along the path, hoping to + find the sentry asleep, or to steal up noiselessly and stab him. When he + got to the angle of the rock he could see no form before him, nor hear the + slightest sound. Creeping forward he found the platform deserted. He + listened attentively at the entrance to the cave, and the keen ear of the + savage would have detected had any been slumbering there; but all was + still. + </p> + <p> + He rose to his feet with the intention of creeping into the cave, when his + head struck against something. He put up his hand and felt the rope, and + saw how the fugitives had escaped. He at once gave the alarm to his + comrades. In a minute or two a score of men with blazing brands came + running along the path. On seeing the rope, they entered the cave, and + found that their prey had really escaped. + </p> + <p> + Malchus and his companion had not moved after the alarm was given. + </p> + <p> + “We had better be going, my lord,” the Arab said as he saw the men with + torches retracing their steps along the brow. “They will soon be after + us.” + </p> + <p> + “I think not, Nessus. Their chance of finding us among these boulders in + the dark would be small, and they would offer such good marks to our + arrows that they would hardly enter upon it. No, I think they will wait + till daybreak, planting a strong force at the mouth of the ravine, and + along both sides of the end, wherever an ascent could be made. Hark, the + men on the heights there are calling to others along the brow.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, my lord,” Nessus said, seating himself on a rock, “then we + will sell our lives as dearly as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it has not come to that, Nessus. There is a chance of safety for + us yet. The only place they are not likely to look for us is the cave, and + as we have climbed down from above with the rope, there will be no + difficulty in ascending.” + </p> + <p> + Nessus gave an exclamation, which expressed at once admiration of his + leader's idea and gratification at the thought of escape. They began + without delay to retrace their steps, and after some trouble again found + the rope. + </p> + <p> + Nessus mounted first; his bare feet enabled him to grip any inequality of + the surface of the rock. Whenever he came to a ledge which afforded him + standing room he shook the rope, and waited until Malchus joined him. + </p> + <p> + At last they stood together at the foot of the perpendicular rock at the + top. The lightly armed Arab found no difficulty whatever in climbing the + rope; but it was harder work for Malchus, encumbered with the weight of + his armour. The numerous knots, however, helped him, and when he was + within a few feet of the top, Nessus seized the rope and hauled it up by + sheer strength until Malchus was level with the top. Then he gave him his + hand, and assisted him to gain his feet. They entered the cave and made + their way to the further end, and there threw themselves down. They had + not long been there when they saw a flash of light at the mouth of the + cave and heard voices. + </p> + <p> + Malchus seized his spear and would have leaped to his feet, but Nessus + pressed his hand on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “They are come for the she bear,” he said. “It is not likely they will + enter.” + </p> + <p> + Lying hidden in the darkness the fugitives watched the natives roll the + bear over, tie its legs together, and put a stout pole through them. Then + four men lifted the pole on their shoulders and started. + </p> + <p> + Another holding a brand entered the cave. The two fugitives held their + breath, and Nessus sat with an arrow in the string ready to shoot. The + brand, however, gave but a feeble light, and the native, picking up the + bodies of three of the young bears, which lay close to the entrance, threw + them over his shoulder, and crawled back out of the cave again. As they + heard his departing footsteps the fugitives drew a long breath of relief. + </p> + <p> + Nessus rose and made his way cautiously out of the cave. He returned in a + minute. + </p> + <p> + “They have taken the rope with them,” he said, “and it is well, for when + they have searched the valley tomorrow, were it hanging there, it might + occur to them that we have made our way up. Now that it is gone they can + never suspect that we have returned here.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no chance of our being disturbed again tonight, Nessus. We can + sleep as securely as if were in our camp.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Malchus chose a comfortable place, and was soon asleep. + </p> + <p> + Nessus, however, did not lie down, but sat watching with unwearied eyes + the entrance to the cave. As soon as day had fairly broken, a chorus of + loud shouts and yells far down the ravine told that the search had begun. + For hours it continued. Every bush and boulder in the bottom was searched + by the natives. + </p> + <p> + Again and again they went up and down the gorge, convinced that the + fugitives must be hidden somewhere; for, as Nessus had anticipated, the + cliffs at the upper end were so precipitous that an escape there was + impossible, and the natives had kept so close a watch all night along the + slopes at the lower end, and at the mouth, that they felt sure that their + prey could not have escaped them unseen. And yet at last they were forced + to come to the conclusion that in some inexplicable way this must have + been the case, for how else could they have escaped? The thought that they + had reascended by the rope before it was removed, and that they were + hidden in the cave at the time the bodies of the bear and its cubs were + carried away, never occurred to them. + </p> + <p> + All day they wandered about in the bottom of the ravine, searching every + possible place, and sometimes removing boulders with great labour, where + these were piled together in such a manner that any one could be hidden + beneath them. + </p> + <p> + At nightfall they feasted upon the body of the bear first killed, which + had been found where it had fallen in the ravine. The body of one of the + young bears which lay far up the cave, had escaped their search, and a + portion of this furnished a meal to the two prisoners, who were, however, + obliged to eat it raw, being afraid to light a fire, lest the smoke, + however slight, should be observed coming out at the entrance. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, so far as they could see, the place was deserted by the + natives. Lying far back in the cave they could see that the men on the + opposite side of the ravine had retired; but as it was quite possible that + the natives, feeling still convinced that the fugitives must be hidden + somewhere, had set a watch at some spot commanding a view of the whole + ravine, they did not venture to show themselves at the entrance. + </p> + <p> + After making another meal of the bear, they sallied out, when it again + became dark, and made their way along the path. When they neared the end + they saw a party of the enemy sitting round a great fire at the mouth of + the ravine below them. They retired a short distance, and sat down + patiently until at last the fire burned low, and the natives, leaving two + of the party on watch, lay down to sleep. Then Malchus and his companion + rose to their feet, and made their way along the path. When they were + nearly abreast of the fire, Malchus happened to tread upon a loose stone, + which went bouncing down the side of the hill. + </p> + <p> + The scouts gave a shout, which called their companions to their feet, and + started up the hillside towards the spot where the stone had fallen. + </p> + <p> + Nessus discharged an arrow, which struck full on the chest of the leader + of the party, and then followed Malchus along the hillside. + </p> + <p> + A shout of rage broke from the natives as their comrade fell; but without + pausing they pushed on. Malchus did not hurry. Silence now was of more + importance than speed. He strode along, then, with a rapid but careful + step, Nessus following closely behind him. The shouts of the savages soon + showed that they were at fault. Malchus listened attentively as he went. + Whenever the babel of tongues ceased for a moment he stopped perfectly + still, and only ventured on when they were renewed. + </p> + <p> + At last they had placed a long gap between them and their pursuers, and + came out on a level shoulder of the hill. They continued their way until + they found themselves at the edge of the forest. It was so dark under the + trees that they could no longer advance, and Malchus therefore determined + to wait till the dawn should enable them to continue their journey. + Whether they were in a clump of trees or in the forest, which covered a + large portion of the mountain side, they were unable to tell; nor, as not + a single star could be seen, had they any indication of the direction + which they should take. Retiring then for some little distance among the + trees, they lay down and were soon asleep. + </p> + <p> + When the first dawn of day appeared they were on their way again, and soon + found that the trees under which they had slept formed part of the forest. + Through occasional openings, formed by trees which had fallen from age or + tempest, they obtained a view of the surrounding country, and were enabled + to form an idea where lay the camp which they had left two days before. + </p> + <p> + They had not proceeded far when they heard in the distance behind them the + shouting of men and the barking of dogs, and knew that the enemy were upon + their track. They ran now at the top of their speed, convinced, however, + that the natives, who would have to follow the track, could not travel as + fast as they did. Suddenly Malchus stopped. + </p> + <p> + “Listen!” he said. They paused, and far down the hillside heard the + distant sound of a horn. “Those must be our men,” Malchus exclaimed, “they + are searching for us still; Hannibal must have allowed them to stay behind + when the army proceeded on its way.” + </p> + <p> + In another half hour the horn sounded close at hand and they were speedily + among a body of Malchus' own followers, who received them with shouts of + delight. The men were utterly worn out, for they had searched continuously + day and night from the time they had missed their leader, sometimes high + up among the hills, sometimes among the lower valleys. The party which he + met comprised but a fourth of the band, for they had divided into four + parties, the better to range the country. + </p> + <p> + They were now ascending the hills again at a distance of two miles apart, + and messengers were at once sent off to the other bodies to inform them + that Malchus had returned. Malchus quickly recounted to his men the story + of what had befallen them, and then bade them lie down to rest while he + and Nessus kept watch. + </p> + <p> + The natives who had been in pursuit did not make their appearance, having + doubtless heard the horn which told of the approach of a body of the + Carthaginians. In two hours the whole of the band were collected, and + after a few hours' halt, to enable the men to recover from their long + fatigue and sleeplessness, Malchus put himself at their head and they + marched away to join the main body of their army, which they overtook two + days later. + </p> + <p> + Malchus was received with great delight by his father and Hannibal, who + had given him up for lost. Nessus had over and over again recounted all + the details of their adventure to his comrades, and the quickness of + Malchus at hitting upon the stratagem of returning to the cave, and so + escaping from a position where escape seemed well nigh impossible, won for + him an even higher place than before in the admiration of his followers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI: THE PASSAGE OF THE RHONE + </h2> + <p> + The army was now moving through the passes of the Pyrenees. The labour was + great; no army had ever before crossed this mountain barrier; roads had to + be made, streams bridged, and rocks blasted away, to allow the passage of + the elephants and baggage wagons. Opinions have differed as to the + explosives used by the Carthaginian miners, but it is certain that they + possessed means of blasting rocks. The engineers of Hannibal's force + possessed an amount of knowledge and science vastly in excess of that + attained by the Romans at that time, and during the campaign the latter + frequently endeavoured, and sometimes with success, by promises of high + rewards, to induce Hannibal's engineers to desert and take service with + them. A people well acquainted with the uses of sulphur and niter, skilled + in the Oriental science of chemistry, capable of manufacturing Greek fire—a + compound which would burn under water—may well have been acquainted + with some mixture resembling gunpowder. + </p> + <p> + The art of making this explosive was certainly known to the Chinese in + very remote ages, and the Phoenicians, whose galleys traversed the most + distant seas to the east, may have acquired their knowledge from that + people. + </p> + <p> + The wild tribes of the mountains harassed the army during this difficult + march, and constant skirmishes went on between them and Hannibal's light + armed troops. However, at last all difficulties were overcome, and the + army descended the slopes into the plains of Southern Gaul. + </p> + <p> + Already Hannibal's agents had negotiated for an unopposed passage through + this country; but the Gauls, alarmed at the appearance of the army, and at + the news which had reached them of the conquest of Catalonia, assembled in + arms. Hannibal's tact and a lavish distribution of presents dissipated the + alarm of the Gauls, and their chiefs visited Hannibal's camp at Elne, and + a treaty was entered into for the passage of the army. + </p> + <p> + A singular article of this treaty, and one which shows the esteem in which + the Gauls held their women, was that all complaints on the part of the + natives against Carthaginian troops should be carried to Hannibal himself + or the general representing him, and that all complaints of the + Carthaginians against the natives should be decided without appeal by a + council composed of Gaulish women. This condition caused much amusement to + the Carthaginians, who, however, had no cause to regret its acceptance, + for the decisions of this singular tribunal were marked by the greatest + fairness and impartiality. The greater part of the tribes through whose + country the army marched towards the Rhone observed the terms of the + treaty with good faith; some proved troublesome, but were wholly unable to + stand against the Carthaginian arms. + </p> + <p> + The exact route traversed by the army has been a subject of long and + bitter controversy; but, as no events of very great importance occurred on + the way, the precise line followed in crossing Gaul is a matter of but + slight interest. Suffice that, after marching from the Pyrenees at a high + rate of speed, the army reached the Rhone at the point where Roquemaure + now stands, a short distance above Avignon. + </p> + <p> + This point had been chosen by Hannibal because it was one of the few spots + at which the Rhone runs in a single stream, its course being for the most + part greatly broken up by islands. Roquemaure lies sixty-five miles from + the sea, and it was necessary to cross the Rhone at some distance from its + mouth, for Rome was now thoroughly alarmed, and Scipio, with a fleet and + powerful army, was near Marseilles waiting to engage Hannibal on the + plains of Gaul. + </p> + <p> + During the last few days' march no inhabitants had been encountered. The + Arecomici, who inhabited this part of the country, had not been + represented at the meeting, and at the news of the approach of the + Carthaginians had deserted their country and fled across the Rhone, where, + joined by the tribes dwelling upon the further bank, they prepared to + offer a desperate opposition to the passage of the river. The appearance + of this mass of barbarians, armed with bows and arrows and javelins, on + the further side of the wide and rapid river which had to be crossed, was + not encouraging. + </p> + <p> + “It was bad enough crossing the Pyrenees,” Malchus said to Trebon, “but + that was nothing to this undertaking; it is one thing to climb a + precipice, however steep, to the assault of an enemy, another to swim + across at the head of the army under such a shower of missiles as we shall + meet with on the other side.” + </p> + <p> + Hannibal, however, had prepared to overcome the difficulty. Messengers had + been sent up and down the river to all the people living on the right + bank, offering to buy from them at good prices every barge and boat in + their possession, promising them freedom from all exactions and hard + treatment, and offering good pay to those who would render assistance to + the army in the passage. Hannibal's offers were accepted without + hesitation. That the army, which could, had it chosen, have taken all + their boats by force and impressed their labour, should offer to pay + liberally for both, filled them with admiration, and they were, moreover, + only too glad to aid this formidable army of strangers to pass out of + their country. + </p> + <p> + The dwellers upon the Rhone at this period carried on an extensive + commerce, not only with the tribes of the upper river, but with Marseilles + and the ports of Spain and Northern Italy, consequently a large number of + vessels and barges of considerable tonnage were at once obtained. + </p> + <p> + To add to the means of transport the whole army were set to work, and, + assisted by the natives, the soldiers cut down trees, and, hollowing them + out roughly, formed canoes capable of carrying two or three men. So + industriously did the troops work that in two days enough canoes were made + to carry the army across the river; but there was still the opposition of + the natives to be overcome, and when the canoes were finished Hannibal + ordered Hanno, one of his best generals, to start with a division at + nightfall up the bank of the river. + </p> + <p> + Hanno marched five miles, when he found a spot where the river was smooth + and favourable for the passage. The troops set to at once to cut trees; + rafts were formed of these, and the troops passed over. The Spanish corps, + accustomed to the passage of rivers, simply stripped, and putting their + broad shields of hides beneath them, passed the river by swimming. Once + across Hanno gave his men twenty-four hours' rest, and then, calculating + that Hannibal's preparations would be complete, he marched down the river + until he reached a hill, whose summit was visible from Hannibal's camp at + daybreak. Upon this he lit a signal fire. + </p> + <p> + The moment the smoke was seen in the camp Hannibal gave orders for the + troops to embark. The light infantry took to their little canoes, the + cavalry embarked in the larger vessels, and, as these were insufficient to + carry all the horses, a great many of the animals were made to enter the + river attached by ropes to the vessels. The heavier craft started highest + up, in order that they might to some extent break the roughness of the + waves and facilitate the passage of the canoes. + </p> + <p> + The din was prodigious. Thousands of men tugged at the oars, the roughly + made canoes were dashed against each other and often upset, while from the + opposite bank rose loudly the defiant yells of the natives, prepared to + dispute to the last the landing of the flotilla. Suddenly these cries + assumed a different character. A mass of smoke was seen to rise from the + tents of the enemy's camp, and Hanno's division poured down upon their + rear. The Arecomici, taken wholly by surprise, were seized with a panic, + and fled hastily in all directions, leaving the bank clear for the landing + of Hannibal. The whole of the army were brought across at once and + encamped that night on the river. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Hannibal sent off five hundred Numidian horse to + reconnoitre the river below, and ascertain what Scipio's army, which was + known to have landed at its mouth, was doing. He then assembled his army + and introduced to them some chiefs of the tribes beyond the Alps, who had + a day or two before arrived in the camp with the agents he had sent to + their country. They harangued the soldiers, an interpreter translating + their speeches, and assured them of the welcome they would meet in the + rich and fertile country beyond the Alps, and of the alacrity with which + the people there would join them against the Romans. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal himself then addressed the soldiers, pointed out to them that + they had already accomplished by far the greatest part of their journey, + had overcome every obstacle, and that there now remained but a few days' + passage over the mountains, and that Italy, the goal of all their + endeavours, would then lie before them. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers replied with enthusiastic shouts, and Hannibal, after + offering up prayers to the gods on behalf of the army, dismissed the + soldiers, and told them to prepare to start on the following day. Soon + after the assembly had broken up the Numidian horse returned in great + confusion, closely pressed by the Roman cavalry, who had been sent by + Scipio to ascertain Hannibal's position and course. The hostile cavalry + had charged each other with fury. A hundred and forty of the Romans and + two hundred of the Numidians were slain. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal saw that there was no time to be lost. The next morning, at + daybreak, the whole of his cavalry were posted to the south to cover the + movements of the army and to check the Roman advance. The infantry were + then set in motion up the bank of the river and Hannibal, with a small + party, remained behind to watch the passage of the elephants, which had + not yet been brought across. + </p> + <p> + The elephants had not been trained to take to the water, and the operation + was an extremely difficult one. Very strong and massive rafts were joined + together until they extended two hundred feet into the river, being kept + in their place by cables fastened to trees on the bank above them. At the + end of this floating pier was placed another raft of immense size, capable + of carrying four elephants at a time. A thick covering of earth was laid + over the whole, and on this turf was placed. The elephants were then led + forward. + </p> + <p> + So solid was the construction that they advanced upon it without + hesitation. When four had taken their place on the great raft at the end, + the fastenings which secured it to the rest of the structure were cut, and + a large number of boats and barges filled with rowers began to tow the + raft across the river. The elephants were seized with terror at finding + themselves afloat, but seeing no way of escape remained trembling in the + centre of the raft until they reached the other side. When it was safely + across, the raft and towing boats returned, and the operation was repeated + until all the elephants were over. + </p> + <p> + Some of the animals, however, were so terrified that they flung themselves + from the rafts into the river and made their way to shore, keeping their + probosces above the surface of the water. The Indians who directed them + were, however, all swept away and drowned. As soon as the elephants were + all across Hannibal called in his cavalry, and with them and the elephants + followed the army. + </p> + <p> + The Romans did not arrive at the spot until three days after the + Carthaginians had left. Scipio was greatly astonished when he found that + Hannibal had marched north, as he believed that the Alps were impassable + for an army, and had reckoned that Hannibal would certainly march down the + river and follow the seashore. Finding that the Carthaginians had left he + marched his army down to his ships again, re-embarked them, and sailed for + Genoa, intending to oppose Hannibal as he issued from the defiles of the + Alps, in the event of his succeeding in making the passage. + </p> + <p> + Four days' march up the Rhone brought Hannibal to the point where the + Isere runs into that river. He crossed it, and with his army entered the + region called by Polybius “The Island,” although the designation is an + incorrect one, for while the Rhone flows along one side of the triangle + and the Isere on the other, the base is formed not by a third river, but + by a portion of the Alpine chain. + </p> + <p> + Malchus and his band had been among the first to push off from the shore + when the army began to cross the Rhone. Malchus was in a roughly + constructed canoe, which was paddled by Nessus and another of his men. + Like most of the other canoes, their craft soon became waterlogged, for + the rapid and angry current of the river, broken and agitated by so large + a number of boats, splashed over the sides of the clumsy canoes, which + were but a few inches above the water. The buoyancy of the wood was + sufficient to float them even when full, but they paddled slowly and + heavily. + </p> + <p> + The confusion was prodigious. The greater part of the men, unaccustomed to + rowing, had little control over their boats. Collisions were frequent, and + numbers of the boats were upset and their occupants drowned. The canoe + which carried Malchus was making fair progress, but, to his vexation, was + no longer in the front line. He was urging the paddlers to exert + themselves to the utmost, when Nessus gave a sudden cry. + </p> + <p> + A horse which had broken loose from its fastenings behind one of the + barges was swimming down, frightened and confused at the din. It was + within a few feet of them when Nessus perceived it, and in another moment + it struck the canoe broadside with its chest. The boat rolled over at + once, throwing its occupants into the water. Malchus grasped the canoe as + it upset, for he would instantly have sunk from the weight of his armour. + Nessus a moment later appeared by his side. + </p> + <p> + “I will go to the other side, my lord,” he said, “that will keep the tree + from turning over again.” + </p> + <p> + He dived under the canoe, and came up on the opposite side, and giving + Malchus his hand across it, there was no longer any fear of the log + rolling over. The other rower did not reappear above the surface. Malchus + shouted in vain to some of the passing boats to pick him up, but all were + so absorbed in their efforts to advance and their eagerness to engage the + enemy that none paid attention to Malchus or the others in like plight. + Besides, it seemed probable that all, if they stuck to their canoes, would + presently gain one bank or other of the river. Malchus, too, had started + rather low down, and he was therefore soon out of the flotilla. + </p> + <p> + The boat was nearly in midstream when the accident happened. + </p> + <p> + “The first thing to do,” Malchus said when he saw that there was no chance + of their being picked up, “is to rid myself of my armour. I can do nothing + with it on, and if the tree turns over I shall go down like a stone. First + of all, Nessus, do you unloose your sword belt. I will do the same. If we + fasten them together they are long enough to go round the canoe, and if we + take off our helmets and pass the belts through the chin chains they will, + with our swords, hang safely.” + </p> + <p> + This was with some difficulty accomplished. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” Malchus continued, “let us make our way to the stern of the canoe. + I will place my hand on the tree there, and do you unfasten the shoulder + and waist straps of my breast and backpieces. I cannot do it myself.” + </p> + <p> + This was also accomplished, and the two pieces of armour laid on the tree. + They were now free to look round. The rapid stream had already taken them + half a mile below the point where the army were crossing, and they were + now entering a spot where the river was broken up by islands, and raced + along its pent up channel with greater velocity than before, its surface + broken with short angry waves, which rendered it difficult for them to + retain their hold of the tree. + </p> + <p> + For a time they strove by swimming to give the canoe an impetus towards + one bank or the other; but their efforts were vain. Sometimes they thought + they were about to succeed, and then an eddy would take the boat and carry + it into the middle of the stream again. + </p> + <p> + “It is useless, Nessus,” Malchus said at last. “We are only wearing + ourselves out, and our efforts are of no avail whatever. We must be + content to drift down the river until our good luck throws us into some + eddy which may carry us near one bank or the other.” + </p> + <p> + It was a long time, indeed, before that stroke of fortune befell them, and + they were many miles down the river before the current took them near the + eastern bank at a point where a sharp curve of the river threw the force + of the current over in that direction; but although they were carried to + within a few yards of the shore, so numbed and exhausted were they by + their long immersion in the cold water that it was with the greatest + difficulty that they could give the canoe a sufficient impulsion to carry + it to the bank. + </p> + <p> + At last, however, their feet touched the bottom, and they struggled to + shore, carrying with them the arms and armour; then, letting the canoe + drift away again, they crawled up the bank, and threw themselves down, + utterly exhausted. It was some time before either of them spoke. Then + Malchus said: + </p> + <p> + “We had best strip off our clothes and wring them as well as we can; after + that they will soon dry on us. We have no means of drying them here, so we + must lie down among some bushes to shelter us from this bitter wind which + blows from the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + The clothes were wrung until the last drop was extracted from them and + then put on again. They were still damp and cold, but Malchus and his + companion had been accustomed to be drenched to the skin, and thought + nothing of this. They were still too exhausted, however, to walk briskly, + and therefore lay down among some thick bushes until they should feel + equal to setting out on the long tramp to rejoin their companions. After + lying for a couple of hours Malchus rose to his feet, and issuing from the + bushes looked round. He had resumed his armour and sword. As he stepped + out a sudden shout arose, and he saw within a hundred yards of him a body + of natives some hundred strong approaching. They had already caught sight + of him. + </p> + <p> + “Nessus,” he exclaimed, without looking round, “lie still. I am seen, and + shall be taken in a minute. It is hopeless for me to try to escape. You + will do me more good by remaining hid and trying to free me from their + hands afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, and without drawing his sword, Malchus quietly advanced towards + the natives, who were rushing down towards him with loud shouts. Flight or + resistance would be, as he had at once seen, hopeless, and it was only by + present submission he could hope to save his life. + </p> + <p> + The natives were a portion of the force which had opposed Hannibal's + landing, and had already killed several Carthaginians who had, like + Malchus, struggled to the bank after being upset in the passage. Seeing + that he attempted neither to fly nor to defend himself, they rushed upon + him tumultuously, stripped him of his arms and armour, and dragged him + before their leader. The latter briefly ordered him to be brought along, + and the party continued their hurried march, fearing that the Carthaginian + horse might at any moment pursue them. For the rest of the afternoon they + marched without a halt, but at nightfall stopped in a wood. + </p> + <p> + No fires were lit, for they knew not how close the Carthaginians might be + behind them. Malchus was bound hand and foot and thrown down in their + midst. There was no sleep that night. Half the party remained on watch, + the others sat together round the spot where Malchus lay and discussed the + disastrous events of the day—the great flotilla of the + Carthaginians, the sudden attack in their rear, the destruction of their + camp, the capture of the whole of their goods, and the slaughter and + defeat which had befallen them. + </p> + <p> + As their dialect differed but little from that of the Gauls in the + Carthaginian service, Malchus was enabled to understand the greater part + of their conversation, and learned that the only reason why he was not put + to death at once was that they wished to keep him until beyond the risk of + pursuit of the Carthaginians, when he could be sacrificed to their gods + formally and with the usual ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + All the time that they were talking Malchus listened anxiously for any + sudden outbreak which would tell that Nessus had been discovered. That the + Numidian had followed on their traces and was somewhere in the + neighbourhood Malchus had no doubt, but rescue in his present position was + impossible, and he only hoped that his follower would find that this was + so in time and would wait for a more favourable opportunity. The night + passed off quietly, and in the morning the natives continued their march. + After proceeding for three or four hours a sudden exclamation from one of + them caused the others to turn, and in the distance a black mass of + horsemen was seen approaching. At a rapid run the natives started off for + the shelter of a wood half a mile distant. Malchus was forced to accompany + them. He felt sure that the horsemen were a party of Hannibal's cavalry, + and he wondered whether Nessus was near enough to see them, for if so he + doubted not that he would manage to join them and lead them to his rescue. + </p> + <p> + Just before they reached the wood the natives suddenly stopped, for, + coming from the opposite direction was another body of cavalry. It needed + not the joyous shouts of the natives to tell Malchus that these were + Romans, for they were coming from the south and could only be a party of + Scipio's cavalry. The natives halted at the edge of the wood to watch the + result of the conflict, for the parties evidently saw each other, and both + continued to advance at full speed. The Roman trumpets were sounding, + while the wild yells which came up on the breeze told Malchus that + Hannibal's cavalry were a party of the Numidians. + </p> + <p> + The Romans were somewhat the most numerous; but, had the cavalry opposed + to them consisted of the Carthaginian horse, Malchus would have had little + doubt as to the result; he felt, however, by no means certain that the + light armed Numidians were a match for the Roman cavalry. The party had + stopped but a quarter of a mile from the spot where the rival bands met, + and the crash of bodies driven violently against each other and the clash + of steel on armour could be plainly heard. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes it was a wild confused melee, neither party appearing to + have any advantage. Riderless steeds galloped off from the throng, but + neither party seemed to give way a foot. The whole mass seemed interlaced + in conflict. It was a moving struggling throng of bodies with arms waving + high and swords rising and falling. The Romans fought in silence, but the + wild yells of the Numidians rose shrill and continuous. + </p> + <p> + At last there was a movement, and Malchus gave a groan while the natives + around him shouted in triumph as the Numidians were seen to detach + themselves from the throng and to gallop off at full speed, hotly followed + by the Romans, both, however, in greatly diminished numbers, for the + ground on which the conflict had taken place was thickly strewn with + bodies; nearly half of those who had engaged in that short but desperate + strife were lying there. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had the pursuers and pursued disappeared in the distance than + the natives thronged down to the spot. Such of the Numidians as were found + to be alive were instantly slaughtered, and all were despoiled of their + clothes, arms, and ornaments. The Romans were left untouched, and those + among them who were found to be only wounded were assisted by the natives, + who unbuckled their armour, helped them into a sitting position, bound up + their wounds, and gave them water. + </p> + <p> + Highly satisfied with the booty they obtained, and having no longer any + fear of pursuit, the natives halted to await the return of the Romans. + Malchus learned from their conversation that they had some little doubt + whether the Romans would approve of their appropriating the spoils of the + dead Numidians, and it was finally decided to hand over Malchus, whose + rich armour proclaimed him to be a prisoner of importance, to the Roman + commander. + </p> + <p> + The main body of the natives, with all the spoil which had been collected, + moved away to the wood, while the chief, with four of his companions and + Malchus, remained with the wounded Romans. It was late in the evening + before the Romans returned, after having, as has been said, followed the + Numidians right up to Hannibal's camp. There was some grumbling on the + part of the Roman soldiers when they found that their allies had + forestalled them with the spoil; but the officer in command was well + pleased at finding that the wounded had been carefully attended to, and + bade the men be content that they had rendered good service to the public, + and that Scipio would be well satisfied with them. The native chief now + exhibited the helmet and armour of Malchus, who was led forward by two of + his men. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” the commander asked Malchus in Greek, a language which was + understood by the educated both of Rome and Carthage. + </p> + <p> + “I am Malchus, and command the scouts of Hannibal's army.” + </p> + <p> + “You are young for such a post,” the officer said; “but in Carthage it is + interest not valour which secures promotion. Doubtless you are related to + Hannibal.” + </p> + <p> + “I am his cousin,” Malchus said quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” the Roman said sarcastically, “that accounts for one who is a mere + lad being chosen for so important a post. However, I shall take you to + Scipio, who will doubtless have questions to ask of you concerning + Hannibal's army.” + </p> + <p> + Many of the riderless horses on the plain came in on hearing the sound of + the Roman trumpets and rejoined the troop. Malchus was placed on one of + these. Such of the wounded Romans as were able to ride mounted others, and + a small party being left behind to look after those unable to move, the + troops started on their way. + </p> + <p> + They were unable, however, to proceed far; the horses had been travelling + since morning and were now completely exhausted; therefore, after + proceeding a few miles the troop halted. Strong guards were posted, and + the men lay down by their horses, ready to mount at a moment's notice, for + it was possible that Hannibal might have sent a large body of horsemen in + pursuit. As on the night before, Malchus felt that even if Nessus had so + far followed him he could do nothing while so strong a guard was kept up, + and he therefore followed the example of the Roman soldiers around him and + was soon fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak next morning the troops mounted and again proceeded to the + south. Late in the afternoon a cloud of dust was seen in the distance, and + the party presently rode into the midst of the Roman army, who had made a + day's march from their ships and were just halting for the night. The + commander of the cavalry at once hastened to Scipio's tent to inform him + of the surprising fact that Hannibal had already, in the face of the + opposition of the tribes, forced the passage of the Rhone, and that, with + the exception of the elephants, which had been seen still on the opposite + bank, all the army were across. + </p> + <p> + Scipio was greatly mortified at the intelligence, for he had deemed it + next to impossible that Hannibal could carry his army across so wide and + rapid a river in the face of opposition. He had little doubt now that + Hannibal's intention was to follow the Rhone down on its left bank to its + mouth, and he prepared at once for a battle. Hearing that a prisoner of + some importance had been captured, he ordered Malchus to be brought before + him. As the lad, escorted by a Roman soldier on each side, was led in, + Scipio, accustomed to estimate men, could not but admire the calm and + haughty self possession of his young prisoner. His eye fell with approval + upon his active sinewy figure, and the knotted muscles of his arms and + legs. + </p> + <p> + “You are Malchus, a relation of Hannibal, and the commander of the scouts + of his army, I hear,” Scipio began. + </p> + <p> + Malchus bowed his head in assent. + </p> + <p> + “What force has he with him, and what are his intentions?” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of his intentions,” Malchus replied quietly, “as to his + force, it were better that you inquired of your allies, who saw us pass + the river. One of them was brought hither with me, and can tell you what + he saw.” + </p> + <p> + “Know you not,” Scipio said, “that I can order you to instant execution if + you refuse to answer my questions?” + </p> + <p> + “Of that I am perfectly well aware,” Malchus replied; “but I nevertheless + refuse absolutely to answer any questions.” + </p> + <p> + “I will give you until tomorrow morning to think the matter over, and if + by that time you have not made up your mind to give me the information I + require, you die.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he waved his hand to the soldiers, who at once removed Malchus + from his presence. He was taken to a small tent a short distance away, + food was given to him, and at nightfall chains were attached to his + ankles, and from these to the legs of two Roman soldiers appointed to + guard him during the night, while a sentry was placed at the entrance. The + chains were strong, and fitted so tightly round the ankles that escape was + altogether impossible. Even had he possessed arms and could noiselessly + have slain the two soldiers, he would be no nearer getting away, for the + chains were fastened as securely round their limbs as round his own. + Malchus, therefore, at once abandoned any idea of escape, and lying + quietly down meditated on his fate in the morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII: AMONG THE PASSES + </h2> + <p> + It was not until long after the guards to whom he was chained had fallen + asleep that Malchus followed their example. It seemed to him he had been + asleep a long time when a pressure by a hand on his shoulder woke him; at + the same moment another hand was placed over his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, my lord!” a voice said. It was Nessus. “Arise and let us go. There + is no time to be lost, for it is nigh morning. I have been the whole night + in discovering where you were.” + </p> + <p> + “But the guards, Nessus?” + </p> + <p> + “I have killed them,” Nessus said in a tone of indifference. + </p> + <p> + “But I am chained to them by the ankles.” + </p> + <p> + Nessus gave a little exclamation of impatience, and then in the darkness + felt the irons to discover the nature of the fastenings. In a minute there + was a sound of a dull crashing blow, then Nessus moved to the other side + and the sound was repeated. With two blows of his short heavy sword the + Arab had cut off the feet of the dead Romans at the ankle, and the chains + were free. + </p> + <p> + “Put on the clothes of this man, my lord, and take his arms; I will take + those of the other.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as this was done Nessus wrapped some folds of cloth round each of + the chains to prevent their clanking, then passing a band through the ends + he fastened them to Malchus' waist. + </p> + <p> + “Quick, my lord,” he said as he finished the work; “daylight is beginning + to break.” + </p> + <p> + They stepped over the dead sentry at the door of the tent and were going + on when Malchus said: + </p> + <p> + “Best lift him inside, Nessus; it may be some little time before it is + noticed that he is missing from his post.” + </p> + <p> + This was quickly done, and they then moved away quietly among the tents + till they approached the rear of the camp. It was now light enough to + enable them to see dimly the figures of the Roman sentries placed at short + intervals round the camp. + </p> + <p> + “We cannot get through unseen,” Malchus said. + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord,” Nessus replied; “I have wasted too much time in finding + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we had best lie down quietly here,” Malchus said; “in a short time + the men will be moving about, and we can then pass through the sentries + without remark.” + </p> + <p> + As the light spread over the sky sounds of movement were heard in the + camp, and soon figures were moving about, some beginning to make fires, + others to attend to their horses. The two Carthaginians moved about among + the tents as if similarly occupied, secure that their attire as Roman + soldiers would prevent any observation being directed towards them. They + were anxious to be off, for they feared that at any moment they might hear + the alarm raised on the discovery that the sentry was missing. + </p> + <p> + It was nearly broad daylight now, and when they saw two or three soldiers + pass out between the sentries unquestioned they started at once to follow + them. The morning was very cold, and the soldiers who were about were all + wearing their military cloaks. Malchus had pulled the irons as high up as + he could possibly force them, and they did not show below his cloak. + </p> + <p> + Walking carelessly along they passed through the sentries, whose duties, + now that morning had dawned, related only to discovering an enemy + approaching the camp, the soldiers being now free to enter or leave as + they pleased. + </p> + <p> + “It is of no use to go far,” Malchus said; “the nearer we hide to the camp + the better. We are less likely to be looked for there than at a distance, + and it is impossible for me to travel at any speed until I get rid of + these heavy irons. As soon as we get over that little brow ahead we shall + be out of sight of the sentries, and will take to the first hiding place + we see.” + </p> + <p> + The little rise was but a short distance from camp, the country beyond was + open but was covered with low brushwood. As soon as they were over the + brow and were assured that none of those who had left the camp before them + were in sight, they plunged into the brushwood, and, making their way on + their hands and knees for a few hundred yards, lay down in the midst of + it. + </p> + <p> + “They are not likely to search on this side of the camp,” Malchus said. + “They will not know at what hour I escaped, and will naturally suppose + that I started at once to regain our camp. Listen, their trumpets are + blowing. No doubt they are about to strike their camp and march; by this + time my escape must be known. And now tell me, Nessus, how did you manage + to follow and discover me?” + </p> + <p> + “It was easy to follow you, my lord,” Nessus said. “When I heard your + order I lay still, but watched through the bushes your meeting with the + Gauls. My arrow was in the string, and had they attacked you I should have + loosed it among them, and then rushed out to die with you, but when I saw + them take you a prisoner I followed your orders. I had no difficulty in + keeping you in sight until nightfall. Then I crept up to the wood and made + my way until I was within a few yards of you and lay there till nearly + morning; but, as the men around you never went to sleep, I could do + nothing and stole away again before daylight broke. Then I followed again + until I saw our horsemen approaching. I had started to run towards them to + lead them to you when I saw the Roman horse, and I again hid myself. + </p> + <p> + “The next night again the Romans kept too vigilant a watch for me to do + anything, and I followed them all yesterday until I saw them enter the + Roman camp. As soon as it was dark I entered, and, getting into the part + of the camp occupied by the Massilians, whose Gaulish talk I could + understand a little, I gathered that a Carthaginian prisoner who had been + brought in was to be executed in the morning. So I set to work to find + you; but the night was too dark to see where the sentries were placed, and + I had to crawl round every tent to see if one stood at the entrance on + guard, for I was sure that a sentry would be placed over you. I entered + seven tents, at whose doors sentries were placed, before I found yours, + but they were all those of Roman generals or persons of importance. I + entered each time by cutting a slit in the back of the tent. At last when + I was beginning to despair, I found your tent. + </p> + <p> + “It was the smallest of any that had been guarded, and this made me think + I was right. When I crawled in I found feeling cautiously about, that two + Roman soldiers were asleep on the ground and that you were lying between + them. Then I went to the entrance. The sentry was standing with his back + to it. I struck a blow on his neck from behind, and he died without + knowing he was hurt. I caught him as I struck and lowered him gently down, + for the crash of his arms as he fell would have roused everyone near. + After that it was easy to stab the two guards sleeping by you, and then I + woke you.” + </p> + <p> + “You have saved my life, Nessus, and I shall never forget it,” Malchus + said gratefully. + </p> + <p> + “My life is my lord's,” the Arab replied simply. “Glad am I indeed that I + have been able to do you a service.” + </p> + <p> + Just as he spoke they saw through the bushes a party of Roman horse ride + at a gallop over the brow between them and the camp. They halted, however, + on passing the crest, and an officer with them gazed long and searchingly + over the country. For some minutes he sat without speaking, then he gave + an order and the horsemen rode back again over the crest. + </p> + <p> + “I think we shall see no more of them,” Malchus said. “His orders were, no + doubt, that if I was in sight they were to pursue, if not, it would be + clearly useless hunting over miles of brushwood in the hope of finding me, + especially as they must deem it likely that I am far away in the opposite + direction.” + </p> + <p> + An hour later Nessus crept cautiously forward among the bushes, making a + considerable detour until he reached the spot whence he could command a + view of the Roman camp. It had gone, not a soul remained behind, but at + some distance across the plain he could see the heavy column marching + north. He rose to his feet and returned to the spot where he had left + Malchus, and told him that the Romans had gone. + </p> + <p> + “The first thing, Nessus, is to get rid of these chains.” + </p> + <p> + “It is easy as to the chains,” Nessus said, “but the rings around your + legs must remain until we rejoin the camp, it will need a file to free you + from them.” + </p> + <p> + The soil was sandy, and Nessus could find no stone sufficiently large for + his purpose. They, therefore, started in the direction which the Romans + had taken until, after two hours' slow walking, they came upon the bed of + a stream in which were some boulders sufficiently large for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + The rings were now pushed down again to the ankles, and Nessus wound round + them strips of cloth until he had formed a pad between the iron and the + skin to lessen the jar of the blow, then he placed the link of the chain + near to the leg upon the edge of the boulder, and, drawing his sharp heavy + sword, struck with all his force upon the iron. + </p> + <p> + A deep notch was made; again and again he repeated the blow, until the + link was cut through, then, with some difficulty, he forced the two ends + apart until the shackle of the ring would pass between them. The operation + was repeated on the other chain, and then Malchus was free, save for the + two iron rings around his ankles. The work had taken upwards of an hour, + and when it was done they started at a rapid walk in the direction taken + by the column. They had no fear now of the natives, for should any come + upon them they would take them for two Roman soldiers who had strayed + behind the army. + </p> + <p> + Scipio made a long day's march, and it was not until nightfall that his + army halted. Malchus and his companion made a long detour round the camp + and continued their way for some hours, then they left the track that the + army would follow, and, after walking for about a mile, lay down among + some bushes and were soon asleep. + </p> + <p> + In the morning they agreed that before proceeding further it was + absolutely necessary to obtain some food. Malchus had been fed when among + the Romans, but Nessus had had nothing from the morning when he had been + upset in the Rhone four days before, save a manchet of bread which he had + found in one of the tents he had entered. Surveying the country round + carefully, the keen eye of the Arab perceived some light smoke curling up + at the foot of the hills on their right, and they at once directed their + course towards it. An hour's walking brought them within sight of a native + village. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they perceived it they dropped on their hands and knees and + proceeded with caution until within a short distance of it. They were not + long in discovering a flock of goats browsing on the verdure in some + broken ground a few hundred yards from the village. They were under the + charge of a native boy, who was seated on a rock near them. They made + their way round among the brushwood until they were close to the spot. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I shoot him?” Nessus asked, for he had carried his bow and arrows + concealed in his attire as a Roman soldier. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” Malchus replied, “the lad has done us no harm; but we must have + one of his goats. His back is towards us, and, if we wait, one of them is + sure to come close to us presently.” + </p> + <p> + They lay quiet among the bushes until, after a delay of a quarter of an + hour, a goat, browsing upon the bushes, passed within a yard or two of + them. + </p> + <p> + Nessus let fly his arrow, it passed almost through the animal, right + behind its shoulder, and it fell among the bushes. In an instant Nessus + was upon it, and, grasping its mouth tightly to prevent it from bleating, + cut its throat. They dragged it away until a fall in the ground hid them + from the sight of the natives, then they quickly skinned and cut it up, + devoured some of the meat raw, and then, each taking a leg of the animal, + proceeded upon their way. + </p> + <p> + They now walked without a halt until, late in the evening, they came down + upon the spot where the Carthaginian army had crossed. It was deserted. + Going down to the edge of the river they saw the great rafts upon which + the elephants had crossed. + </p> + <p> + “We had best go on a mile or two ahead,” Nessus said, “the Roman cavalry + may be here in the morning, though the column will be still a day's march + away. By daylight we shall have no difficulty in finding the traces of the + army.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus took the Arab's advice, and the next morning followed on the + traces of the army, which were plainly enough to be seen in the broken + bushes, the trampled ground, and in various useless articles dropped or + thrown away by the troops. They were forced to advance with caution, for + they feared meeting any of the natives who might be hanging on the rear of + the army. + </p> + <p> + After three days' travelling with scarce a pause they came upon the army + just as the rear guard was crossing the Isere, and Malchus received a + joyous welcome from his friends, who had supposed him drowned at the + passage of the Rhone. His account of his adventure was eagerly listened + to, and greatly surprised were they when they found that he had been a + prisoner in the camp of Scipio, and had been rescued by the fidelity and + devotion of Nessus. Hannibal asked many questions as to the strength of + Scipio's army, but Malchus could only say that, not having seen it except + encamped, he could form but a very doubtful estimate as to its numbers, + but considered it to be but little superior to that of the Carthaginian. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think Scipio will pursue us,” Hannibal said. “A defeat here + would be as fatal to him as it would be to us, and I think it more likely + that, when he finds we have marched away north, he will return to his + ships and meet us in Italy.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus learned that everything had progressed favourably since the army + had crossed the Rhone, the natives having offered no further opposition to + their advance. A civil war was going on in the region the army had now + entered, between two rival princes, brothers, of the Allobroges. Hannibal + was requested to act as umpire in the quarrel, and decided in favour of + the elder brother and restored order. In return he received from the + prince whom he reseated on his throne, provisions, clothing, and other + necessaries for the army, and the prince, with his troops, escorted the + Carthaginians some distance up into the Alps, and prevented the tribes + dwelling at the foot of the mountains from attacking them. + </p> + <p> + The conquest of Catalonia, the passage of the Pyrenees, and the march + across the south of Gaul, had occupied many months. Summer had come and + gone, autumn had passed, and winter was at hand. It was the eighteenth of + October when Hannibal led his army up the narrow valleys into the heart of + the Alps. The snow had already fallen thickly upon the upper part of the + mountains, and the Carthaginians shuddered at the sight of these lofty + summits, these wild, craggy, and forbidding wastes. The appearance of the + wretched huts of the inhabitants, of the people themselves, unshaved and + unkempt and clad in sheepskins, and of the flocks and herds gathering in + sheltered spots and crowding together to resist the effects of the already + extreme cold, struck the Carthaginian troops with dismay. Large bodies of + the mountaineers were perceived posted on the heights surrounding the + valleys, and the column, embarrassed by its length and the vast quantity + of baggage, was also exposed to attack by hordes who might at any moment + rush out from the lateral ravines. Hannibal, therefore, ordered his column + to halt. + </p> + <p> + Malchus was now ordered to go forward with his band of scouts, and to take + with him a party of Gauls, who, their language being similar to that of + the natives, could enter into conversation with them. The mountaineers, + seeing but a small party advancing, allowed them to approach peaceably and + entered freely into conversation with them. They declared that they would + on no account permit the Carthaginian army to pass forward, but would + oppose every foot of their advance. + </p> + <p> + The Gauls learned, however, that, believing the great column could only + move forward in the daytime, the natives were in the habit of retiring + from their rocky citadels at nightfall. Malchus returned with this news to + Hannibal, who prepared to take advantage of it. The camp was at once + pitched, and the men set to work to form an intrenchment round it as if + Hannibal meditated a prolonged halt there. Great fires were lit and the + animals unloaded. The natives, seeing from above everything that was being + done, deserted their posts as usual at nightfall, confident that the + Carthaginians had no intention of moving forward. + </p> + <p> + Malchus with his scouts crept on along the path, and soon sent down word + to Hannibal that the heights were deserted. The general himself now moved + forward with all his light troops, occupied the head of the pass, and + posted strong parties of men upon the heights commanding it. As soon as + day broke the rest of the army got into motion and proceeded up the pass. + The natives were now seen approaching in great numbers, but they halted in + dismay on seeing that the Carthaginians had already gained possession of + the strong places. + </p> + <p> + The road by which the column was ascending wound along the face of a + precipice, and was so narrow that it was with difficulty that the horses, + snorting with fright, could be persuaded to proceed. The natives, seeing + the confusion which the fright of the animals created in the column, at + once took to the mountains, climbing up rugged precipices which appeared + to the Carthaginians absolutely inaccessible, and presently made their + appearance far up on the mountain side above the column. + </p> + <p> + Here, sending up the most piercing yells, they began to roll rocks and + stones down upon the column. The confusion below became terrible. The + horses, alarmed by the strange wild cries, echoed and re-echoed a score of + times among the mountains, and struck by the falling stones, plunged and + struggled wildly to escape. Some tore along the path, precipitating those + in front of them over the precipice, others lost their footing, and, + dragging with them the carts to which they were attached, fell into the + valley below. All order was lost. Incapable of defence or of movement the + column appeared to be on the verge of destruction. + </p> + <p> + “Come, my men,” Malchus exclaimed to his Arabs, “where these men can climb + we can follow them; the safety of the whole column is at stake.” + </p> + <p> + Slinging their weapons behind them the scouts began to climb the crags. + Sure footed and hardy as they were, it was with the greatest difficulty + that they could make their way up. Many lost their footing, and rolling + down were dashed to pieces; but the great majority succeeded in climbing + the heights, and at once became engaged in desperate battle with the + natives. + </p> + <p> + Every narrow ledge and crag was the scene of a conflict. The natives from + the distant heights encouraged their companions with their shouts, and for + a time the confusion in the column below was heightened by the combat + which was proceeding far above them. Every stone dislodged by the feet of + the combatants thundered down upon them, and the falling bodies of those + hit by arrow or javelin came crushing down with a dull thud among the + mass. + </p> + <p> + At last the bravery and superior weapons of the Arabs prevailed. The + precipice was cleared of the natives, and as the uproar ceased and the + missiles ceased to fall, the column recovered its order, and again moved + forward until the whole army gained the top of the pass. Here Hannibal + took possession of a rough fort erected by the natives, captured several + villages, and enough flocks and herds to feed his army for three days. + Then descending from the top of the pass, which is now known as the + Gol-du-Chat, he entered the valley of Chambery, and marched forward for + three days without opposition. + </p> + <p> + Malchus and his scouts received the warmest congratulations for their + conduct at the pass, for they had undoubtedly saved the army from what had + at one time threatened to be a terrible disaster. On arrival at a town + supposed to be identical with the modern Conflans, the inhabitants came + out with green boughs and expressed their desire for peace and friendship. + They said that they had heard of the fate which had befallen those who + ventured to oppose the Carthaginians, and that they were anxious to avoid + such misfortunes. They offered to deliver hostages as a proof of their + good intentions, to supply sheep and goats for the army, and to furnish + guides through the difficult country ahead. + </p> + <p> + For two days the march continued. The route the army was passing was that + now known as the little St. Bernard. Fortunately Hannibal had from the + first entertained considerable doubt as to the good faith of his guides, + and never relaxed his vigilance. The scouts and light infantry, with the + cavalry, preceded the great column of baggage, the heavy cavalry defended + the rear. + </p> + <p> + The track, which had for the last five days' march proceeded along a + comparatively level valley, now mounted rapidly, and turning aside from + the valley of the Isere it led up the deep bed of the mountain torrent + known as the Reclus; this stream ran in a deep trough hollowed out in a + very narrow valley. The bed is now so piled with rocks and stones as to be + impassable, and the Romans afterwards cut a road along on the side of the + mountain. But at this time it was possible for men and animals to proceed + along the bed of the torrent. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly while struggling with the difficulties of the ascent, a vast + number of the natives appeared on the hills on either side, and began to + hurl down stones and rocks upon the column below, while at the same time a + still stronger force attacked them in the rear. The instant the natives + made their appearance the treacherous guides, who were proceeding with the + scouts at the head of the column, attempted to make their escape by + climbing the mountain side. The Arabs were starting off in pursuit, but + Malchus checked them. + </p> + <p> + “Keep together,” he shouted, “and on no account scatter; the enemy are + upon us in force, and it behooves us all to be steady and deliberate in + our action.” + </p> + <p> + A flight of arrows was, however, sent after the traitors, and most of them + rolled lifeless down the slope again. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal's first care was to extricate his cavalry from the gorge. This + was performed with great difficulty, and they were drawn up in good order + on the narrow piece of level ground between the gorge in which the river + ran and the mountains bordering the side of the pass. + </p> + <p> + The light troops now ascended the hills on both sides, and speedily became + engaged with the enemy. The confusion in the bed of the torrent was + tremendous. Great numbers of men and animals were killed by the rocks and + missiles from above, but more of the soldiers were trampled to death by + the frightened horses. The heavy infantry in the rear remained steady, and + repulsed every effort of the main body of the enemy to break in upon the + column. + </p> + <p> + As night fell the combat ceased, but Hannibal and the troops in advance of + the column passed the night under arms at the foot of a certain white rock + standing above the ravine, and which still marks the exact site of the + conflict. The natives had suffered heavily both from their conflict with + the light troops upon the hillside, and from the repulse of their assaults + upon the rear guard, and in the morning they did not venture to renew the + attack, and the column moved forward out of the ravine and continued its + march, the natives from time to time dashing down to attack it. + </p> + <p> + The elephants were placed on the flank of the line of march, and the + appearance of these strange beasts so terrified the enemy that they + desisted from their attack, and by evening the army encamped on the summit + of the pass. + </p> + <p> + The snow had already fallen deeply, the army were worn out and dispirited + by the exertions and dangers through which they had passed, and had + suffered great losses in men and animals in the nine days which had + elapsed since they first entered the mountains. Hannibal gave them two + days' rest, in which time they were joined by many stragglers who had + fallen behind, and by beasts of burden which, in the terror and confusion + of the attack, had got rid of their loads and had escaped, but whose + instinct led them to follow the line of march. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the second day Hannibal assembled his troops and addressed + them in a stirring speech. He told them that the worst part of their + journey was now over. He pointed to them the plains of Italy, of which a + view could be obtained through the pass ahead, and told them that there + they would find rest and friends, wealth and glory. The soldiers as usual + responded to the words of their beloved general with shouts of + acclamation, and with renewed spirits prepared to meet the difficulties + which still lay before them. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the march was renewed. The snow lay deep on the track, + and the soldiers found that, great as had been the difficulties of the + ascent, those of the descent were vastly greater, for the slopes of the + Alps on the Italian side are far steeper and more abrupt than are those on + the French. Every step had to be made with care; those who strayed in the + slightest from the path found the snow gave way beneath their feet and + fell down the precipice beside them. + </p> + <p> + Many of the baggage animals thus perished; but at last the head of the + column found itself at the foot of the steep descent in a ravine with + almost perpendicular walls, amid whose foot was in summer occupied by a + mountain stream. Into the depth of this ravine the rays of the sun never + penetrated, and in it lay a mass of the previous year's snow which had + never entirely melted, but which formed with the water of the torrent a + sheet of slippery ice. + </p> + <p> + The newly formed snow prevented the troops from seeing the nature of the + ground, and as they stepped upon it they fell headlong, sliding in their + armour down the rapidly sloping bed of ice, many dashing out their brains + or breaking their limbs against the great boulders which projected through + it. The cavalry next attempted the passage, but with even less success, + for the hoofs of the horses broke through the hard upper crust of the old + snow and the animals sank in to their bellies. Seeing that it was + impossible to pass this obstacle, Hannibal turned back the head of the + column until they reached the top of the ascent down which they had just + come. There he cleared away the snow and erected a camp; all the infantry + were then brought down into the pass and set to work to build up a road + along the side of the ravine. + </p> + <p> + The engineers with fire and explosives blasted away the foot of the + cliffs; the infantry broke up the rocks and formed a level track. All + night the work continued, the troops relieving each other at frequent + intervals, and by the morning a path which could be traversed by men on + foot, horses, and baggage animals was constructed for a distance of three + hundred yards, beyond which the obstacle which had arrested the advance of + the army did not continue. + </p> + <p> + The cavalry, baggage animals, and a portion of the infantry at once + continued their way down the valley, while the rest of the infantry + remained behind to widen the road sufficiently for the elephants to pass + along. Although the work was pressed on with the greatest vigour it needed + three days of labour in all before the elephants could be passed through. + The animals were by this time weak with hunger, for from the time when + they had turned aside from the valley of the Isere the Alps had been + wholly bare of trees, and the ground being covered with snow, no foliage + or forage had been obtainable to eke out the store of flour which they + carried for their consumption. Nor was any wood found with which to + manufacture the flat cakes into which the flour was formed for their + rations. + </p> + <p> + The elephants once through, the march was continued, and, joining the + troops in advance, who had halted in the woods below the snow level, the + column continued its march. On the third day after passing the gorge they + issued out on to the plain of the Po, having lost in the fifteen days' + passage of the Alps great numbers of men from the attacks of the enemy, + from the passage of the rapid torrents, from falls over the precipices, + and from cold, and having suffered still more severely in horses and + baggage animals. + </p> + <p> + Of the 59,000 picked troops with which he had advanced after the conquest + of Catalonia, Hannibal reached the plains of Italy with but 12,000 African + infantry, 8,000 Spanish and Gaulish infantry, and 6,000 cavalry—in + all 26,000 men. A small force indeed with which to enter upon the struggle + with the might and power of Rome. Of the 33,000 men that were missing, + 13,000 had fallen in the passes of the Pyrenees and the march through + Gaul, 20,000 had died in the passage of the Alps. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII: THE BATTLE OF THE TREBIA + </h2> + <p> + Well was it for the Carthaginians that Hannibal had opened communications + with the Gaulish tribes in the plains at the foot of the Alps, and that on + its issue from the mountain passes his army found itself among friends, + for had it been attacked it was in no position to offer a vigorous + resistance, the men being utterly broken down by their fatigues and + demoralized by their losses. Many were suffering terribly from frostbites, + the cavalry were altogether unable to act, so worn out and enfeebled were + the horses. Great numbers of the men could scarce drag themselves along + owing to the state of their feet; their shoes and sandals, well enough + adapted for sandy plains, were wholly unfitted for traversing rocky + precipices, and the greater part of the army was almost barefoot. + </p> + <p> + So long as they had been traversing the mountains they had struggled on + doggedly and desperately; to lag behind was to be slain by the natives, to + lie down was to perish of cold; but with the cessation of the absolute + necessity for exertion the power for exertion ceased also. Worn out, + silent, exhausted, and almost despairing, the army of Hannibal presented + the appearance of one which had suffered a terrible defeat, rather than + that of a body of men who had accomplished a feat of arms unrivalled in + the history of war. + </p> + <p> + Happily they found themselves among friends. The Insubres, who had been + looking forward eagerly to their coming, flocked in great numbers to + receive them as they issued out into the plain, bringing with them cattle, + grain, wine, and refreshments of all kinds, and inviting the army to take + up their quarters among them until recovered from their fatigues. This + offer Hannibal at once accepted. The army was broken up and scattered + among the various towns and villages, where the inhabitants vied with each + other in attending to the comforts of the guests. A fortnight's absolute + rest, an abundance of food, and the consciousness that the worst of their + labours was over, did wonders for the men. + </p> + <p> + Malchus had arrived in a state of extreme exhaustion, and had, indeed, + been carried for the last two days of the march on the back of one of the + elephants. The company which he commanded no longer existed; they had + borne far more than their share of the fatigues of the march; they had + lost nearly half their number in the conflict among the precipices with + the natives, and while the rest of the army had marched along a track + where the snow had already been beaten hard by the cavalry in front of + them, the scouts ahead had to make their way through snow knee deep. + Inured to fatigue and hardship, the Arabs were unaccustomed to cold, and + every day had diminished their numbers, until, as they issued out into the + plain, but twenty men of the company remained alive. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal committed his young kinsman to the care of one of the chiefs of + the Insubres. The latter caused a litter to be constructed by his + followers, and carried the young Carthaginian away to his village, which + was situated at the foot of the hills on the banks of the river Orcus. + </p> + <p> + Here he was handed over to the care of the women. The wounds and bruises + caused by falls on the rocks and ice were bathed and bandaged, then he was + placed in a small chamber and water was poured on to heated stones until + it was filled with hot steam, and Malchus began to think that he was going + to be boiled alive. After being kept for an hour in this vapour bath, he + was annointed with oil, and was rubbed until every limb was supple, he was + then placed on a couch and covered with soft skins, and in a few more + minutes was sound asleep. + </p> + <p> + It was late next day before he woke, and on rising he found himself a new + man. A breakfast of meat, fresh cheese formed from goats' milk, and flat + cakes was set before him, and, had it not been that his feet were still + completely disabled from the effects of the frostbites, he felt that he + was fit again to take his place in the ranks. The chief's wife and + daughters waited upon him. The former was a tall, majestic looking woman. + She did not belong to the Insubres, but was the daughter of a chief who + had, with a portion of his tribe, wandered down from their native home far + north of the Alps and settled in Italy. + </p> + <p> + Two of the daughters were young women of over twenty, tall and robust in + figure like their mother, the third was a girl of some fifteen years of + age. The girls took after their German mother, and Malchus wondered at the + fairness of their skins, the clearness of their complexion, and the soft + light brown of their hair, for they were as much fairer than the Gauls as + these were fairer than the Carthaginians. Malchus was able to hold little + converse with his hosts, whose language differed much from that of the + Transalpine Gauls. + </p> + <p> + His stay here was destined to be much longer than he had anticipated, for + his feet had been seriously frostbitten, and for some time it was doubtful + whether he would not lose them. Gradually, however, the inflammation + decreased, but it was six weeks after his arrival before he was able to + walk. From time to time messengers had arrived from Hannibal and his + father to inquire after him, and from them he learned that the + Carthaginians had captured the towns of Vercella, Valentinum, and Asta, + and the less important towns of Ivrea, Chivasso, Bodenkmag, and Carbantia. + </p> + <p> + By the time he was cured he was able to talk freely with his hosts, for he + soon mastered the points of difference between their language and that of + the Gauls, with which he was already acquainted. The chief, with the + greater part of his followers, now started and joined the army of + Hannibal, which laid siege to the town of Turin, whose inhabitants were in + alliance with Rome. It was strongly fortified. Hannibal erected an + intrenchment at a distance of sixty yards from the wall, and under cover + of this sank a well, and thence drove a wide gallery, the roof above being + supported by props. + </p> + <p> + Divided in brigades, each working six hours, the troops laboured night and + day, and in three days from its commencement the gallery was carried under + the walls. It was then driven right and left for thirty yards each way, + and was filled with wood, combustibles, and explosives. The workers then + retired and the wood was fired, the props supporting the roof were soon + burned away, the earth above fell in bringing down the walls, and a great + breach was made, through which the besiegers, drawn up in readiness, + rushed in and captured the town. + </p> + <p> + On the same day that Hannibal captured Turin, Scipio entered Piacenza. + After finding that Hannibal had escaped him on the Rhone, he had + despatched the principal part of his army, under his brother Cneius, to + Spain, their original destination, and with the rest sailed to Pisa and + landed there. Marching with all haste north he enlisted 10,000 troops from + among the inhabitants of the country, many of them having already served + in the Roman army. He then marched north to Tenneto, where he was joined + by the praetors Manlius and Attilius with over 20,000 men, with whom he + marched to Piacenza. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal, after, as usual, rousing the enthusiasm of his soldiers by an + address, marched towards Scipio. The latter, with his cavalry, had crossed + the Ticino and was within five miles of Vercella, when Hannibal, also with + his cavalry, came within sight. Scipio's front was covered with a swarm of + foot skirmishers mixed with irregular Gaulish horsemen; the Roman cavalry + and the cavalry of the Italian allies formed his main body. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal ordered the Carthaginian horse to charge full upon the centre of + the enemy, and the Numidians to attack them on both flanks. The Romans, in + those days, little understood the use of cavalry, the troops frequently + dismounting and fighting on foot. Hannibal's soldiers were, on the other + hand, trained to fight in tactics resembling those of modern days. No + sooner was the word given to charge than the Carthaginian horse, delighted + at being at last, after all their toils and sufferings, within striking + distance of their foes, gave a mighty shout, and setting spurs to their + splendid horses flung themselves at the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The charge of this solid mass of picked cavalry was irresistible. They + swept before them the skirmishers and Gaulish horse, and fell with fury + upon the main body, cleaving a way far into its ranks. Before the Romans + could recover from their confusion the Numidian horse burst down upon + their flanks. The charge was irresistible; large numbers of the Romans + were killed and the rest fled in panic, hotly pursued by the + Carthaginians, until they reached the shelter of the Roman infantry, which + was advancing behind them. Scipio, who had been wounded in the fight, at + once led his army back to Piacenza. + </p> + <p> + The news of this battle reached Malchus just as he was preparing to + depart. The messenger who brought it brought also a lead horse, which + Hamilcar had sent for his son's use. Resuming his armour Malchus mounted + and rode off at once, after many warm thanks to his friends, whom he + expected to see again shortly, as they, with the rest of that section of + the tribe, were about to join the chief—the Gaulish women frequently + accompanying their husbands in their campaigns. + </p> + <p> + Malchus was delighted to rejoin the army, from which he had now been + separated more than two months. He saw with pleasure that they had now + completely recovered from the effects of their hardships, and presented as + proud and martial an appearance as when they had started from Carthagena. + </p> + <p> + The issue of their first fight with the Romans had raised their spirits + and confidence, and all were eager to enter upon the campaign which + awaited them. Malchus, upon his arrival, was appointed to the command of + the company of Gauls who formed the bodyguard of the general. Hannibal + moved up the Po and prepared to cross that river at Gambio, two days' easy + march above its junction with the Ticino. The army was accompanied by a + considerable number of the Insubres. The work of constructing a bridge was + at once commenced. + </p> + <p> + Malchus, riding through the camp, came upon the tents of his late host, + who had been joined that day by his family. To them Malchus did the + honours of the camp, took them through the lines of the Carthaginian + cavalry, showed them the elephants, and finally conducted them to + Hannibal, who received them most kindly, and presented them with many + presents in token of his thanks for their care of his kinsman. The next + day the bridge was completed and the troops began to pass over, the + natives crowding to the banks and even venturing on the bridge to witness + the imposing procession of the troops. + </p> + <p> + Malchus remained with Hannibal in the rear, but seeing that there was a + delay as the elephants crossed, he was ordered to ride on to the bridge + and see what was the matter. Finding the crowd too great to enable him to + pass on horseback, Malchus gave his horse to a soldier and pressed forward + on foot. When he reached the head of the column of elephants he found that + one of the leading animals, entertaining a doubt as to the stability of + the bridge at this point, obstinately refused to move further. Ordering + the mahout to urge the animal forward, and telling some soldiers to prick + the beast with a spear from behind, Malchus entered into conversation with + the wife and daughters of the Insubrian chief, who had received from + Hannibal a special order allowing them to take up their position on the + bridge to witness their crossing. + </p> + <p> + While he was speaking to them the elephant suddenly wheeled round and, + trumpeting loudly, tried to force his way back. A scene of wild confusion + ensued. The crowd gave way before him, several soldiers were thrust off + the bridge into the river, and Malchus and his companions were borne along + by the crowd; there was a little cry, and Malchus saw the youngest of the + girls pushed off the bridge into the river. + </p> + <p> + He flung off his helmet, unbuckled the fastenings of his breast plate and + back piece, undid the belt of his sword, and leaped in. As he rose to the + surface he heard a merry laugh beside him, and saw the girl swimming + quietly close by. Although mortified at having so hastily assumed that she + was unable to take care of herself he joined in her laugh, and swam by her + side until they reached the bank some distance down. Encumbered by the + trappings which he still retained, Malchus had far more difficulty than + the girl in gaining the shore. + </p> + <p> + “What, did you think,” she asked, laughing as he struggled up the bank, + “that I, a Gaulish maiden, could not swim?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not think anything about it,” Malchus said; “I saw you pushed in + and followed without thinking at all.” + </p> + <p> + Although they imperfectly understood each other's words the meaning was + clear; the girl put her hand on his shoulder and looked frankly up in his + face. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” she said, “just the same as if you had saved my life. You + meant to do so, and it was very good of you, a great chief of this army, + to hazard your life for a Gaulish maiden. Clotilde will never forget.” + </p> + <p> + By the time they reached the bridge the column had moved on. A more docile + elephant had been placed in front, and this having moved across the + doubtful portion of the bridge, the others had quickly followed. Just as + Malchus and his companion reached the end of the bridge they met her + mother and sisters coming to meet them. + </p> + <p> + There was a smile of amusement on their faces as they thanked Malchus for + his attempt at rescue, and Clotilde's sisters whispered some laughing + remarks into her ear which caused the girl to flush hotly, and to draw her + slight figure indignantly to its full height. Malchus retired to his tent + to provide himself with fresh armour and sword, for he doubted not that + those thrown aside had been carried over the bridge in the confusion. The + soldier had returned with his horse, and in a few minutes he took his + place at the head of the Gauls who were drawn up near Hannibal's tent. + </p> + <p> + The general himself soon appeared, and mounting his horse rode forward. + Malchus followed with his command, waving an adieu to the party who stood + watching the departure, and not ill pleased that those who had before + known him only as a helpless invalid, should now see him riding at the + head of the splendid bodyguard of the great commander. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal was marching nearly due east, with the intention of forcing + Scipio to give battle south of the Po. A strong Roman fortress, Castegglo + (Clastidium), lying at the foot of the hills, should have barred his way; + but Hannibal, by the medium of one of his native allies, bribed the Roman + commander to abstain from interrupting his march. Then he pressed forward + until on the third day after crossing the Po he came within sight of + Piacenza, under whose walls the Roman army were ranged. + </p> + <p> + Scipio, after his disastrous cavalry conflict, had written to Rome urging + his inability, with the force under his command, to give battle single + handed to Hannibal, and begging that he might be at once reinforced by the + army under Sempronius, then lying at Ariminum (Rimini). The united + consular armies, he represented, should take up their position on the + river Trebia. + </p> + <p> + This river rose in the Apennines but a short distance from Genoa, and + flowed nearly due north into the Po at Piacenza. The Roman army there + would therefore effectually bar Hannibal's march into the rich plains to + the east, and would prevent him from making across the Apennines and + following the road by the coast, as they would, should he undertake such a + movement, be able to fall on his rear. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal pitched his camp on the Nure, about five miles from Piacenza, but + Scipio remained immovable in his lines waiting for the arrival of his + colleague. Hannibal's position was a difficult one. He had traversed the + Pyrenees and the Alps that he might attack Rome; but between him and + Southern Italy lay yet another barrier, the Apennines. Scipio had missed + him after he had crossed the Pyrenees, had been too late to attack him + when, exhausted and worn out, his army emerged from the Alps; but now, + united with Sempronius, he hoped to crush him at the foot of the + Apennines. Hannibal wished, if possible, to prevent a junction of the two + Roman armies, but if that could not be done he determined to fight them + together. + </p> + <p> + Scipio perceived the danger of his position; and in order to be able the + better to join Sempronius he left Piacenza under cover of night, and took + up a strong position on the banks of the Trebia. Here he could maintain + his communications direct with Rome, and, if absolutely necessary, fall + back and join his colleague advancing towards him. Hannibal, when he + perceived Scipio's change of position, broke up his camp and took post on + the Trebiola, a little stream running into the Trebia and facing the Roman + camp at a distance of four miles. + </p> + <p> + He was now powerless to prevent the junction of the two Roman armies, and + for nearly a month Scipio and Hannibal lay watching each other. By that + time Sempronius was within a day's march of Scipio. Hannibal had not been + idle during this time of rest. He had been occupied in cementing his + alliance with the Gaulish tribes inhabiting the Lombard plains. These, + seeing how rapidly Hannibal had cleared the province of the Romans, + believed that their deliverance would be accomplished, and for the most + part declared for the Carthaginians. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal's agents had also been at work at Clastidium, and the prefect of + the garrison was induced by a bribe to surrender the place to him. This + was of enormous advantage to Hannibal, and a corresponding blow to the + Romans, for Clastidium was the chief magazine north of the Apennines. The + news of the fall of this important place filled Sempronius, an energetic + and vigorous general, with fury. He at once rode down from his camp to + that of Scipio and proposed that Hannibal should be attacked instantly. + </p> + <p> + Scipio, who was still suffering from the wound he had received in the + cavalry engagement, urged that the Roman army should remain where they + were, if necessary, through the coming winter. He pointed out that + Hannibal's Gaulish allies would lose heart at seeing him inactive, and + would cease to furnish him with supplies, and that he would be obliged + either to attack them at a disadvantage or to retire from the position he + occupied. But Sempronius was an ambitious man, the time for the consular + election was approaching, and he was unwilling to leave for his successor + the glory of crushing Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + The fact, too, that Scipio was wounded and unable to take part in the + battle added to his desire to force it on, since the whole glory of the + victory would be his. He therefore told his colleague that although he saw + the force of his arguments, public opinion in Rome was already so excited + at Hannibal having been allowed, without a battle, to wrest so wide a + territory from Rome, that it was absolutely necessary that an action + should be fought. The two armies were now united on the Trebia, and + opinion was among the officers and troops, as between the consuls, widely + divided as to the best course to be pursued. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal's spies among the natives kept him acquainted with what was going + on in the Roman camp, and he determined to provoke the Romans to battle. + He therefore despatched two thousand infantry and a thousand cavalry to + ravage the lands of some Gaulish allies of the Romans. Sempronius sent off + the greater part of his cavalry, with a thousand light infantry, to drive + back the Carthaginians. + </p> + <p> + In the fight which ensued the Romans were worsted. Still more furious, + Sempronius marched to support them with his army. Hannibal called in his + troops and drew them off before Sempronius would arrive. The + disappointment and rage of the Roman general were great, and Hannibal felt + that he could now bring on a battle when he would. He determined to fight + in the plain close to his own position. This was flat and bare, and was + traversed by the Trebiola. This stream ran between steep banks below the + level of the plain; its banks were covered with thick bushes and reeds, + and the narrow gap across the plain was scarce noticeable. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the twenty-fifth of December Hannibal moved his army out + from the camp and formed up on the plain facing the Trebia, ordering the + corps commanded by his brother Mago to enter the bed of the Trebiola, and + to conceal themselves there until they received his orders to attack. The + position Mago occupied would bring him on the left rear of an army which + had crossed the Trebia, and was advancing to attack the position taken up + by Hannibal. Having thus prepared for the battle, Hannibal proceeded to + provoke it. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak on the twenty-sixth he despatched a strong body of horsemen + across the river. Crossing the Trebia partly by ford and partly by + swimming, the Carthaginian horse rode up to the palisade surrounding the + Roman camp, where, with insulting shouts and the hurling of their + javelins, they aroused the Roman soldiers from their slumber. This insult + had the desired effect, Sempronius rushed from his tent, furious at what + he deemed the insolence of the Carthaginians, and called his troops to + arms. With their accustomed discipline the Romans fell into their ranks. + The light cavalry first issued from the palisade, the infantry followed, + the heavy cavalry brought up the rear. The insulting Numidians had already + retired, but Sempronius was now determined to bring on the battle. He + marched down the river and crossed at a ford. + </p> + <p> + The water was intensely cold, the river was in flood, the ford waist deep + as the soldiers marched across it. Having gained the opposite bank, the + Roman general formed his army in order of battle. His infantry, about + forty-five thousand strong, was formed in three parallel lines; the + cavalry, five thousand strong, was on the flanks. The infantry consisted + of sixteen thousand Roman legionary or heavy infantry, and six thousand + light infantry. The Italian tribes, allied to Rome, had supplied twenty + thousand infantry; the remaining three thousand were native allies. The + infantry occupied a front of two and a half miles in length; the cavalry + extended a mile and a quarter on each flank. Thus the Roman front of + battle was five miles in extent. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal's force was inferior in strength; his infantry of the line were + twenty thousand strong. He had eight thousand light infantry and ten + thousand cavalry. The Carthaginian formation was much deeper than the + Roman, and Hannibal's line of battle was less than two miles long. In + front of it were the elephants, thirty-six in number, divided in pairs, + and placed in intervals of a hundred yards between each pair. + </p> + <p> + While the Romans, exposed to a bitterly cold wind, chilled to the bone by + their immersion in the stream, and having come breakfastless from camp, + were forming their long order of battle, Hannibal's troops, gathered round + blazing fires, were eating a hearty breakfast; after which, in high + spirits and confidence, they prepared for the fight. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal called the officers together and addressed them in stirring + words, which were repeated by them to the soldiers. The Roman preparations + had occupied a long time, and it was afternoon before they advanced in + order of battle. When within a short distance of the Carthaginians they + halted, and the trumpets and musical instruments on both sides blew notes + of defiance. Then the Carthaginian slingers stole out between the ranks of + their heavy infantry, passed between the elephants, and commenced the + battle. + </p> + <p> + Each of these men carried three slings, one of which was used for long + distances, another when nearer to the foe, the third when close at hand. + In action one of these slings was wound round the head, one round the + body, the third carried in hand. Their long distance missiles were leaden + bullets, and so skilful were they that it is said they could hit with + certainty the face of a foe standing at slinging distance. + </p> + <p> + Naked to the waist they advanced, and with their long distance slings + hurled the leaden bullets at the Roman infantry. When closer they + exchanged their slings and discharged from them egg shaped pebbles which + they had gathered from the bed of the Trebia. When within still closer + distance with the third slings they poured in volleys of much larger and + heavier stones, with such tremendous force that it seemed as though they + were sent from catapults. Against such a storm of missiles the Roman + skirmishers could make no stand, and were instantly driven back. + </p> + <p> + Their Cretan archers, after shooting away their arrows with but small + effect, for the strings had been damped in crossing the river, also fled + behind the heavy troops; and these in turn were exposed to the hail of + stones. Disorganized by this attack, the like of which they had never + experienced before, their helmets crushed in, their breastplates and + shields battered and dented, the front line of the Romans speedily fell + into confusion. Sempronius ordered up his war machines for casting stones + and javelins, but these too had been injured in their passage across the + river. + </p> + <p> + The hail of Carthaginian missiles continued until the Roman light infantry + were forced to fall back; and the slingers were then recalled, and the + heavy infantry of the two armies stood facing each other. The + Carthaginians took up close order, and, shoulder to shoulder, their bodies + covered with their shields, they advanced to meet the legions of Rome. As + they moved, their music—flute, harp, and lyre—rose on the air + in a military march, and keeping step the long line advanced with perfect + order and regularity. In the centre were the Carthaginian foot soldiers + and their African allies, clothed alike in a red tunic, with helmet of + bronze, steel cuirass and circular shield, and carrying, besides their + swords, pikes of twenty feet in length. On the left were the Spaniards, in + white tunics bordered with purple, with semicircular shields four feet in + length and thirty-two inches in width, armed with long swords used either + for cutting or thrusting. + </p> + <p> + On the left were the native allies, naked to the waist, armed with shields + and swords similar to those of the Gauls, save that the swords were used + only for cutting. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius brought up his second line to fill the intervals in the first, + and the Romans advanced with equal steadiness to the conflict; but the + much greater closeness of the Carthaginian formation served them in good + stead. They moved like a solid wall, their shields locked closely + together, and pressed steadily forward in spite of the desperate efforts + of the Roman centre in its more open order to resist them; for each Roman + soldier in battle was allowed the space of a man's width between him and + his comrade on either side, to allow him the free use of his weapon. Two + Carthaginians were therefore opposed to each Roman, in addition to which + the greater depth of the African formation gave them a weight and impetus + which was irresistible. + </p> + <p> + While this fight was going on the Numidian horsemen, ten thousand strong, + charged the Roman cavalry. These, much more lightly armed than their + opponents and inferior in numbers, were unable for a moment to withstand + the shock, and were at once driven from the field. Leaving the elephants + to pursue them and prevent them from rallying, the Numidian horsemen + turned and fell on the flanks of the long Roman line; while at the same + moment the Carthaginian slingers, issuing out again from behind the main + body, opened a tremendous fire with stones heated in furnaces brought to + the spot. + </p> + <p> + Although taken in flank, crushed under a storm of missiles, with their + cavalry defeated and their centre broken, the Romans fought steadily and + well. Hannibal now launched against their ranks the elephants attached to + the infantry, which, covered in steel armour and trumpeting loudly, + carried death and confusion into the Roman ranks. But still the legions + fought on obstinately and desperately until the sound of wild music in + their rear filled them with dismay, as Mago, with his division of Numidian + infantry, emerged from his hiding place and fell upon the Romans from + behind. + </p> + <p> + Struck with terror at the sudden appearance of these wild soldiers, of + whose ferocity they had heard so much, the Romans lost all heart and + strove now only to escape. But it was in vain. The Carthaginian infantry + were in their front, the cavalry on their flank, the Numidians in their + rear. + </p> + <p> + Some ten thousand Roman soldiers only, keeping in a solid body, cut their + way through the cavalry and reached Piacenza. + </p> + <p> + Thirty thousand were slaughtered on the plain. Many were drowned in trying + to swim the Trebia, and only the legion which had remained to guard the + camp, the broken remains of the cavalry, and the body which had escaped + from Piacenza remained of the fifty thousand men whom Sempronius + commanded. + </p> + <p> + The exultation of the victors was unbounded. The hitherto invincible + legions of Rome had been crushed. The way to Rome was clear before them. + All the fatigues and hardships they had undergone were forgotten in the + hour of triumph, and their native allies believed that their freedom from + Rome was now assured. + </p> + <p> + The verdict of great commanders of all ages has assigned to the battle of + the Trebia the glory of being the greatest military exploit ever + performed. The genius of Hannibal was shown not only in the plan of battle + and the disposition of his troops, but in the perfection with which they + were handled, in the movements which he had himself invented and taught + them, and the marvellous discipline with which he had inculcated them. + </p> + <p> + Napoleon the First assigned to Hannibal the leading place among the great + generals of the world, and the Trebia was his masterpiece. But the + Carthaginians, exulting in their victory, did not gauge the extent of the + stubbornness and resources of Rome. Sempronius himself set the example to + his countrymen. At Piacenza he rallied the remnants of his army, and wrote + to Rome, saying that he had been victorious, but that a sudden storm had + saved the enemy from destruction. + </p> + <p> + The senate understood the truth, but acted in the spirit in which he had + written. They announced to the people that a victory had been won, and + ordered the consular election to take place as usual, at the same time + issuing orders to all parts of the Roman dominion for the enrolment of + fresh troops. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal attempted to surprise Piacenza, but Scipio issued out with his + cavalry and inflicted a check upon him, Hannibal himself being slightly + wounded. The Carthaginians then marched away and stormed the town of + Vicumve, and during their absence the two consuls evacuated Piacenza and + marched south. Scipio led his portion of the little army to Ariminum + (Rimini), Sempronius took his command to Arretium (Mezzo), where they both + speedily received reinforcements. Hannibal made an attempt to cross the + Apennines, but the snow lay deep among the mountains, and, unable to + effect his purpose, he fell back again to winter in the plain. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Cneius Servilius Geminus and Caius Flaminius had been + elected consuls. Flaminius succeeded Sempronius in command of the Roman + army at Arretium, while Geminus took the command of that at Rimini. + Between these consuls, as was usually the case in Rome, a bitter jealousy + existed. Geminus was the nominee of the aristocratic party, while + Flaminius was the idol of the populace, and, as has often been the case in + war, this rivalry between two generals possessing equal authority wrought + great evil to the armies they commanded. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV: THE BATTLE OF LAKE TRASIMENE + </h2> + <p> + The battle of Trebia cost Malchus the loss of his father. It was against + the portion of the force headed by Hamilcar that the Romans, who cut their + way through the circle of foes which Hannibal had thrown round them, flung + themselves. Hamilcar had in vain attempted to stem the torrent. Surrounded + by his bravest officers, he had cast himself in the way of the Roman + legion; but nothing could withstand the rush of the heavy armed spearmen, + who, knowing that all was lost, and that their only hope was in cutting + their way through the Carthaginians, pressed forward, shoulder to + shoulder, and swept aside the opposition of their more lightly armed foes. + Hamilcar and most of his officers fell, striving to the last to stem the + current. + </p> + <p> + It was a grievous blow to Malchus, when, as he was exulting in the great + victory which had been gained, the news came to him that his father had + fallen. Hamilcar was very dear to him. He had been his companion and his + friend, his guide and adviser. He had encouraged him in his aspirations, + and had from his earliest years urged him to make the sacrifices and + exertions necessary to qualify him to bear a prominent part under his + cousin Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + He had been his tutor in arms, and had striven to inspire him with the + noblest sentiments. Since they had reached Spain he had seen less of him + than before, for Hamilcar felt that it was best for his son to depend upon + himself alone. He was proud of the name which Malchus was already winning + for himself, and knew that it was better for him that his advancement + should be considered due to his own exertions and gallantry and not to the + influence of his father. + </p> + <p> + When, however, they were thrown together, their relations were unchanged. + Malchus was as affectionate, as respectful, and as eager to listen to his + father's advice, as he had been as a boy, while Hamilcar was glad in the + society of his son to forget the cares and toils of the expedition in + which they had embarked and to talk of the dear ones at home. + </p> + <p> + It was only three days before the battle that they had rejoiced together + over the news which had reached them by a messenger from Gaul that Thyra + had married Adherbal, and had immediately set out with him for Carthagena, + where Adherbal had been offered a command by Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal, + the governor of Spain, in his absence. + </p> + <p> + Father and son had rejoiced at this for several reasons. Hanno's faction + had now gained the upper hand, and the friends of Hannibal were subjected + to persecution of all kinds. The very life of Adherbal as a prominent + member of the Barcine party had been menaced. And it was only by embarking + secretly for Spain that he had succeeded in avoiding arrest. The property + of many of Hannibal's friends had been confiscated. Several had been put + to death under one pretext or another, and although Hamilcar did not think + that Hanno's faction would venture to bring forward any accusation against + him while he was fighting the battles of his country, he experienced a + sense of relief at the knowledge that, should the worst happen, his wife + and Anna would find a refuge and asylum with Adherbal in Spain. Hamilcar + and Malchus had discussed the matter long and seriously, and had talked, + Hamilcar with sorrow, Malchus with indignation and rage, of the state of + Carthage. + </p> + <p> + “It makes one hate one's country,” Malchus exclaimed passionately, “when + one hears of these things. You taught me to love Carthage, father, and to + be proud of her. How can one be proud of a country so misgoverned, so + corrupt, so base as this? Of what use are sacrifices and efforts here, + when at home they think of nothing but luxury and ease and the making of + money, when the best and bravest of the Carthaginians are disgraced and + dishonoured, and the people bow before these men whose wealth has been + gained solely by corruption and robbery? It makes one wish one had been + born a Roman.” + </p> + <p> + “Did not one hope that a better time would come, Malchus, when Carthage + will emancipate herself from the rule of men like Hanno and his corrupt + friends, I should, indeed, despair of her, for even the genius of Hannibal + and the valour of his troops cannot avail alone to carry to a successful + conclusion a struggle between such a state as Carthage now is and a + vigourous, patriotic, and self-reliant people like those of Rome. + </p> + <p> + “We may win battles, but, however great the victories may be, we can never + succeed in the long run against the power of Rome unless Carthage proves + true to herself. Our army is not a large one. Rome and her Latin allies + can, if need be, put ten such in the field. If Carthage at this crisis of + her fate proves worthy of the occasion, if she by a great effort again + wins the sovereignty of the sea, and sends over armies to support us in + our struggle, we may in the end triumph. If not, glorious as may be our + success for a time, we are in the end doomed to failure, and our failure + will assuredly involve the final destruction of Carthage. + </p> + <p> + “Rome will not be slow to profit by the lesson which Hannibal is teaching + her. His genius perceives that only by striking at Rome in Italy could a + vital blow be given to her. The Romans in turn will perceive that only by + an invasion of Africa can Carthage be humbled. Her task will then be far + easier than ours is now, for not only is Rome fresh, strong, and + vigourous, but she has had the wisdom to bind the Latin peoples around her + closely to her by bestowing upon them the rights of citizenship, by making + them feel that her cause is theirs. + </p> + <p> + “Upon the other hand, Carthage has throughout her history been paving the + way for her fall. She fights, but it is with foreign mercenaries. She + stamps under foot the people she has conquered, and while her tax + collectors grind them to the earth, and she forces them to send their sons + to fight her battles, she gives them no share in her privileges, no voice + in her councils. + </p> + <p> + “I had hoped, Malchus, that at such a moment as this faction would have + been silent at Carthage, and a feeling of patriotism would once again have + asserted itself. I find that it is not so, and my heart sinks for my + country. Were it not for my wife and family, Malchus, I would gladly die + in the coming battle.” + </p> + <p> + The words recurred to Malchus as he sat in his tent by the side of his + father's body on the night after the battle of the Trebia, and a deep + bitterness mingled with his sorrow. + </p> + <p> + “Giscon was right,” he exclaimed. “All means are justifiable to rid one's + country of those who are destroying her. It makes one mad to think that + while men like my father are fighting and dying for their country, the + tribunes of the democracy, who fatten on our spoils, are plotting against + them at home. Henceforth, I fight not as a Carthaginian, but as a soldier + of Hannibal, and will aid him in his endeavour to humble Rome; not that + Carthage, with her blood stained altars, her corrupt officials, and her + indolent population, may continue to exist, but that these manly and + valiant Gauls who have thrown in their lot with us may live free and + independent of the yoke of Rome. These people are rude and primitive, but + their simple virtues, their love of freedom, their readiness to die rather + than to be slaves, put the sham patriotism of Carthage to shame.” + </p> + <p> + When the army went into winter quarters, and Hannibal dismissed his + Gaulish allies, with many rich presents, to their homes, Malchus obtained + leave from Hannibal to depart with Allobrigius—the chief of the + Insubrian tribe living on the Orcus—who had, with his fighting men, + accompanied Hannibal through the campaign. The chief's wife and daughters + had returned after seeing the army across the Po. Malchus had sought the + society of his late host during the campaign, had often ridden beside him + on the march, and had spent the evening in his tent talking either of the + civilization of Carthage, which seemed wonderful indeed to the simple + Gaulish chieftain, or of the campaign on which they were engaged. + </p> + <p> + Malchus had by this time mastered the differences between the dialect of + the Cisalpine Gauls and that of those in Gaul itself and Iberia, with + which he was already acquainted. The chief was gratified by the friendship + of Hannibal's kinsman, and liked the frank simplicity of his manner. He + had laughed loudly when his wife had told him how Malchus had leaped from + the bridge to save the life of Clotilde when she fell into the river. But + the act had proved that Malchus was grateful for the kindness which had + been shown him, and had cemented the friendship between them. Therefore, + when the campaign came to a close, he had offered a hearty invitation to + Malchus to spend the time, until the army should again assemble, with him + in his village on the banks of the Orcus. Hannibal had smiled when Malchus + had asked for leave of absence. + </p> + <p> + “Those daughters of the chief whom you presented to me on the day when we + crossed the Po are the fairest I have seen in Gaul. Malchus, are you + thinking of keeping up the traditions of our family? My father wedded all + my sisters, as you know, to native princes in Africa, and I took an + Iberian maiden as my wife. It would be in every way politic and to be + desired that one so nearly related to me as yourself should form an + alliance by marriage with one of these Gaulish chiefs.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus laughed somewhat confusedly. + </p> + <p> + “It will be time to talk about marriage some years hence, Hannibal; I am + scarce twenty yet, and she is but a girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! there is a she in the case,” Hannibal laughed; “and my arrow drawn at + a venture has struck home. Ah! yes, there were three of them, two tall and + stately maidens and one still a slim and unformed girl. Indeed, I remember + now having heard that you lost your armour and helmet in jumping off the + bridge across the Po to fish out one of the daughters of Allobrigius, who + turned out to be able to swim much better than you could. I had a hearty + laugh over it with your poor father, but with the Romans at Piacenza and a + great battle before us the matter passed from my mind. So that is how the + wind lies. Well, as you say, you are both young, and there is no saying + what the next two or three years may bring forth. However, bear in mind + that such an alliance would please me much, and remember also that the + Gaulish maidens marry young, and in times like ours, Malchus, it is never + well to delay long.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus took with him Nessus, who had, from the day when they escaped + together from Scipio's camp, been always near his person, had carried his + helmet on the line of march, slept next to him by the campfire, and fought + by his side in battle, ready at any moment to give his life to avert harm + from his leader. + </p> + <p> + The return of Allobrigius and his tribesmen was celebrated by great + rejoicings on the Orcus. The women and old men and boys met them some + miles from the village, raising loud cries of welcome and triumph as they + returned from their successful campaign against their former oppressors. + Among no people were family ties held more precious than among the Gauls, + and the rough military order which the tribesmen had preserved upon their + march was at once broken up when the two parties met. + </p> + <p> + Wives rushed into the arms of husbands, mothers embraced their sons, girls + hung on the necks of their fathers and brothers. There was nothing to mar + the joy of the meeting, for messengers had from time to time carried news + from the army to the village, and the women who had lost those dearest to + them in the campaign remained behind in the village, so that their + mourning should not mar the brightness of the return of the tribe. + </p> + <p> + Brunilda, the wife of the chief, stood with her daughters a little apart + from the crowd on a rising knoll of ground, and the chief, who was mounted + upon a horse taken from the Romans at the Trebia, spurred forward towards + them, while Malchus hung behind to let the first greeting pass over before + he joined the family circle. He had, however, been noticed, and Clotilde's + cheeks were colouring hotly when her father rode up, from some laughing + remark from her sisters. Brunilda received Malchus cordially, saying that + she had often heard of him in the messages sent by her husband. + </p> + <p> + “He has come to stop the winter with us,” Allobrigius said. “I promised + him a warm welcome, and he needs rest and quiet, as do we all, for it has + been hard work even to seasoned men like us. What with snow and rain I + have scarcely been dry since I left you.” + </p> + <p> + “That would not matter to the young Carthaginian lord,” the eldest girl + said with a smile; “we know that he rather likes getting wet, don't we, + Clotilde?” she said, turning to her sister, who was, contrary to her usual + custom, standing shyly behind her. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I shall never hear the last of that,” Malchus laughed; “I can + only say that I meant well.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you did,” Allobrigius said; “you could not know that our + Gaulish maidens could swim and march, and, if necessary, fight as stoutly + as the men. The Romans before now have learned that, in the absence of the + men from the camp, the women of Gaul can fight desperately for country, + and home, and honour. Do not let yourself be troubled by what these wild + girls say, my lord Malchus; you know our Gaulish women are free of tongue, + and hold not their men in such awe and deference as is the custom among + other nations.” + </p> + <p> + “I am accustomed to be laughed at,” Malchus said smiling; “I have two + sisters at home, and, whatever respect women may pay to their lords in + Carthage, I suppose that neither there nor anywhere else have girls + respect for their brothers.” + </p> + <p> + The music at this moment struck up, the harpers began a song which they + had composed in honour of the occasion, the tribesmen fell into their + ranks again, and Allobrigius placed himself at their head. Malchus + dismounted, and, leading his horse, walked by the side of Brunilda, who, + with the rest of the women, walked on the flanks of the column on its way + back to the village. + </p> + <p> + The next three months passed very pleasantly to Malchus. In the day he + hunted the boar, the bear, and the wolf among the mountains with + Allobrigius; of an evening he sat by the fire and listened to the songs of + the harpers or to the tales of the wars and wanderings of the Gaulish + tribes, or himself told the story of Carthage and Tyre and the wars of the + former with the Romans, described the life and manners of the great city, + or the hunting of the lion in the Libyan deserts. + </p> + <p> + While his listeners wondered at the complex life and strange arts and + magnificence of Carthage, Malchus was struck with the simple existence, + the warm family ties, the honest sincerity, and the deep love of freedom + of the Gauls. When Brunilda and her daughter sighed with envy at the + thought of the luxuries and pleasures of the great city, he told them that + they would soon weary of so artificial an existence, and that Carthage, + with its corruption, its ever present dread of the rising of one class + against another, its constant fear of revolt from the people it had + enslaved, its secret tribunals, its oppression and tyranny, had little + which need be envied by the free tribes of Gaul. + </p> + <p> + “I grant,” he said, “that you would gain greater comfort by adopting + something of our civilization. You might improve your dwellings, hangings + round your walls would keep out the bitter winds, well made doors are in + winter very preferable to the skins which hang at your entrance, and I do + think that a Carthaginian cook might, with advantage, give lessons to the + tribes as to preparations of food; but beyond that I think that you have + the best of it.” + </p> + <p> + “The well built houses you speak of,” Allobrigius said, “have their + advantages, but they have their drawbacks. A people who once settle down + into permanent abodes have taken the first step towards losing their + freedom. Look at all the large towns in the plains; until lately each of + them held a Roman garrison. In the first place, they offer an incentive to + the attack of a covetous foe; in the second, they bind their owners to + them. The inhabitants of a town cling to their houses and possessions, + and, if conquered, become mere slaves to their captors; we who live in + dwellings which cost but a few weeks of work, whose worldly goods are the + work of our own hands, or the products of the chase, should never be + conquered; we may be beaten, but if so, we can retire before our enemies + and live in freedom in the forest or mountains, or travel beyond the reach + of our foes. + </p> + <p> + “Had not your army come and freed us from Rome I was already meditating + moving with my tribe across the great mountains to the north and settling + among Brunilda's people in the German forests, far beyond the reach of + Rome. What though, as she tells me, the winters are long and severe, the + people ignorant of many of the comforts which we have adopted from our + neighbours; at least we should be free, and of all blessings none is to + compare with that.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you,” Malchus said, thinking of the plots and conspiracies, + the secret denunciations, the tyranny and corruption of Carthage, “it is + good to be great, but it is better to be free. However,” he added more + cheerfully, “I trust that we are going to free you from all future fear of + Rome, and that you will be able to enjoy your liberty here without having + to remove to the dark forests and long winter of the country north of the + Alps.” + </p> + <p> + So passed the winter. Early in the spring a messenger arrived from + Hannibal bidding Malchus rejoin him, and calling upon Allobrigius to + prepare to take the field against the Romans. Similar messages had been + sent to all the Gaulish tribes friendly to Carthage, and early in March + Hannibal prepared to cross the Apennines and to advance against Rome. + </p> + <p> + The position occupied by the two Roman armies barred the only two roads by + which it was believed that Hannibal could march upon Rome, but as soon as + the spring commenced Hannibal started by a path, hitherto untrodden by + troops, across the Apennines. In the march the troops suffered even + greater hardships than those which they had undergone in the passage of + the Alps, for during four days and three nights they marched knee deep in + water, unable for a single moment to lie down. + </p> + <p> + While ever moving backwards and forwards among his men to encourage them + with his presence and words, even the iron frame of Hannibal gave way + under the terrible hardships. The long continued strain, the want of + sleep, and the obnoxious miasma from the marshes, brought on a fever and + cost him the sight of one of his eyes. Of all the elephants but one + survived the march, and it was with an army as worn out and exhausted as + that which had issued from the Alps that he descended into the fertile + plains of Tuscany, near Fiesole. + </p> + <p> + The army of Flaminius, 30,000 strong, was still lying at Arezzo, on his + direct road south, and it was with this only that Hannibal had now to + deal, the force of Servilius being still far away at Rimini. His own army + was some 35,000 strong, and crossing the Upper Arno near Florence, + Hannibal marched towards Arezzo. Flaminius, as soon as he had heard that + Hannibal was ascending the slopes of the Apennines, had sent to Servilius + to join him, but the latter, alleging that he feared an invasion by the + Gaulish tribes on the north, refused to move, but sent four thousand + cavalry to Flaminius. This brought the armies to nearly equal strength, + but, although Hannibal marched his troops within sight of Arezzo, + Flaminius would not issue from his camp to attack him. + </p> + <p> + He knew that Hannibal had defeated a force of tried troops, much exceeding + his own in numbers, in the north, and that he would therefore probably be + successful against one which scarcely equalled his own. He hoped, too, + that Hannibal would attack him in his intrenched position. This the + Carthaginian general had no intention of doing, but, leaving the camp + behind him, marched on, plundering and ravaging the country towards Rome. + Flaminius at once broke up his camp and followed on his track, preparing + to take any opportunity which might occur to fall upon the Carthaginians, + and knowing that the senate would at once call up the army of Servilius to + assist him. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal, by means of scouts left in his rear, found that Flaminius was + marching on with his troops in solid column, taking no precaution against + surprise, secure in the belief that Hannibal's object was to march on Rome + without a stop. The Carthaginian general prepared at once to take + advantage of his enemy's carelessness. He halted his troops at Cortona. + The road by which he had passed wound along the shore of Lake Trasimene, + at the foot of a range of steep hills, which approached closely to the + water. + </p> + <p> + Half way along these hills a stream runs down a valley into the lake, and + in the valley, completely hidden from the sight of an enemy approaching, + Hannibal placed the Numidian cavalry and the Gaulish infantry. Among some + woods clothing the lower slope of the hills facing the lake he placed his + light troops, while the Spanish and African infantry and the Gaulish + cavalry were similarly hidden on the outer slopes of the hill in readiness + to close in on the rear of the Romans when they had entered on the road + between the hills and the lake. + </p> + <p> + No better position could have been chosen for a surprise. When once the + Romans had entered the path between the hills and the lake there was no + escape for them. They were shut up between the wood clad hills swarming + with the Carthaginian light troops and the lake, while the heavy infantry + and cavalry of Hannibal were ready to fall on them front and rear. + </p> + <p> + When Flaminius arrived at Cortona late at night he heard of the ravages + and executions committed by the Carthaginians, as they had passed through + early in the morning, and resolved to press forward at daybreak in hopes + of finding some opportunity for falling upon and punishing them. When day + broke it seemed favourable to his design, for a thick mist was rising from + the lake and marshes. This, he thought, would conceal his advance from the + Carthaginians, while, as the high ground ahead rose above the mist, he + would be enabled to see their position. He pushed forward then rapidly, + thinking that he should be able to overtake the rear of the Carthaginian + army as it moved slowly along encumbered with its plunder. + </p> + <p> + As he neared the entrance to the pass he caught sight of the heavy armed + Carthaginians on the distant hill above the level of the mist, and + believing that his own movements were hidden from the enemy, pushed + forward as fast as the infantry could march. But the moment the rear of + his column had entered the narrow flat between the foot of the hills and + the lake, the Numidians quietly moved down and closed the pass behind + them, while Hannibal with his heavy infantry descended from the farther + hill to confront him. When all was ready he gave the signal, and at once + in front, on their right flank, and on their rear the Carthaginians fell + upon them. + </p> + <p> + The light troops heralded their attack by rolling a vast quantity of rocks + down the hill on the long column, and then, pressing down through the + woods, poured their arrows and javelins into the struggling mass. + </p> + <p> + Taken wholly by surprise, unable to advance or retreat, desperate at + finding themselves thus caught in a trap, the Romans fought bravely but in + vain. An earthquake shook the ground on which the terrible fight was going + on; but not for a moment did it interrupt the struggle. For three hours + the Romans, although suffering terribly, still fought on; then Flaminius + was killed, and from that time they thought only of escape. But this was + next to impossible. Six thousand only cut their way out. Fifteen thousand + fell, and nine thousand were taken prisoners. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the battle was over Hannibal despatched Maharbal with his + division of the army in pursuit of the six thousand who had escaped, and, + overtaking them next morning at Perugia, Maharbal forced them to + surrender. At the same time he detached a strong force against the four + thousand horsemen, whom Servilius had despatched from Rimini to aid his + colleague, and the whole of these were surrounded and taken prisoners. + Thus of the Roman army, thirty-six thousand strong, not a single man + escaped. + </p> + <p> + In all history there is no record of so great and successful a surprise. + Hannibal retained as prisoners the Roman citizens and Latins, but released + the rest of the captives, telling them that, far from being their enemy, + he had invaded Italy for the purpose of liberating its helpless people + from the tyranny of the Roman domination. The loss to the Carthaginians in + the battle of Lake Trasimene was only fifteen hundred men. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal has been blamed for not advancing against Rome after the battle + of Lake Trasimene; but he knew that he could not hope to subdue that city + so long as she was surrounded by faithful allies. His army was numerically + insufficient to undertake such a siege, and was destitute of the machines + for battering the walls. Rome was still defended by the city legions, + besides which every man capable of bearing arms was a soldier. The bitter + hostility of the Latins would have rendered it difficult in the extreme + for the army to have obtained provisions while carrying on the siege, + while in its rear, waiting for an opportunity to attack, would have lain + the army of Servilius, thirty thousand strong, and growing daily more + numerous as the friends and allies of Rome flocked to its banners. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal saw that to undertake such an enterprise at present would be + ruin. His course was clear. He had to beat the armies which Rome could put + into the field; to shake the confidence of the Italian tribes in the power + of Rome; to subsist his army upon their territories, and so gradually to + detach them from their alliance with Rome. He hoped that, by the time this + work was finished, Carthage would send another great army to his + assistance provided with siege materials, and he would then be able to + undertake with confidence the great task of striking a vital blow at Rome + herself. + </p> + <p> + “Malchus,” Hannibal said one day, “I wish you to ride north. The tribes at + the foot of the hills promised to aid us, but have so far done nothing. If + they would pour down to the plains now they would occupy the tribes + friendly to the Romans, and would prevent them from sending men and stores + to them. They sent me a message a month ago, saying that they were still + willing to help us, and I then replied that I had been long waiting to + hear that they had risen, and urged them to do so without loss of time. I + have not heard since, and fear that the Roman agents have, by promises of + money and privileges, prevailed upon them to keep quiet. It is a service + of danger; for if they have been bought over they may seize you and send + you in token of their goodwill as a prisoner to Rome; but I know that will + not deter you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to go,” Malchus said, “and will start today. What force shall + I take with me, and which of the chiefs shall I first see?” + </p> + <p> + “You had best go first to Ostragarth. He is the most powerful of the + chiefs on this side of the Apennines. You can select from the treasury + such presents as you may choose for him and the others. You can promise + them large grants of the land of the tribes aiding the Romans, together + with a share in the plunder of the cities. I leave you quite free. In + those respects you will be guided by what you see they want; but any + promises you may make I will ratify. As to men I should not take a large + escort. Force will, of course, be of no avail, and the appearance of a + large number of troops might alarm them at once. Twenty men will be + sufficient for dignity, and as a protection against any small bodies of + the hostile tribesmen you may meet on your way; but have no frays if you + can avoid it. The mission is an important one, and its success should not + be risked merely to defeat a body of tribesmen. Go in your handsomest + armour, and make as brave a show as you can, as my ambassador and kinsman. + Take twenty of the Carthaginian horse; they will impose more upon the + barbarians than would the Libyans or Numidians. Take your friend Trebon as + their commander and a companion for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + In two hours Malchus and his escort were ready to start. As their journey + would be rapid they carried no stores with them, save three days' + provisions, which each man carried at his saddlebow, and a bag containing + a few feeds of corn for the horse. They took with them, however, two + baggage horses laden with arms, armour, garments, and other presents for + the chiefs. + </p> + <p> + They passed rapidly across the country, meeting with no hostile parties, + for the raids of Hannibal's light armed horse had so terrified the people + that the villages were for the most part deserted, the inhabitants having + sought refuge in the fortified towns. After two days' brisk riding they + arrived at the foot of the hills, and their progress was now slower. The + village of Ostragarth lay far up among them, and, being ignorant of the + direction, Malchus broke the troop up into parties of four, and sent them + up different valleys with orders to capture the first native they came + across, and oblige him either by threats or promises to act as a guide to + the stronghold of the chief. + </p> + <p> + “I sincerely trust that this barbarian is friendly, Malchus, for the + country looks wild and difficult in the extreme, and the forests which + clothe these hills are thick and tangled. On the plain we can laugh at the + natives, however numerous, and with twenty men I would charge a thousand + of them; but among these hills it is different, one cannot find a level + spot for a charge, and, if it comes to running, the mountaineers are as + fleet as a horse on the broken ground of their hills.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you, Trebon, that it would go hard with us, and that the + utmost we could hope for would be a visit to Rome as captives. Still, + these chiefs all offered alliance to Hannibal as he went south, and the + success which has attended us should surely bind them to our interests. + They are ever willing to join the winning side, and so far fortune has + been wholly with us.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so, Malchus, but then they see that the tribes of the plains + still hold aloof from us and pin their faith on Rome. They must know that + we are receiving no reinforcements to fill the gaps made in battle, and + may well fear to provoke the anger of Rome by taking part with us before + our success is, as they consider, absolutely secure.” + </p> + <p> + “On the same grounds then, Trebon, they will be equally unwilling to + offend us by any hostility until the scale is decidedly weighed down + against us. Hannibal's anger might be as terrible as that of the Romans.” + </p> + <p> + “There is something in that, Malchus, but not so much as you think. If + Rome wins, Rome will have ample time and ample power, with the aid of all + her native allies, to punish any who may have declared against her. On the + other hand, should Carthage triumph, they may consider it probable that we + should sack and burn Rome and then retire, or that if we remain there will + be so much to arrange, so many tribes in the plains to subjugate and + pacify, that we shall be little likely to undertake expeditions in the + mountains. Therefore, you see, prudent men would decide for Rome. Could we + have marched straight on after the victory at Lake Trasimene and have + captured Rome, all these mountain tribes would have taken the opportunity + to pour down into the plains to plunder and slay under the pretence of + being our allies.” + </p> + <p> + It was not until nightfall that the five parties returned to the spot + where they had left their leaders. Three of them had been entirely + unsuccessful, but the other two had each brought in a native. These men + looked sullen and obstinate, and it was not until Malchus had ordered a + halter to be placed round their necks and threatened them with instant + death that they consented to act as guides. + </p> + <p> + A vigilant watch was kept over them all night, and at daybreak next + morning the party started. For some miles they rode along at the foot of + the mountains, and then entered a valley up which a little used track ran. + The men upon being questioned intimated that it was several hours' journey + to the village of the chief of whom they were in search. + </p> + <p> + This, indeed, proved to be the case, for it was not till the afternoon, + after many hours' weary journey up gorges and through mountain valleys, + that they arrived within sight of the village of Ostragarth. It was + situated on one side of the valley, and consisted of huts surrounded by a + rough stone wall of such height that only the tops of the circular roofs + were visible above it. A loud shrill cry was heard as they came in sight, + a cow horn was blown in the village, and instantly men could be seen + running in. Others, engaged in tending flocks of goats high up on the + mountain side, left their charges and began to hurry down. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV: A MOUNTAIN TRIBE + </h2> + <p> + “It is a petty place for a chief of any power,” Trebon said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Malchus agreed, “but I fancy these hill tribes are broken up into a + very large number of small villages in isolated valleys, only uniting when + the order of the chief calls upon them to defend the mountains against an + invader, or to make a simultaneous raid upon the plains.” + </p> + <p> + As they neared the village several persons were seen to issue out from the + gate, and among these was a small and elderly man, evidently the chief of + the party. His white hair descended to his waist; a boy standing behind + him carried his bow and several javelins. The rest of the men appeared to + be unarmed. + </p> + <p> + “He is a crafty looking old fellow,” Malchus said as he alighted and + advanced towards the chief, “but I suppose he has made up his mind to + receive us as friends, at any rate for the present. + </p> + <p> + “I come, chief, as an ambassador from the Carthaginian general. When we + passed south he received messengers from you, saying that you were ready + to enter into an alliance with him. To this he agreed, and sent presents. + Since then you have done nothing, although he has sent to you urging you + to aid him by making an attack on the tribes allied to Rome. In every + battle which he has fought with the Romans he has defeated them with great + slaughter; but, owing to the aid which they have received from the tribes + in alliance with them, they are enabled continually to put fresh armies in + the field. Therefore it is that he has sent me to you and to the other + chiefs of the tribes inhabiting the mountains, to urge you to descend with + your forces into the plains, and so oblige the tribes there to turn their + attention to their own defence rather than to the sending of assistance to + Rome. He has sent by my hands many valuable presents, and has authorized + me to promise you, in his name, such lands as you may wish to obtain + beyond the foot of the hills. He promises you, also, a share in the booty + taken at the sack of the Italian cities.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you please to enter,” the chief said, speaking a patois of Latin + which Malchus found it difficult to understand. “We will then discuss the + matters concerning which you speak.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he led the way through the gates to a hut somewhat larger than + the rest. + </p> + <p> + “Do you enter with me, Trebon, but let your men remain in their saddle, + and hold our horses in readiness for us to mount speedily if there be + need. I doubt the friendliness of this old fellow and his people.” + </p> + <p> + Upon entering the hut Malchus observed at once that the walls were covered + with hangings which were new and fresh, and he detected some costly armour + half hidden in a corner. + </p> + <p> + “The Romans have been here before us,” he muttered to his companion; “the + question is, how high have they bid for his support.” + </p> + <p> + The chief took his seat on a roughly carved chair, and seats were brought + in for his visitors. He began by asking an account of the state of affairs + in the plains. Malchus answered him truthfully, except that he exaggerated + a little the effects that the Carthaginian victories had produced among + the natives. The chief asked many questions, and was evidently by some + means well informed on the subject. He then expressed a desire to see the + presents which they had brought him. Trebon went out and returned with two + soldiers bearing them. + </p> + <p> + “I don't like the look of things,” he said in a low voice. “The number of + men in the village has trebled since we arrived, and they still keep + coming in. None of them show arms at present, but no doubt they are hidden + close at hand. I believe the chief is only keeping us in conversation till + he considers that a sufficient force has arrived to make sure of us.” + </p> + <p> + “We can't break it off now,” Malchus said, “and must take our chance. It + would not do to ensure a failure by showing suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + The chief examined the presents with great care and announced his + satisfaction at them. Then he entered upon the question of the land which + he was to receive, inquired whether the towns were to be captured by the + Carthaginians and handed over to him, or were to be captured by his + forces. When these points had been arranged, as it seemed, satisfactorily, + he entered upon questions in dispute between himself and other chiefs of + the mountain tribes. Malchus said he had no instructions as to these + points, which were new to him, but that in all questions between the chief + and tribes hostile to Carthage, full satisfaction would be given him. As + to those between himself and other chiefs, who might also join against the + Romans, if they elected to submit them to Hannibal for decision he would + arbitrate between them. + </p> + <p> + At this moment a horn was blown outside. A din of voices instantly arose, + which was followed immediately afterwards by the clashing of weapons. + Malchus and his companion leaped to their feet and rushed from the hut. + They found that their men were attacked by a crowd of mountaineers. In an + instant they leaped on their horses, and drawing their swords joined in + the fray. The number of their foes was large, a great many men having come + in since Trebon had last issued out. The attack was a determined one. + Those next to the horsemen hewed at them with axes, those further back + hurled darts and javelins, while others crept in among the horses and + stabbed them from beneath with their long knives. + </p> + <p> + “We must get out of this or we are lost,” Trebon exclaimed, and, + encouraging the men with his shouts, he strove to hew a way through the + crowd to the gate, while Malchus faced some of the men round and covered + the rear. Several of the Carthaginians were already dismounted, owing to + their horses being slain, and some of them were despatched before they + could gain their feet. Malchus shouted to the others to leap up behind + their comrades. + </p> + <p> + By dint of desperate efforts Trebon and the soldiers with him cleared the + way to the gate, but those behind were so hampered by the enemy that they + were unable to follow. The natives clung to their legs and strove to pull + them off their horses, while a storm of blows was hurled upon them. + Trebon, seeing the danger of those behind, had turned, and in vain tried + to cut his way back to them; but the number of the natives was too great. + Malchus seeing this shouted at the top of his voice: + </p> + <p> + “Fly, Trebon, you cannot help us, save those you can.” Seeing that he + could render his friend no assistance, Trebon turned round and galloped + off with nine of the soldiers who had made their way with him to the gate. + Five had already fallen, and Malchus shouted to the other six to throw + down their arms and yield themselves as prisoners. This they did, but two + of them were killed before the villagers perceived they had surrendered. + </p> + <p> + Malchus and the others were dragged from their horses, bound hand and + foot, and thrown into one of the huts. The natives shouted in triumph, and + yells of delight arose as the packages borne by the baggage animals were + examined, and the variety of rich presents, intended for the various + chiefs, divided among them. + </p> + <p> + Most of the captives were more or less severely wounded, and some of the + natives presently came into the hut and examined and bound up the wounds. + </p> + <p> + “Keep up your spirits,” Malchus said cheerfully, “it is evident they don't + intend to kill us. No doubt they are going to send us prisoners to the + Romans, and in that case we shall be exchanged sooner or later. At any + rate the Romans would not dare ill treat us, for Hannibal holds more than + a hundred prisoners in his hands to every one they have taken.” + </p> + <p> + Three days passed, food was brought to the captives regularly, and their + bonds were sufficiently relaxed for them to feed themselves. At the end of + that time they were ordered to rise and leave the hut. Outside the chief + with some forty of his followers were waiting them. All were armed, and + the prisoners being placed in their midst, the party started. + </p> + <p> + They proceeded by the same road by which Malchus had ridden to the + village, and some miles were passed without incident, when, as they were + passing through a narrow valley, a great number of rocks came bounding + down the hillside, and at different points along it several Carthaginians + appeared. In these Malchus recognized at once the soldiers of his escort. + One of these shouted out: + </p> + <p> + “Surrender, or you are all dead men. A strong force surrounds you on both + sides, and my officers, whom you see, will give orders to their men, who + will loose such an avalanche of rocks that you will all be swept away.” + </p> + <p> + “It is only the men who escaped us,” the chief cried; “push forward at + once.” + </p> + <p> + But the instant the movement began the Carthaginians all shouted orders, + and a great number of rocks came bounding down, proving that they were + obeyed by an invisible army. Several of the mountaineers were crushed by + the stones, and the old chief, struck by a great rock in the chest, fell + dead. A Carthaginian standing next to Malchus was also slain. + </p> + <p> + The tribesmen gave a cry of terror. Hand to hand they were ready to fight + valiantly, but this destruction by an unseen foe terrified them. The + Carthaginian leader raised his hand, and the descent of the stones ceased. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, “you see the truth of my words. Hesitate any longer and + all will be lost; but if you throw down your arms, and, leaving your + captives behind, retire by the way you came, you are free to do so. + Hannibal has no desire for the blood of the Italian people. He has come to + free them from the yoke of Rome, and your treacherous chief, who, after + our making an alliance with him, sold you to the Romans, has been slain, + therefore I have no further ill will against you.” + </p> + <p> + The tribesmen, dismayed by the loss of their chief, and uncertain as to + the strength of the foes who surrounded them, at once threw down their + arms, and, glad to escape with their lives, fled at all speed up the pass + towards their village, leaving their captives behind them. + </p> + <p> + The Carthaginians then descended, Trebon among them. + </p> + <p> + “I did not show myself, Malchus,” the latter said as he joined his friend, + “for the chief knew me by sight, and I wished him to be uncertain whether + we were not a fresh party who had arrived.” + </p> + <p> + “But who are your army?” Malchus asked; “you have astonished me as much as + the barbarians.” + </p> + <p> + “There they are,” Trebon said, laughing, as some fifty or sixty women and + a dozen old men and boys began to make their way down the hill. + “Fortunately the tribesmen were too much occupied with their plunder and + you to pursue us, and I got down safely with my men. I was, of course, + determined to try to rescue you somehow, but did not see how it was to be + done. Then a happy thought struck me, and the next morning we rode down to + the plain till we came to a walled village. I at once summoned it to + surrender, using threats of bringing up a strong body to destroy the place + if they refused. They opened the gates sooner than I had expected, and I + found the village inhabited only by women, old men, and children, the + whole of the fighting men having been called away to join the Romans. They + were, as you may imagine, in a terrible fright, and expected every one of + them to be killed. However, I told them that we would not only spare their + lives, but also their property, if they would obey my orders. + </p> + <p> + “They agreed willingly enough, and I ordered all those who were strong + enough to be of any good to take each sufficient provisions for a week and + to accompany me. Astonished as they were at the order, there was nothing + for them to do but to obey, and they accordingly set out. I found by + questioning them that the road we had travelled was the regular one up to + the village, and that you would be sure to be brought down by it if the + chief intended to send you to Rome. + </p> + <p> + “By nightfall we reached this valley. The next morning we set to work and + cut a number of strong levers, then we went up on the hillside to where + you saw us, and I posted them all behind the rocks. We spent all the day + loosing stones and placing them in readiness to roll down, and were then + prepared for your coming. At nightfall I assembled them all, and put a + guard over them. We posted them again at daybreak yesterday, but watched + all day in vain, and here we should have remained for a month if + necessary, as I should have sent down some of the boys for more provisions + when those they brought were gone. However, I was right glad when I saw + you coming today, for it was dull work. I would have killed the whole of + these treacherous savages if I had not been afraid of injuring you and the + men. As it was I was in terrible fright when the stones went rushing down + at you. One of our men has been killed, I see; but there was no help for + it.” + </p> + <p> + The whole party then proceeded down the valley. On emerging from the hills + Trebon told his improvised army that they could return to their village, + as he had no further need of their services, and, delighted at having + escaped without damage or injury, they at once proceeded on their way. + </p> + <p> + “We had best halt here for the night,” Trebon said, “and in the morning I + will start off with the mounted men and get some horses from one of the + villages for the rest of you. No doubt they are all pretty well stripped + of fighting men.” + </p> + <p> + The next day the horses were obtained, and Malchus, seeing that, now he + had lost all the presents intended for the chiefs, it would be useless to + pursue his mission further, especially as he had learned that the Roman + agents had already been at work among the tribes, returned with his party + to Hannibal's camp. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry, Malchus,” the Carthaginian general said, when he related his + failure to carry out the mission, “that you have not succeeded, but it is + clear that your failure is due to no want of tact on your part. The attack + upon you was evidently determined upon the instant you appeared in sight + of the village, for men must have been sent out at once to summon the + tribe. Your friend Trebon behaved with great intelligence in the matter of + your rescue, and I shall at once promote him a step in rank.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to set out again and try whether I can succeed better with + some of the other chiefs if you like,” Malchus said. + </p> + <p> + “No, Malchus, we will leave them alone for the present. The Romans have + been beforehand with us, and as this man was one of their principal + chiefs, it is probable that, as he has forsaken his alliance with us, the + others have done the same. Moreover, the news of his death, deserved as it + was, at the hands of a party of Carthaginians, will not improve their + feelings towards us. Nothing short of a general movement among the hill + tribes would be of any great advantage to us, and it is clear that no + general movement can be looked for now. Besides, now that we see the + spirit which animates these savages, I do not care to risk your loss by + sending you among them.” + </p> + <p> + The news of the disaster of Lake Trasimene was met by Rome in a spirit + worthy of her. No one so much as breathed the thought of negotiations with + the enemy, not even a soldier was recalled from the army of Spain. Quintus + Fabius Maximus was chosen dictator, and he with two newly raised legions + marched to Ariminum and assumed the command of the army there, raised by + the reinforcements he brought with him to fifty thousand men. + </p> + <p> + Stringent orders were issued to the inhabitants of the districts through + which Hannibal would march on his way to Rome to destroy their crops, + drive off their cattle, and take refuge in the fortified towns. Servilius + was appointed to the command of the Roman fleet, and ordered to oppose the + Carthaginians at sea. The army of Fabius was now greatly superior to that + of Hannibal, but was inferior in cavalry. He had, moreover, the advantage + of being in a friendly country, and of being provisioned by the people + through whose country he moved, while Hannibal was obliged to scatter his + army greatly to obtain provisions. + </p> + <p> + Fabius moved his army until within six miles of that of Hannibal, and then + took up his position upon the hills, contenting himself with watching from + a distance the movements of the Carthaginians. Hannibal marched unmolested + through some of the richest provinces of Italy till he descended into the + plain of Campania. He obtained large quantities of rich booty, but the + inhabitants in all cases held aloof from him, their belief in the star of + Rome being still unshaken in spite of the reverses which had befallen her. + </p> + <p> + Fabius followed at a safe distance, avoiding every attempt of Hannibal to + bring on a battle. + </p> + <p> + The Roman soldiers fretted with rage and indignation at seeing the enemy, + so inferior in strength to themselves, wasting and plundering the country + at their will. Minucius, the master of horse and second in command, a + fiery officer, sympathized to the full with the anger of the soldiers, and + continually urged upon Fabius to march the army to the assault, but Fabius + was immovable. The terrible defeats which Hannibal had inflicted upon two + Roman armies showed him how vast would be the danger of engaging such an + opponent unless at some great advantage. + </p> + <p> + Such advantage he thought he saw when Hannibal descended into the plain of + Campania. This plain was inclosed on the south by the river Vulturnus, + which could be passed only at the bridge at Casilinum, defended by the + Roman garrison at that town, while on its other sides it was surrounded by + an unbroken barrier of steep and wooded hills, the passes of which were + strongly guarded by the Romans. + </p> + <p> + After seeing that every road over the hills was strongly held by his + troops, Fabius sat down with his army on the mountains, whence he could + watch the doings of Hannibal's force on the plains. He himself was amply + supplied with provisions from the country in his rear, and he awaited + patiently the time when Hannibal, having exhausted all the resources of + the Campania, would be forced by starvation to attack the Romans in their + almost impregnable position in the passes. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal was perfectly aware of the difficulties of his position. Had he + been free and unencumbered by baggage he might have led his army directly + across the wooded mountains, avoiding the passes guarded by the Romans, + but with his enormous trail of baggage this was impossible unless he + abandoned all the rich plunder which the army had collected. Of the two + outlets from the plain, by the Appian and Latin roads which led to Rome, + neither could be safely attempted, for the Roman army would have followed + in his rear, and attacked him while endeavouring to force the passages in + the mountains. + </p> + <p> + The same objection applied to his crossing the Vulturnus. The only bridge + was strongly held by the Romans, and the river was far too deep and rapid + for a passage to be attempted elsewhere with the great Roman army close at + hand. The mountain range between the Vulturnus and Cades was difficult in + the extreme, as the passes were few and very strongly guarded, but it was + here that Hannibal resolved to make the attempt to lead his army from the + difficult position in which it was placed. He waited quietly in the plain + until the supplies of food were beginning to run low, and then prepared + for his enterprise. + </p> + <p> + An immense number of cattle were among the plunder. Two thousand of the + stoutest of these were selected, torches were fastened to their horns, and + shortly before midnight the light troops drove the oxen to the hills, + avoiding the position of the passes guarded by the enemy. The torches were + then lighted, and the light troops drove the oxen straight up the hill. + The animals, maddened by fear, rushed tumultuously forward, scattering in + all directions on the hillside, but, continually urged by the troops + behind them, mounting towards the summits of the hills. + </p> + <p> + The Roman defenders of the passes, seeing this great number of lights + moving upwards, supposed that Hannibal had abandoned all his baggage, and + was leading his army straight across the hills. This idea was confirmed by + the light troops, on gaining the crest of the hills, commencing an attack + upon the Romans posted below them in the pass through which Hannibal + intended to move. The Roman troops thereupon quitted the pass, and scaled + the heights to interrupt or harass the retreating foe. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Hannibal saw the lights moving on the top of the hills he + commenced his march. The African infantry led the way; they were followed + by the cavalry; then came the baggage and booty, and the rear was covered + by the Spaniards and Gauls. The defile was found deserted by its + defenders, and the army marched through unopposed. Meanwhile Fabius with + his main army had remained inactive. The Roman general had seen with + astonishment the numerous lights making their way up the mountain side, + but he feared that this was some device on the part of Hannibal to entrap + him into an ambush, as he had entrapped Flaminius on Lake Trasimene. He + therefore held his army in readiness for whatever might occur until + morning broke. + </p> + <p> + Then he saw that he had been outwitted. The rear of the Carthaginian army + was just entering the defile, and in a short time Fabius saw the Gauls and + Spaniards scaling the heights to the assistance of their comrades, who + were maintaining an unequal fight with the Romans. The latter were soon + driven with slaughter into the plain, and the Carthaginian troops + descended into the defile and followed their retreating army. Hannibal now + came down into the fertile country of Apulia, and determined to winter + there. He took by storm the town of Geronium, where he stored his supplies + and placed his sick in shelter, while his army occupied an intrenched camp + which he formed outside the town. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI: IN THE DUNGEONS OF CARTHAGE + </h2> + <p> + Fabius, after the escape of Hannibal from the trap in which he believed he + had caught him, followed him into Apulia, and encamped on high ground in + his neighbourhood intending to continue the same waiting tactics. He was, + however, soon afterwards recalled to Rome to consult with the senate on + matters connected with the army. He left Minucius in command, with strict + orders that he should on no account suffer himself to be enticed into a + battle. Minucius moved forward to within five miles of Geronium, and then + encamped upon a spur of the hills. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal, aware that Fabius had left, hoped to be able to tempt the + impatient Minucius to an action. He accordingly drew nearer to the Romans + and encamped upon a hill three miles from their position. + </p> + <p> + Another hill lay about halfway between the two armies. Hannibal occupied + this during the night with two thousand of his light troops, but next day + Minucius attacked the position, drove off its defenders, and encamped + there with his whole army. For some days Hannibal kept his force united in + his intrenchments, feeling sure that Minucius would attack him. The + latter, however, strictly obeyed the orders of Fabius and remained + inactive. + </p> + <p> + It was all important to the Carthaginians to collect an ample supply of + food before winter set in, and Hannibal, finding that the Romans would not + attack him, was compelled to resume foraging expeditions. Two-thirds of + the army were despatched in various directions in strong bodies, while the + rest remained to guard the intrenchment. + </p> + <p> + This was the opportunity for which Minucius had been waiting. He at once + despatched the whole of his cavalry to attack the foraging parties, and + with his infantry he advanced to the attack of the weakly defended + Carthaginian camp. For a time Hannibal had the greatest difficulty in + resisting the assault of the Romans; but at last a body of four thousand + of the foragers, who had beaten off the Roman cavalry and made their way + into Geronium, came out to his support, and the Romans retired. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal, seeing the energy which Minucius had displayed, fell back to his + old camp near Geronium, and Minucius at once occupied the position which + he had vacated. The partial success of Minucius enabled the party in Rome + who had long been discontented with the waiting tactics of Fabius to make + a fresh attack upon his policy, and Minucius was now raised to an equal + rank with Fabius. + </p> + <p> + Minucius, elated with his elevation, proposed to Fabius either that they + should command the whole army on alternate days, or each should + permanently command one-half. Fabius chose the latter alternative, for he + felt certain that the impetuosity of his colleague would sooner or later + get him into trouble with such an adversary as Hannibal, and that it was + better to risk the destruction of half the army than of the whole. + </p> + <p> + Minucius withdrew the troops allotted to him, and encamped in the plains + at a distance of a mile and a half from Fabius. Hannibal resolved at once + to take advantage of the change, and to tempt the Romans to attack him by + occupying a hill which lay about halfway between the camp of Minucius and + Geronium. + </p> + <p> + The plain which surrounded the hill was level and destitute of wood, but + Hannibal on a careful examination found that there were several hollows in + which troops could be concealed, and in these during the night he posted + five thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry. The position occupied by + them was such that they would be able to take the Romans in flank and rear + should they advance against the hill. Having made these dispositions he + sent forward a body of light troops in the morning to occupy the hill. + Minucius immediately despatched his light troops, supported by cavalry, to + drive them from it. Hannibal reinforced his Carthaginians by small bodies + of troops, and the fight was obstinately maintained until Minucius, whose + blood was now up, marched towards the hill with his legions in order of + battle. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal on his side advanced with the remains of his troops, and the + battle became fierce and general, until Hannibal gave the signal to his + troops in ambush, who rushed out and charged the Romans in rear and flank. + Their destruction would have been as complete and terrible as that which + had befallen the army of Sempronius at the Trebia, had not Fabius moved + forward with his troops to save the broken legions of Minucius. + </p> + <p> + Fabius now offered battle, but Hannibal, well content with the heavy blow + which he had struck, and the great loss which he had inflicted upon the + command of Minucius, fell back to his camp. Minucius acknowledged that + Fabius had saved his army from total destruction, and at once resigned his + command into his hands, and reverted to his former position under him. + Both armies then went into winter quarters. + </p> + <p> + Malchus had not been present at the fighting near Geronium. Two days after + Hannibal broke through the Roman positions round the plains of Campania he + intrusted Malchus with an important commission. Commanding the bodyguard + of the general, and being closely related to him, Malchus was greatly in + Hannibal's confidence, and was indeed on the same footing with Mago, + Hannibal's brother, and two or three other of his most trusted generals. + Gathered in the general's tent on the previous evening, these had agreed + with their leader that final success could not be looked for in their + enterprise unless reinforcements were received from Carthage. + </p> + <p> + It was now a year since they had emerged from the Alps on to the plains of + Northern Italy. They had annihilated two Roman armies, had marched almost + unopposed through some of the richest provinces of Italy, and yet they + were no nearer the great object of their enterprise than they were when + they crossed the Alps. + </p> + <p> + Some of the Cisalpine Gauls had joined them, but even in the plains north + of the Apennines the majority of the tribes had remained firm to their + alliance with the Romans, while south of that range of mountains the + inhabitants had in every case shown themselves bitterly hostile. + Everywhere on the approach of the Carthaginians they had retired to their + walled towns, which Hannibal had neither the time nor the necessary + machines to besiege. + </p> + <p> + Although Rome had lost two armies she had already equipped and placed in + the field a third force superior in number to that of the Carthaginians; + her army in Spain had not been drawn upon; her legion north of the + Apennines was operating against the revolted tribes; other legions were in + course of being raised and equipped, and Rome would take the field in the + spring with an army greatly superior in strength to that of Carthage. + Victorious as Hannibal had been in battle, the army which had struggled + through the Alps had in the year which had elapsed, greatly diminished in + numbers. Trebia and Trasimene had both lessened their strength, but their + losses had been much heavier in the terrible march across the Apennines in + the spring, and by fevers subsequently contracted from the pestiferous + malaria of the marshes in the summer. In point of numbers the gaps had + been filled up by the contingents furnished by their Gaulish allies. But + the loss of all the elephants, of a great number of the cavalry, and of + the Carthaginian troops, who formed the backbone of the army, was not to + be replaced. + </p> + <p> + “Malchus,” Hannibal said, “you know what we were speaking of yesterday + evening. It is absolutely necessary that we should receive reinforcements. + If Carthage aids me I regard victory as certain. Two or three campaigns + like the last would alike break down the strength of Rome, and will detach + her allies from her. + </p> + <p> + “The Latins and the other Italian tribes, when they find that Rome is + powerless to protect them, that their flocks and herds, their crops and + possessions are at our mercy, will at length become weary of supporting + her cause, and will cast in their lot with us; but if the strife is to be + continued, Carthage must make an effort—must rouse herself from the + lethargy in which she appears to be sunk. It is impossible for me to leave + the army, nor can I well spare Mago. The cavalry are devoted to him, and + losing him would be like losing my right hand; yet it is clear that + someone must go to Carthage who can speak in my name, and can represent + the true situation here. + </p> + <p> + “Will you undertake the mission? It is one of great danger. In the first + place you will have to make your way by sea to Greece, and thence take + ship for Carthage. When you arrive there you will be bitterly opposed by + Hanno and his faction, who are now all powerful, and it may be that your + mission may cost you your life; for not only do these men hate me and all + connected with me, but, like most demagogues, they place their own selfish + aims and ends, the advantage of their own faction, and the furtherance of + their own schemes far above the general welfare of the state, the loss of + all the colonies of Carthage, and the destruction of her imperial power. + The loss of national prestige and honour are to these men as nothing in + comparison with the question whether they can retain their places and + emoluments as rulers of Carthage. + </p> + <p> + “Rome is divided as we are, her patricians and plebeians are ever bitterly + opposed to each other; but at present patriotism rises above party, and + both sink their disputes when the national cause is at stake. The time + will doubtless come—that is, unless we cut her course short—that + as Rome increases in wealth and in luxury she will suffer from the like + evils that are destroying Carthage. Party exigencies will rise above + patriotic considerations, and Rome will fall to pieces unless she finds + some man strong and vigourous enough to grasp the whole power of the + state, to silence the chattering of the politicians, and to rule her with + a rod of iron. But I am wandering from my subject. Will you undertake this + mission?” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” Malchus replied firmly, “if you think me worthy of it. I have no + eloquence as a speaker, and know nothing of the arts of the politician.” + </p> + <p> + “There will be plenty of our friends there who will be able to harangue + the multitude,” Hannibal replied. “It is your presence there as the + representative of the army, as my kinsman, and as the son of the general + who did such good service to the state that will profit our cause. + </p> + <p> + “It is your mission to tell Carthage that now is her time or never; that + Rome already totters from the blows I have struck her, and that another + blow only is requisite to stretch her in the dust. A mighty effort is + needed to overthrow once for all our great rival. + </p> + <p> + “Sacrifices will be needed, and great ones, to obtain the object, but Rome + once fallen the future of Carthage is secure. What is needed is that + Carthage should obtain and keep the command of the sea for two years, that + at least twenty-five thousand men should be sent over in the spring, and + as many in the spring following. With such reinforcements I will undertake + to destroy absolutely the power of Rome. Tomorrow I will furnish you with + letters to our friends at home, giving full details as to the course they + should pursue and particulars of our needs. + </p> + <p> + “A party of horse shall accompany you to the coast, with a score of men + used to navigation. There you will seize a ship and sail for Corinth, + whence you will have no difficulty in obtaining passage to Carthage.” + </p> + <p> + After nightfall the next day Malchus started, taking Nessus with him as + his attendant and companion. The party travelled all night, and in the + morning the long line of the sea was visible from the summits of the hills + they were crossing. They waited for some hours to rest and refresh their + horses, and then, continuing their journey, came down in the afternoon + upon a little port at the mouth of the river Biferno. So unexpected was + their approach that the inhabitants had not time to shut their gates, and + the troops entered the town without resistance, the people all flying to + their houses. + </p> + <p> + Malchus at once proclaimed that the Carthaginians came as friends, and + would, if, unmolested, injure no one; but if any armed attempt was made + against them they would sack and destroy the town. Two or three vessels + were lying in the port; Malchus took possession of the largest, and, + putting his party of seamen on board her, ordered the crew to sail for + Corinth. The horsemen were to remain in the town until the vessel + returned, when, with the party on board her, they would at once rejoin + Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + The wind was favourable, and the next morning the mountains of Greece were + in sight, and in the afternoon they entered the port of Corinth. The + anchor was dropped at a short distance from the shore, the small boat was + lowered, and Malchus, accompanied by Nessus, was rowed ashore by two of + his own men. These then returned on board the ship, which at once weighed + anchor and set sail on her return. + </p> + <p> + Corinth was a large and busy port, and the arrival and departure of the + little vessel from Italy passed altogether unnoticed, and without + attracting any particular attention Malchus and his companion made their + way along the wharves. The trade of Corinth was large and flourishing, and + the scene reminded Malchus of that with which he was so familiar in + Carthage. Ships of many nationalities were ranged along the quays. Galleys + from Tyre and Cyprus, from Syria and Egypt, from Carthage and Italy, were + all assembled in this neutral port. + </p> + <p> + Corinth was, like Carthage, essentially a trading community; and while the + power and glory of the rival cities of the Peloponnesus were rapidly + failing Corinth was rising in rank, and was now the first city of Greece. + Malchus had no difficulty in finding a Carthaginian trading ship. He was + amply supplied with money, and soon struck a bargain that the captain + should, without waiting to take in further cargo, at once sail for + Carthage. + </p> + <p> + The captain was much surprised at the appearance in Corinth of a young + Carthaginian evidently of high rank, but he was too well satisfied at the + bargain he had made to ask any questions. An hour later the mooring ropes + were cast off, and the vessel, spreading her sails, started on her voyage. + The weather was warm and pleasant, and Malchus, stretched on a couch + spread on the poop, greatly enjoyed the rest and quiet, after the long + months which had been spent in almost incessant activity. Upon the + following day Nessus approached him. + </p> + <p> + “My lord Malchus,” he said, “there are some on board the ship who know + you. I have overheard the men talking together, and it seems that one of + them recognized you as having been in the habit of going out with a + fisherman who lived next door to him at Carthage.” + </p> + <p> + “It matters not,” Malchus said indifferently; “I have no particular motive + in concealing my name, though it would have been as well that I should be + able to meet my friends in Carthage and consult with them before my + arrival there was generally known. However, before I leave the ship I can + distribute some money among the crew, and tell them that for certain + reasons of state I do not wish them to mention on shore that I have been a + passenger.” + </p> + <p> + Had Malchus been aware that the ship in which he had taken passage was one + of the great fleet of traders owned by Hanno, he would have regarded the + discovery of his personality by the sailors in a more serious light; as it + was, he thought no more of the matter. No change in the manner of the + captain showed that he was aware of the name and rank of his passenger, + and Malchus, as he watched the wide expanse of sea, broken only by a few + distant sails, was too intent upon the mission with which he was charged + to give the matter another moment's thought. + </p> + <p> + The wind fell light and it was not until the evening of the eighth day + after leaving Corinth that Carthage, with the citadel of Byrsa rising + above it, could be distinguished. The ship was moving but slowly through + the water, and the captain said that unless a change took place they would + not make port until late the next morning. Malchus retired to his couch + feeling sorry that the period of rest and tranquillity was at an end, and + that he was now about to embark in a difficult struggle, which, though he + felt its importance, was altogether alien to his taste and disposition. + </p> + <p> + He had not even the satisfaction that he should see his mother and sister, + for news had come a short time before he sailed that their position was so + uncomfortable at Carthage that they had left for Spain, to take up their + abode there with Adherbal and Anna. His mother was, he heard, completely + broken down in health by grief for the loss of his father. + </p> + <p> + He was wakened in the night by the splash of the anchor and the running + out of he cable through the hawse hole, and supposed that the breeze must + have sprung up a little, and that they had anchored at the entrance to the + harbour. He soon went off to sleep again, but was presently aroused by + what seemed to him the sound of a short struggle followed by another + splash; he dreamingly wondered what it could be and then went off to sleep + again. When he awoke it was daylight. Somewhat surprised at the + non-appearance of Nessus, who usually came into his cabin the first thing + in the morning to call him, he soon attired himself. + </p> + <p> + On going to the door of his cabin he was surprised to find it fastened + without. He knocked loudly against it to attract attention, but almost + immediately found himself in darkness. Going to the porthole to discover + the cause of this sudden change, he found that a sack had been stuffed + into it, and immediately afterwards the sound of hammering told him that a + plank was being nailed over this outside to keep it in its place. + </p> + <p> + The truth washed across him—he was a prisoner. Drawing his sword he + flung himself with all his force against the door, but this had been so + securely fastened without that it did not yield in the slightest to his + efforts. After several vain efforts he abandoned the attempt, and sitting + down endeavoured to realize the position. He soon arrived at something + like the truth: the trading interests of Carthage were wholly at the + disposal of Hanno and his party, and he doubted not that, having been + recognized, the captain had determined to detain him as a prisoner until + he communicated to Hanno the fact of his arrival, and received + instructions from him as to whether Malchus was to be allowed to land. + </p> + <p> + Malchus recalled the sounds he had heard in the night, and uttered an + exclamation of grief and anger as he concluded that his faithful follower + had been attacked and doubtless killed and thrown overboard. At present he + was powerless to do anything, and with his sword grasped in his hand he + lay on the couch in readiness to start up and fight his way out, as soon + as he heard those without undoing the fastenings of the door. + </p> + <p> + The day passed slowly. He could hear voices without and footsteps on the + deck of the poop overhead, but no one came near him; and after a time his + watchfulness relaxed, as he made up his mind that his captors, whatever + their intentions might be, would not attempt to carry them out until after + nightfall. At last he heard a moving of the heavy articles which had been + piled against the door; he sprang to his feet, the door opened two or + three inches, and a voice said: + </p> + <p> + “In the name of the republic I declare you to be my prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “I warn you I shall resist,” Malchus exclaimed. “I am Malchus, the son of + Hamilcar, late a general of the republic, and I come to Carthage on a + mission from Hannibal. Whatever complaint the state may have against me I + am ready to answer at the proper time, and shall not fail to appear when + called upon; but at present I have Hannibal's mission to discharge, and + those who interfere with me are traitors to the republic, whomsoever they + may be, and I will defend myself until the last.” + </p> + <p> + “Open the door and seize him,” a voice exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + As the door was opened Malchus sprang forward, but the lights of several + lanterns showed a dozen men with levelled spears standing in front of the + cabin. + </p> + <p> + “I surrender,” he said, seeing that against such a force as this + resistance would be vain, “but in the name of Hannibal I protest against + this interference with the messenger whom he has sent to explain, in his + name, to the senate the situation in Italy.” + </p> + <p> + So saying Malchus laid down his shield and sword, took off his helmet, and + walked quietly from the cabin. At an order from their superior four of the + men laid down their weapons and seized him. In a minute he was bound hand + and foot, a gag was forced into his mouth, a cloak thrown over his head, + and he was roughly thrown into a large boat alongside the ship. + </p> + <p> + Short as was the time which he had at liberty, Malchus had thrown a glance + over the bulwarks of each side of the ship, and perceived that any + resistance would have been useless, for far away lay the lights of + Carthage; and it was evident that the vessel had made little progress + since he had retired to rest on the previous evening. Had she been inside + the harbour he had intended to spring overboard at once and to trust to + escape by swimming. + </p> + <p> + The person in command of the party which had seized Malchus took his place + at the helm of the boat, and his twelve agents seated themselves at the + oars and rowed away towards Carthage. The town was nearly eight miles + away, and they were two hours before they arrived there. The place where + they landed was at some distance from the busy part of the port. Two men + were waiting for them there with a stretcher. Upon this Malchus was laid, + four men lifted it on their shoulders, the others fell in round it as a + guard, and the party then proceeded through quiet streets towards the + citadel. + </p> + <p> + The hour was late and but few people were about. Any who paused for a + moment to look at the little procession, shrank away hastily on hearing + the dreaded words, “In the name of the republic,” uttered by the leader of + the party. The citizens of Carthage were too well accustomed to midnight + arrests to give the matter further thought, save a momentary wonder as to + who was the last victim of the tyrants of the city, and to indulge, + perhaps, in a secret malediction upon them. Malchus had from the first no + doubt as to his destination, and when he felt a sudden change in the angle + at which the stretcher was carried, knew that he was being taken up the + steep ascent to Byrsa. + </p> + <p> + He heard presently the challenge of a sentry, then there was a pause as + the gates were opened, then he was carried forward for awhile, there was + another stop, and the litter was lowered to the ground, his cords were + unfastened, and he was commanded to rise. It needed but a glance upwards + to tell him where he was. Above him towered the dark mass of the temple of + Moloch, facing him was a small door known to every citizen of Carthage as + leading to the dungeons under the temple. + </p> + <p> + Brave as he was, Malchus could not resist a shudder as he entered the + portal, accompanied by four of his guards and preceded by a jailer. No + questions were asked by the latter, and doubtless the coming of the + prisoner had been expected and prepared for. The way lay down a long + flight of steps and through several passages, all hewn in the solid rock. + They passed many closed doors, until at last they turned into one which + stood open. The gag was then removed from Malchus' mouth, the door was + closed behind him, he heard the bolts fastened, and then remained alone in + perfect darkness. + </p> + <p> + Malchus felt round the walls of his cell and found that it was about six + feet square. In one corner was a bundle of straw, and, spreading this out, + he threw himself upon it and bitterly meditated over the position into + which he had fallen. His own situation was desperate enough. He was + helpless in the hands of Hanno. The friends and partisans of Hannibal were + ignorant of his coming, and he could hope for no help from them. He had + little doubt as to what his fate would be; he would be put to death in + some cruel way, and Hannibal, his relatives, and friends would never know + what had become of him from the moment when he left the Italian vessel in + the port of Corinth. + </p> + <p> + But hopeless as was his own situation, Malchus thought more of Hannibal + and his brave companions in arms than of himself. The manner in which he + had been kidnapped by the agents of Hanno, showed how determined was that + demagogue to prevent the true state of things which prevailed in Italy + from becoming known to the people of Carthage. In order to secure their + own triumph, he and his party were willing to sacrifice Hannibal and his + army, and to involve Carthage in the most terrible disasters. + </p> + <p> + At last Malchus slept. When he awoke a faint light was streaming down into + his cell. In the centre of the room was an opening of about a foot square, + above which a sort of chimney extended twenty feet up through the solid + rock to the surface, where it was covered with an iron grating. Malchus + knew where he was. Along each side of the great temple extended a row of + these gratings level with the floor, and every citizen knew that it was + through these apertures that light and air reached the prisoners in the + cells below. Sometimes groans and cries were heard to rise, but those who + were near would hurry from the spot, for they knew that the spies of the + law were ever on the watch, and that to be suspected of entering into + communication with the prisoners would be sufficient to ensure + condemnation and death. + </p> + <p> + It was the sight of these gratings, and the thought of the dismal cells + below, which had increased the aversion which Malchus had felt as a boy to + enter the bloodstained temple, little as he had dreamed that the day would + come when he himself would be lying a prisoner in one of them. He knew + that it was useless for him to attempt by shouting to inform his friends + in the city of his presence there. The narrowness of the air passage and + the closeness of the grating above deadened and confused the voice, unless + to a person standing immediately above the opening, and as the visitors to + the temple carefully avoided the vicinity of the gratings, it would be but + a waste of breath to attempt to call their attention. + </p> + <p> + As to escape it was out of the question. The cell was cut in the solid + rock. The door was of enormous strength, and even could that have been + overcome, there were many others which would have to be passed before he + could arrive at the entrance to the dungeon. + </p> + <p> + In a short time a Numidian entered, bearing some bread and a pitcher of + water. Malchus addressed him; but the negro opened his mouth, and Malchus + saw that his tongue had been cut out, perhaps in childhood, perhaps as a + punishment for a crime; but more probably the man was a slave captured in + war, who had been mutilated to render him a safe and useful instrument of + the officers of the law. + </p> + <p> + Three hours later the door again opened, and two men appeared. They + ordered Malchus to follow them, and led him through a number of meandering + passages, until at last, opening a door, they ushered him into a large + chamber. This was lighted by torches. At a table in the centre of the room + were seated seven figures. In the one seated in a chair very slightly + above the others Malchus at once recognized Hanno. His companions were all + leading men of his faction. + </p> + <p> + “Malchus, son of Hamilcar,” Hanno said, “what have you to say why you thus + secretly come to Carthage?” + </p> + <p> + “I come not secretly,” Malchus replied, “I come hither as the messenger of + Hannibal to the senate. I am charged by him to lay before them the exact + situation in Italy, to tell them how much he has already accomplished, and + what yet remains to be done, and to explain to them the need there is that + reinforcements should be despatched to him to carry out his great designs + for the annihilation of the power of Rome. I come not in secret. I passed + in a ship from Italy to Corinth, and there at once hired a vessel to + convey me hither.” + </p> + <p> + “As we are members of the senate,” Hanno said, “you can deliver your + message to us.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear that it will go no further,” Malchus replied. “The fact that I + have been thus secretly seized and carried here, shows how far it is your + wish that the people of Carthage should know my message. Still, as even in + your breasts all patriotism may not yet be dead, and as my words may move + you yet to do something to enable Hannibal to save the republic, I will + give you the message he sent me to deliver to the senate.” + </p> + <p> + A murmur of angry surprise arose from the seven men at the bold words and + the defiant bearing of their prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “How dare you thus address your judges?” Hanno exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Judges!” Malchus repeated scornfully, “executioners, you should say. + Think you that I know not that my death is resolved on? Even if you would + you dare not free a noble of Carthage, a son of a general who has lost his + life in her service, a cousin of the great Hannibal, after you have thus + treacherously seized and thrown him into a dungeon. Cowed as the people of + Carthage are by your tyranny, corrupted as they are by your gold, this + lawless act of oppression would rouse them to resistance. No, Hanno, it is + because I know that my doom is sealed I thus fearlessly defy you and your + creatures.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus then proceeded to deliver the message of Hannibal to the senate. + He showed the exact situation of affairs in Italy, urged that if the + reinforcements asked for were sent, the success of the arms of Carthage + and the final defeat and humiliation of Rome were assured; while, on the + other hand, if Hannibal were left unaided, his army must in time dwindle + away until too feeble to resist the assaults of the Romans and their + allies. He warned his hearers that if this catastrophe should come about, + Rome, flushed with victory, smarting under the defeats and humiliation + which Hannibal had inflicted upon them, would in turn become the + aggressor, and would inflict upon Carthage a blow similar to that with + which Rome had been menaced by Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + Hanno and his companions listened in silence. Malchus for a time forgot + his own position and the character of the men he addressed, and pleaded + with an earnestness and passion such as he would have used had he been + addressing the whole senate. When he had finished, Hanno without a word + motioned to the jailers, and these, placing themselves one on each side of + Malchus, led him back to his cell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII: THE ESCAPE + </h2> + <p> + For the next two days Malchus was visited only by the Numidian who brought + his food. The third night, as he was lying on his straw, wondering how + long Hanno would be before he decided his fate, he started to his feet as + he heard, apparently close at hand, his name whispered. It was repeated, + and he now perceived that it came from above. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said in a low tone, looking upwards, “I am Malchus. Who speaks + to me?” + </p> + <p> + “It is I, Nessus,” the voice replied. “Thanks to the gods, I have found my + lord.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you get here, Nessus? I feared that you were drowned.” + </p> + <p> + “I swam to shore,” the Arab said, “and then watched outside the gate here. + I saw several prisoners brought in, and doubted not that you were among + them. I was at the port when the ship came in, and found that she brought + no passenger. Then I came up here again, soon found friends among the Arab + regiment in the garrison; these obtained me employment in the stables of + the elephants. Each night, when all has been still, I have crept here, and + have whispered your name down each of the gratings. Tonight you have heard + me. Now that I know where you are, I will set to work to contrive your + escape. Is the passage from your cell here wide enough to admit your being + drawn up?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Malchus replied; “it would be a close fit, but with a rope you + could get me up through it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will set to work to loosen these bars at once,” Nessus said; “but the + difficulty is not to get you out from here, but to get you beyond the + gates of the citadel. The watch is extremely strict, and the gates are not + opened until nine o'clock. Before that your escape would be discovered, + and it will be impossible for you to pass out undetected. I must find a + hiding place where you can lie concealed until the search is over, and the + vigilance of the sentries is relaxed; but it will be no easy matter. And + now let us speak no more; it is dangerous to breathe, much less to speak + here.” + </p> + <p> + Not another word was spoken for hours. Malchus could hear a low continuous + scraping noise as Nessus with his dagger worked away upon the stone into + which the grating fitted. At last Nessus spoke again. “I have nearly + finished, my lord, the greater part of the grating is loose, and in half + an hour I can complete the work. Daylight will soon be breaking and I must + go. Tomorrow night I will return with a rope. I hope today to find some + place where you may be concealed.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus with renewed hope threw himself upon the straw, and lay there + until about noon when he was again summoned to the presence of his judges. + They were the same whom he had seen previously. + </p> + <p> + “Malchus, son of Hamilcar,” Hanno said, “you are now brought before us to + hear the crime with which you are charged. We have here before us the + written list of the names of the members of the conspiracy, headed by + Giscon, which had for its aim the murder of many of the senate of Carthage + and the overthrow of her constitution. We have also here the confession of + several of the conspirators confirming this list, and saying that you were + one of the party.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not deny,” Malchus said firmly, “that I did once visit the place in + which those you speak of met, and that my name was then entered on the + roll; but when I went there I was wholly ignorant of the purposes of the + association, and as soon as I learned their aims and objects I withdrew + from them, and did not again visit their place of meeting.” + </p> + <p> + “You could not well do that,” Hanno said, “since it is writ down that you + sailed very shortly afterwards for Spain.” + </p> + <p> + “I own that I did so,” Malchus replied, “but I told Giscon on the very day + that I accompanied him to the meeting that I would go there no more. + Moreover, your commissioners with Hannibal's army have already inquired + into the circumstances, and they, in consideration of the fact that I was + then little more than sixteen years old, that I was led ignorantly into + the plot, and at once separated myself from it, absolved me from blame.” + </p> + <p> + “The commissioners had no authority to do so,” Hanno replied; “they were + ordered to send you to Carthage, and failed to carry out their orders only + because Hannibal then, as always, set himself above the authority of the + republic. As you have confessed that you were a member of this conspiracy, + no further trial is needed, and this court awards to you the same + punishment which was meted to all the others concerned in the conspiracy—you + will tomorrow be put to death by the usual punishment of the press.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus abstained from all reply, for it struck him at once that were he + to defy and anger his judges they might order him to be instantly + executed. He therefore without a word turned and accompanied his jailer to + his cell. He waited impatiently for night, and the hours seemed long + indeed before he heard the whisper of Nessus above. Directly the Arab + received the reply, assuring him that Malchus was still there, he again + set to work. + </p> + <p> + In an hour the grating was removed and the rope lowered. Malchus fastened + it under his arms, knotting it in front, and then whispered to Nessus that + he was ready. The Arab drew him slowly and steadily up until his head was + in the entrance of the narrow passage. Malchus had grasped the rope as + high as possible above his head and hung by his hands, thereby drawing the + shoulders upwards, and reducing their width as much as possible. He then + managed to swing himself so that his body was diagonally across the + opening, and when thus placed he found to his joy that the passage was + large enough for him to pass through without much difficulty. + </p> + <p> + Slowly and steadily Nessus drew him up until his shoulders were above the + level of the ground, when Malchus, placing his hands on the pavement, + sprang noiselessly out. The grating was replaced, and without a word being + spoken they glided from the temple. Not a word was said until they had + gone some little distance. + </p> + <p> + “You have saved my life again, Nessus,” Malchus said, laying his hand upon + his shoulder. “Another twelve hours and it would have been too late. I was + to have been put to death in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + Nessus gave a fierce exclamation and placed his hand on his knife. + </p> + <p> + “Had they slain my lord,” he said, “I would have avenged you. I would have + dogged your enemies night and day till, one by one, my knife should have + found its way to their hearts!” + </p> + <p> + “Have you found a hiding place, Nessus?” + </p> + <p> + “There is but one place of safety, my lord, that I can think of. I have + talked it over with two or three faithful friends, and they agree that so + rigid will be the search that it will be well nigh impossible for anyone + within the walls of the citadel to escape detection. The spies of Hanno + are everywhere, and men fear within these walls even to whisper what they + think. At any rate, no more secure hiding place could be found than that + which we have decided upon.” + </p> + <p> + “And where is that, Nessus?” + </p> + <p> + “It is in the reservoirs. With four water skins and some planks we have + prepared a raft. My two friends are waiting for us at one of the + entrances. They will have fitted the raft together, and all will be in + readiness. They are not likely to search for you there.” + </p> + <p> + “The idea is excellent, Nessus.” + </p> + <p> + The reservoirs of Carthage were of enormous extent, and some of these + remain to this day and are the wonder and admiration of travellers. They + were subterranean, and were cut from the solid rock, the stone extracted + from them being used for the walls of the buildings of the city. Pillars + were left at intervals to support the roof, and it was calculated that + these underground lakes—for they were no less—contained + sufficient water to supply the wants of the great city for at least six + months. These vast storing places for water were an absolute necessity in + a climate like that of Northern Africa, where the rain falls but seldom. + Without them, indeed, Carthage would have been at the mercy of the first + army which laid siege to it. + </p> + <p> + The greatest pains were devoted to the maintenance of the water supply. + The rainfall from the roofs of the temples and houses was conducted to the + reservoirs, and these stores were never drawn upon on ordinary occasions, + the town being supplied with water brought by aqueducts from long + distances among the hills. Here and there openings were cut in the rock + which formed the roof of the reservoirs, for the admission of air, and at + a few points steps from the surface led down to the water. Iron gates + guarded the entrance to these. + </p> + <p> + Nessus and his friends had the evening before unfastened one of these + gates. The lock was old and little used, as the gate was placed rather to + prevent children and others going down to the water than for any other + purpose, and the Arabs had found little difficulty in picking the rough + lock. + </p> + <p> + Malchus followed Nessus down the steps until he reached the edge of the + water, some fifty feet below the surface. Here stood two Arabs bearing + torches. At the foot of the steps floated the raft, formed, as Nessus had + said, of four inflated sheepskins connected by a framework of planks. + Across these a bullock's hide had been stretched, forming a platform. On + this were some rugs, a skin of wine, and a pile of flat cakes and fruit, + together with half a dozen torches. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, my friends!” Malchus said to the Arabs. “Some day I may be able + to prove that I am grateful to you.” + </p> + <p> + “The friends of Nessus are our friends,” one of the Arabs replied simply; + “his lord is our master.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is a paddle, my lord,” Nessus said. “I propose that you should + paddle straight away as far as you can see a torch burning here; then that + you should fasten the raft to a pillar. Every other night I will come with + provisions here and show a light. If you see the light burn steadily it is + safe for you to approach, and I come only to bring food or news; if you + see the torch wave to and fro, it is a warning that they intend to search + the reservoirs. I do not think it likely they will do so; still it is best + to be prepared, and in that case you must paddle far away in the recesses. + They might search for a long time before they find you. I trust that your + imprisonment here will not be long, but that we may hit upon some plan of + getting you out of the citadel. I would gladly go with you to share your + solitude, but I must remain outside to plan some way of escape.” + </p> + <p> + With a short farewell to his faithful follower Malchus took his place on + the raft, having lit a torch and fastened it upright upon it. Then he + paddled slowly away, keeping between the lines of heavy columns. His rate + of progress was slow, and for half an hour he kept the torch in sight. By + this time he felt sure that he must be approaching the boundary of the + reservoir. He therefore moored his raft against a pillar and waved his + torch backwards and forwards. The signal was answered by a similar + movement of the distant light, which then disappeared. Malchus now + extinguished his own torch, placed the means of relighting it with which + Nessus had furnished him close to his hand, and then, wrapping himself in + a rug, lay down to sleep. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke it was day. The light was streaming down on to the water + from an opening two or three hundred yards away, while far in the distance + he could see a faint light which marked the place of the steps at which he + had embarked. In the neighbourhood of the opening the columns stood up + clear and gray against the dark background. A little further off their + outlines were dim and misty; and wherever else he looked an inky darkness + met his eye, save one or two faint bands of misty light, which marked the + position of distant openings. + </p> + <p> + The stillness which reigned in this vast cavern was almost oppressive. + Sometimes a faint rustling whisper, the echo of some sound in the citadel + above, passed among the columns; and the plaintive squeak of a bat was + heard now and then, for numbers of these creatures were flitting + noiselessly in the darkness, their forms visible for an instant as they + passed and repassed between Malchus and the light. He wondered vaguely + what they could find to eat here, and then remembered that he had heard + that at nightfall numbers of bats could be seen flying up from the + openings to the reservoirs to seek food without, returning to their hiding + places when morning approached. + </p> + <p> + Malchus amused himself by thinking over the fury and astonishment of Hanno + and his colleagues on hearing that their prisoner had disappeared, and he + pictured to himself the hot search which was no doubt going on throughout + the citadel. He thought it improbable in the extreme that any search would + be made in the reservoir. Nessus would refasten the gate after passing + through it again, and the idea that he could be floating on the + subterranean lake could hardly occur to them. + </p> + <p> + Then he turned over in his mind the various devices by which it might be + possible to get beyond the walls of the citadel. The anxiety of Hanno and + those acting with him to prevent the manner in which they had kidnapped + and sentenced to death the messenger and kinsman of Hannibal from becoming + known in the city, would be so great that extraordinary vigilance would be + used to prevent any from leaving the citadel. The guards on the walls + would be greatly increased; none would be allowed to pass the gate without + the most rigourous examination; while every nook and corner of the + citadel, the temples, the barracks, storehouses, and stables, would be + searched again and again. Even should a search be made in the reservoir, + Malchus had little fear of discovery; for even should a boat come towards + the spot where he was lying, he would only have to pass the raft round to + the opposite side of the great pillar, some twelve feet square, against + which he was lying. + </p> + <p> + When the light faded out he again lay down to sleep. As before, he slept + soundly; for, however great the heat above, the air in the subterranean + chambers was always fresh and cool, and he could well bear the rugs which + Nessus had provided. The next day passed more slowly, for he had less to + think about. After the daylight had again faded he began to look forward + expectantly for the signal, although he knew that many hours must still + elapse before Nessus would be able to make his way to the place of + meeting. + </p> + <p> + So slowly did the hours pass, indeed, that he began at last to fear that + something must have happened—perhaps that Nessus had been in some + way recognized, and was now in the dungeons below the temple of Moloch. At + last, however, to his joy Malchus saw the distant light; it burned + steadily, and he at once set out to paddle towards it. He did not light + his torch—it would have taken time, and he knew that, quietly as he + paddled, the sound would be borne along the surface of the water to + Nessus. At last he arrived at the steps. Nessus was there alone; beside + him was a basket of fresh provisions. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Nessus, what news?” + </p> + <p> + “All is well, my lord; but Hanno is moving heaven and earth to find you. + The gates of the citadel were kept closed all day yesterday; and although + today they have again been opened, the examination of those who pass out + is so strict that no disguise would avail to deceive the scrutiny of the + searchers. One or other of the men who attended you in the prison is + always at the gate. The barracks have been searched from end to end, the + troops occupying them being all turned out while the agents of the law + searched them from top to bottom. The same has been done with the stables; + and it is well that we did not attempt to hide you above ground, for + assuredly if we had done so they would have found you, however cunningly + we had stowed you away. Of course the name of the prisoner who has escaped + is known to none, but the report that an important prisoner had escaped + from the state prisons beneath the temple has created quite an excitement + in the city, for it is said that such an event never took place before. At + present I can hit on no plan whatever for getting you free.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I must be content to wait for a while, Nessus. After a time their + vigilance is sure to relax, as they will think that I must have got beyond + the walls.” + </p> + <p> + “Are there any to whom you would wish me to bear news that you are here?” + </p> + <p> + This was a question which Malchus had debated with himself over and over + again. It appeared to him, however, that Hanno's power was so great that + it would be dangerous for anyone to come forward and accuse him. No doubt + every one of the leading men of the Barcine party was strictly watched; + and did Hanno suspect that any of them were in communication with the + escaped prisoner, he would take instant steps against them. He thought it + better, therefore, that none should be acquainted with the secret until he + was free. He therefore replied in the negative to the question of Nessus. + </p> + <p> + “I must wait till I am free. Any action now might bring down the vengeance + of Hanno upon others. He would find no difficulty in inventing some excuse + for dealing a blow at them. You think there is no possibility of escape at + present?” + </p> + <p> + “I can think on no plan, my lord. So strict is the search that when the + elephants went down today to the fountains for water every howdah was + examined to see that no one was hidden within it.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be necessary also, Nessus, if you do hit upon some plan for + getting me out, to arrange a hiding place in the city.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be easy enough,” Nessus replied. “My friends have many + relations in the Arab quarter, and once free, you might be concealed there + for any time. And now I will wait no longer, for last night visits were + made in all the barracks and stables by the agents of the law, to see that + every man was asleep in his place. Therefore I will return without delay. + In two days I will be here again; but should anything occur which it is + needful to tell you I will be here tomorrow night.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus watched for the light on the following evening with but faint hope + of seeing it, but at about the same hour as before he saw it suddenly + appear again. Wondering what had brought Nessus before his time, he + paddled to the stairs. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Nessus, what is your news?” + </p> + <p> + “We have hit upon a plan of escape, my lord. As I told you my friend and I + are in the stable with the elephants, our duties being to carry in the + forage for the great beasts, and to keep the stables in order. We have + taken one of the Indian mahouts into our confidence, and he has promised + his aid; the elephant of which he is in charge is a docile beast, and his + driver has taught him many tricks. At his signal he will put up his trunk + and scream and rush here and there as if in the state which is called + must, when they are dangerous of approach. The mahout, who is a crafty + fellow, taught him to act thus, because when in such a state of temper the + elephants cannot be worked with the others, but remain in the stables, and + their drivers have an easy time of it. + </p> + <p> + “On the promise of a handsome reward the mahout has agreed that tomorrow + morning, before the elephants are taken out, you shall be concealed in the + bottom of the howdah. He will manage that the elephant is the first in the + procession. When we get out into the courtyard he will slyly prick the + beast, and give him the signal to simulate rage; he will then so direct + him that, after charging several times about the court, he shall make a + rush at the gate. You may be sure that the guards there will step aside + quickly enough, for a furious elephant is not a creature to be hindered. + </p> + <p> + “When he is once down to the foot of the hill the driver will direct him + to some quiet spot. That he will find easily enough, for at his approach + there will be a general stampede. When he reaches some place where no one + is in sight he will halt the elephant and you will at once drop off him. I + shall be near at hand and will join you. The elephant will continue his + course for some little distance, and the mahout, feigning to have at last + recovered control over him, will direct him back to the citadel.” + </p> + <p> + “The idea is a capital one,” Malchus said, “and if carried out will surely + succeed. You and I have often seen during our campaigns elephants in this + state, and know how every one flies as they come along screaming loudly, + with their trunks high, and their great ears out on each side of their + heads. At any rate it is worth trying, Nessus, and if by any chance we + should fail in getting through the gate, the mahout would, of course, take + his elephant back to the stable, and I might slip out there and conceal + myself till night, and then make my way back here again.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what we have arranged,” Nessus said. “And now, my lord, I will + leave you and go back to the stables, in case they should search them + again tonight. If you will push off and lie a short distance away from the + steps I will be here again half an hour before daybreak. I will bring you + a garb like my own, and will take you direct to the stable where the + animal is kept. There will be no one there save the mahout and my two + friends, so that it will be easy for us to cover you in the howdah before + the elephants go out. There is little chance of anyone coming into the + stables before that, for they have been searched so frequently during the + last two days that Hanno's agents must by this time be convinced that + wherever you are hidden you are not there. Indeed, today the search has + greatly relaxed, although the vigilance at the gate and on the walls is as + great as ever; so I think that they despair of finding you, and believe + that you must either have made your escape already, or that if not you + will sooner or later issue from your hiding place and fall into their + hands.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus slept little that night, and rejoiced when he again saw Nessus + descending the steps. A few strokes of his paddle sent the raft alongside. + Nessus fastened a cord to it to prevent it from drifting away. + </p> + <p> + “We may need it again,” he said briefly. Malchus placed his own clothes + upon it and threw over his shoulders the bernous which Nessus had brought. + He then mounted the steps with him, the gate was closed and the bolt shot, + and they then made their way across to the stables. It was still perfectly + dark, though a very faint light, low in the eastern sky, showed that ere + long the day would break. + </p> + <p> + Five minutes' walking and they arrived at the stables of the elephants. + These, like those of the horses and the oxen which drew the cumbrous war + machines, were formed in the vast thickness of the walls, and were what + are known in modern times as casemates. As Nessus had said, the Indian + mahout and the other two Arabs were the only human occupants of the + casemate. The elephant at once showed that he perceived the newcomer to be + a stranger by an uneasy movement, but the mahout quieted him. + </p> + <p> + While they were waiting for morning, Nessus described, more fully than he + had hitherto had an opportunity of doing, the attack made upon him on + board the ship. + </p> + <p> + “I was,” he said, “as my lord knows, uneasy when I found that they had + recognized you, and when we were within a day's sail of Carthage I + resolved to keep a lookout—therefore, although I wrapped myself in + my cloak and lay down, I did not go to sleep. After a while I thought I + heard the sound of oars, and, standing up, went to the bulwark to listen. + Suddenly some of the sailors, who must have been watching me, sprang upon + me from behind, a cloak was thrown over my head, a rope was twisted round + my arms, and in a moment I was lifted and flung overboard. + </p> + <p> + “I did not cry out, because I had already made up my mind that it was + better not to arouse you from sleep whatever happened, as, had you run + out, you might have been killed, and I thought it likely that their object + would be, if you offered no resistance, to take you a prisoner, in which + case I trusted that I might later on hope to free you. As my lord knows, I + am a good swimmer. I let myself sink, and when well below the surface soon + got rid of the rope which bound me, and which was, indeed, but hastily + twisted round my arms. I came up to the surface as noiselessly as + possible, and after taking a long breath dived and swam under water as far + as I could. When I came up the ship was so far away that there was little + fear of their seeing me; however, I dived again and again until in perfect + safety. + </p> + <p> + “I heard a boat rowed by many oars approach the vessel. I listened for a + time and found that all was quiet, and then laid myself out for the long + swim to shore, which I reached without difficulty. All day I kept my eye + on the vessel, which remained at anchor. As I could not tell to which + landing place you might be brought I went up in the evening and took my + post on the road leading up here, and when towards morning a party + entered, carrying one with them on a stretcher, I had little doubt that it + was you. + </p> + <p> + “I was sure to find friends among the Arabs either belonging to the + regiment stationed in Byrsa or those employed in the storehouses or + stables; so the next morning I entered the citadel and soon met these men, + who belonged to my tribe and village. After that my way was plain; my only + fear was that they might kill you before I could discover the place in + which you were confined, and my heart sank the first night when I found + that, though I whispered down every one of the gratings, I could obtain no + reply. + </p> + <p> + “I had many answers, indeed, but not from you. There might be many cells + besides those with openings into the temple, and were you placed in one of + these I might never hear of you again. I had resolved that if the next + night passed without my being able to find you, I would inform some of + those known to be friends of Hannibal that you were a prisoner, and leave + it in their hands to act as they liked, while I still continued my efforts + to communicate with you. You may imagine with what joy I heard your reply + on the following night.” + </p> + <p> + “I must have been asleep the first night,” Malchus said, “and did not hear + your voice.” + </p> + <p> + “I feared to speak above a whisper, my lord; there are priests all night + in the sanctuary behind the great image.” + </p> + <p> + Day had by this time broken, and a stir and bustle commenced in front of + the long line of casemates; the elephants were brought out from their + stables and stood rocking themselves from side to side while their keepers + rubbed their hides with pumice stone. Nessus was one of those who was + appointed to make the great flat cakes of coarse flour which formed the + principal food of the elephants. The other Arabs busied themselves in + bringing in fresh straw, which Malchus scattered evenly over the stall; + heaps of freshly cut forage were placed before each elephant. + </p> + <p> + In a short time one of the Arabs took the place of Nessus in preparing the + cakes, while Nessus moved away and presently went down into the town to + await the coming of Malchus. By this arrangement if the superintendent of + the stables came round he would find the proper number of men at work, and + was not likely to notice the substitution of Malchus for Nessus, with + whose face he could not yet have become familiar. By this time numbers of + the townsmen were as usual coming up to the citadel to worship in the + temple or to visit friends dwelling there. Malchus learned that since his + escape had been known each person on entrance received a slip of brass + with a stamp on it which he had to give up on leaving. + </p> + <p> + All employed in the citadel received a similar voucher, without which none + could pass the gate. The time was now come when the elephants were + accustomed to be taken down to the fountains in the town below, and the + critical moment was at hand. The mahout had already begun to prepare his + elephant for the part he was to play. It had been trumpeting loudly and + showing signs of impatience and anger. The animal was now made to kneel by + the door of its stable, where Malchus had already lain down at the bottom + of the howdah, a piece of sacking being thrown over him by the Arabs. The + two Arabs and the mahout carried the howdah out, placed it on the + elephant, and securely fastened it in its position. + </p> + <p> + These howdahs were of rough construction, being in fact little more than + large open crates, for the elephants after being watered went to the + forage yard, where the crates were filled with freshly cut grass or young + boughs of trees, which they carried up for their own use to the citadel. + </p> + <p> + The mahout took his position on its neck, and the elephant then rose to + its feet. The symptoms of bad temper which it had already given were now + redoubled. It gave vent to a series of short vicious squeals, it trumpeted + loudly and angrily, and, although the mahout appeared to be doing his best + to pacify it, it became more and more demonstrative. The superintendent of + the elephants rode up. + </p> + <p> + “You had better dismount and take that brute back to the stable,” he said; + “he is not safe to take out this morning.” As he approached the elephant + threw up his trunk, opened his mouth, and rushed suddenly at him. The + officer fled hastily, shouting loudly to the other mahouts to bring their + animals in a circle round the elephant, but the mahout gave him a sudden + prod with his pricker and the elephant set off with great strides, his + ears out, his trunk in the air, and with every sign of an access of fury, + at the top of his speed. He rushed across the great courtyard, the people + flying in all directions with shouts of terror; he made two or three turns + up and down, each time getting somewhat nearer to the gate. + </p> + <p> + As he approached it for the third time the mahout guided him towards it, + and, accustomed at this hour to sally out, the elephant made a sudden rush + in that direction. The officer on guard shouted to his men to close the + gate, but before they could attempt to carry out the order the elephant + charged through, and at the top of his speed went down the road. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII: CANNAE + </h2> + <p> + As the elephant tore down the road to the town many were the narrow + escapes that, as they thought, those coming up had of being crushed or + thrown into the air by the angry beast. Some threw themselves on their + faces, others got over the parapet and hung by their hands until he had + passed, while some squeezed themselves against the wall; but the elephant + passed on without doing harm to any. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the foot of the descent the mahout guided the animal to the + left, and, avoiding the busy streets of the town, directed its course + towards the more quiet roads of the opulent quarter of Megara. The cries + of the people at the approach of the elephant preceded its course, and all + took refuge in gardens or houses. The latter became less and less + frequent, until, at a distance of two miles from the foot of the citadel, + the mahout, on looking round, perceived no one in sight. He brought the + elephant suddenly to a standstill. + </p> + <p> + “Quick, my lord,” he exclaimed, “now is the time.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus threw off the sack, climbed out of the howdah, and slipped down by + the elephant's tail, the usual plan for dismounting when an elephant is on + its feet. Then he sprang across the road, leaped into a garden, and hid + himself among some bushes. The mahout now turned the elephant, and, as if + he had succeeded at last in subduing it, slowly retraced his steps towards + the citadel. + </p> + <p> + A minute or two later Malchus issued out and quietly followed it. He had + gone some distance when he saw an Arab approaching him, and soon + recognized Nessus. They turned off together from the main road and made + their way by bystreets until they reached the lower city. At a spot near + the port they found one of the Arabs from above awaiting them, and he at + once led the way to the house inhabited by his family. The scheme had been + entirely successful. Malchus had escaped from the citadel without the + possibility of a suspicion arising that he had issued from its gates, and + in his Arab garb he could now traverse the streets unsuspected. + </p> + <p> + Nessus was overjoyed at the success of the stratagem, and Malchus himself + could hardly believe that he had escaped from the terrible danger which + threatened him. Nessus and the Arab at once returned to the citadel. It + was agreed that the former had better continue his work as usual until the + evening, and then ask for his discharge on the plea that he had received a + message requiring his presence in his native village, for it was thought + that suspicion might be excited were he to leave suddenly without drawing + his pay, and possibly a search might be instituted in the city to discover + his whereabouts. + </p> + <p> + At nightfall he returned, and then went to the house of one of the leaders + of the Barcine party with a message from Malchus to tell him where he was, + and the events which had occurred since his landing at Carthage, and + asking him to receive him privately in two hours' time, in order that he + might consult him as to the best plan to be followed. + </p> + <p> + Nessus returned saying that Manon was at home and was awaiting him, and + the two at once set out for his house. Manon, who was a distant relation + of Malchus, received him most warmly, and listened in astonishment to his + story of what had befallen him. Malchus then explained the mission with + which Hannibal had charged him, and asked his advice as to the best course + to be adopted. Manon was silent for a time. + </p> + <p> + “Hanno's faction is all powerful at present,” he said, “and were Hannibal + himself here I doubt whether his voice could stir the senate into taking + action such as is needed. The times have been hard, and Hanno and his + party have lavished money so freely among the lower classes that there is + no hope of stirring the populace up to declare against him. I think it + would be in the highest degree dangerous were we, as you propose, to + introduce you suddenly to the senate as Hannibal's ambassador to them, and + leave you to plead his cause. You would obtain no hearing. Hanno would + rise in his place and denounce you as one already condemned by the + tribunals as an enemy to the republic, and would demand your instant + execution, and, as he has a great majority of votes in the senate, his + demand would be complied with. You would, I am convinced, throw away your + life for no good purpose, while your presence and your mysterious escape + from prison would be made the pretense for a fresh series of persecutions + of our partisans. I understand as well as you do the urgency for + reinforcements being sent to Italy; but in order to do this the navy, now + rotting in our harbours, must be repaired, the command of the sea must be + regained, and fresh levies of troops made. + </p> + <p> + “To ask Carthage to make these sacrifices in her present mood is hopeless; + we must await an opportunity. I and my friends will prepare the way, will + set our agents to work among the people, and when the news of another + victory arrives and the people's hopes are aroused and excited, we will + strike while the iron is hot, and call upon them to make one great effort + to bring the struggle to a conclusion and to finish with Rome forever. + </p> + <p> + “Such is, in my opinion, the only possible mode of proceeding. To move now + would be to ensure a rejection of our demands, to bring fresh persecutions + upon us, and so to weaken us that we should be powerless to turn to good + account the opportunity which the news of another great victory would + afford. I will write at once to Hannibal and explain all the circumstances + of the situation, and will tell him why I have counselled you to avoid + carrying out his instructions, seeing that to do so now would be to ensure + your own destruction and greatly damage our cause. + </p> + <p> + “In the meantime you must, for a short time, remain in concealment, while + I arrange for a ship to carry you back to Italy.” + </p> + <p> + “The sooner the better,” Malchus said bitterly, “for Carthage with its + hideous tyranny, its foul corruption, its forgetfulness of its glory, its + honour, and even its safety, is utterly hateful to me. I trust that never + again shall I set foot within its walls. Better a thousand times to die in + a battlefield than to live in this accursed city.” + </p> + <p> + “It is natural that you should be indignant,” Manon said, “for the young + blood runs hotly in your veins, and your rage at seeing the fate which is + too certainly impending over Carthage, and which you are powerless to + prevent, is in no way to be blamed. We old men bow more resignedly to the + decrees of the gods. You know the saying, 'Those whom the gods would + destroy they first strike with madness.' Carthage is such. She sees + unmoved the heroic efforts which Hannibal and his army are making to save + her, and she will not stretch out a hand to aid him. She lives contentedly + under the constant tyranny of Hanno's rule, satisfied to be wealthy, + luxurious, and slothful, to carry on her trade, to keep her riches, caring + nothing for the manly virtues, indifferent to valour, preparing herself + slowly and surely to fall an easy prey to Rome. + </p> + <p> + “The end probably will not come in my time, it may come in yours, but come + it certainly and surely will. A nation which can place a mere handful of + its own citizens in the line of battle voluntarily dooms herself to + destruction.” + </p> + <p> + “Whether it comes in my time or not,” Malchus said, “I will be no sharer + in the fate of Carthage. I have done with her; and if I do not fall in the + battlefield I will, when the war is over, seek a refuge among the Gauls, + where, if the life is rough, it is at least free and independent, where + courage and manliness and honour count for much, and where the enervating + influence of wealth is as yet unknown. Such is my firm resolution.” + </p> + <p> + “I say nothing to dissuade you, Malchus,” the old man replied, “such are + the natural sentiments of your age; and methinks, were my own time to come + over again, I too would choose such a life in preference to an existence + in the polluted atmosphere of ungrateful Carthage. And now, will you stop + here with me, or will you return to the place where you are staying? I + need not say how gladly I would have you here, but I cannot answer + certainly for your safety. Every movement of those belonging to our party + is watched by Hanno, and I doubt not that he has his spies among my slaves + and servants. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore deem me not inhospitable if I say that it were better for you + to remain in hiding where you are. Let your follower come nightly to me + for instructions; let him enter the gate and remain in the garden near it. + I will come down and see him; his visits, were they known, would excite + suspicion. Bid him on his return watch closely to see that he is not + followed, and tell him to go by devious windings and to mix in the + thickest crowds in order to throw any one who may be following off his + track before he rejoins you. I trust to be able to arrange for a ship in + the course of three or four days. Come again and see me before you leave. + Here is a bag of gold; you will need it to reward those who have assisted + in your escape.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus at once agreed that it would be better for him to return to his + abode among the Arabs, and thanking Manon for his kindness he returned + with Nessus, who had been waiting without. + </p> + <p> + As they walked along Malchus briefly related to his follower the substance + of his interview with Manon. Suddenly Nessus stopped and listened, and + then resumed his walk. + </p> + <p> + “I think we are followed, my lord,” he said, “one of Hanno's spies in + Manon's household is no doubt seeking to discover who are the Arabs who + have paid his master a visit. I have thought once before that I heard a + footfall, now l am sure of it. When we get to the next turning do you walk + on and I will turn down the road. If the man behind us be honest he will + go straight on; if he be a spy, he will hesitate and stop at the corner to + decide which of us he shall follow; then I shall know what to do.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly at the next crossroad they came to Nessus turned down and + concealed himself a few paces away, while Malchus, without pausing, walked + straight on. A minute later Nessus saw a dark figure come stealthily + along. He stopped at the junction of the roads and stood for a few seconds + in hesitation, then he followed Malchus. + </p> + <p> + Nessus issued from his hiding place, and, with steps as silent and + stealthy as those of a tiger tracking his prey, followed the man. When + within a few paces of him he gave a sudden spring and flung himself upon + him, burying his knife between his shoulders. Without a sound the man fell + forward on his face. Nessus coolly wiped his knife upon the garments of + the spy, and then proceeded at a rapid pace until he overtook Malchus. + </p> + <p> + “It was a spy,” he said, “but he will carry no more tales to Hanno.” + </p> + <p> + Two days later, Nessus, on his return from his visit to Manon, brought + news that the latter had arranged with the captain of a ship owned by a + friend to carry them across to Corinth, whence they would have no + difficulty in taking a passage to Italy. They were to go on board late the + following night, and the ship would set sail at daybreak. + </p> + <p> + The next evening Malchus accompanied by Nessus paid a farewell visit to + Manon, and repeated to him all the instructions of Hannibal, and Manon + handed him his letter for the general, and again assured him that he + would, with his friends, at once set to work to pave the way for an appeal + to the populace at the first favourable opportunity. + </p> + <p> + After bidding farewell to the old noble, Malchus returned to the house of + the Arab and prepared for his departure. He had already handsomely + rewarded the two men and the mahout for the services they had rendered + him. In the course of the day he had provided himself with the garments of + a trader, the character which he was now about to assume. + </p> + <p> + At midnight, when all was quiet, he and Nessus set out and made their way + down to the port, where, at a little frequented landing stage, a boat was + awaiting them, and they were at once rowed to the ship, which was lying at + anchor half a mile from the shore in readiness for an early start in the + morning. + </p> + <p> + Although it seemed next to impossible that they could have been traced, + Malchus walked the deck restlessly until the morning, listening to every + sound, and it was not until the anchor was weighed, the sails hoisted, and + the vessel began to draw away from Carthage that he went into his cabin. + On the sixth day after leaving Carthage the ship entered the port of + Corinth. + </p> + <p> + There were several vessels there from Italian ports, but before proceeding + to arrange for a passage Malchus went to a shop and bought, for himself + and Nessus, such clothing and arms as would enable them to pass without + difficulty as fighting men belonging to one of the Latin tribes. Then he + made inquiries on the quay, and, finding that a small Italian craft was to + start that afternoon for Brundusium, he went on board and accosted the + captain. + </p> + <p> + “We want to cross to Italy,” he said, “but we have our reasons for not + wishing to land at Brundusium, and would fain be put ashore at some + distance from the town. We are ready, of course, to pay extra for the + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + The request did not seem strange to the captain. Malchus had spoken in + Greek, the language with which all who traded on the Mediterranean were + familiar. He supposed that they had in some way embroiled themselves with + the authorities at Brundusium, and had fled for awhile until the matter + blew over, and that they were now anxious to return to their homes without + passing through the town. He asked rather a high price for putting them + ashore in a boat as they wished, and Malchus haggled over the sum for a + considerable time, as a readiness to pay an exorbitant price might have + given rise to doubts in the captain's mind as to the quality of his + passengers. Once or twice he made as if he would go ashore, and the + captain at last abated his demands to a reasonable sum. + </p> + <p> + When this was settled Malchus went no more ashore, but remained on board + until the vessel sailed, as he feared that he might again be recognized by + some of the sailors of the Carthaginian vessels in port. The weather was + fair and the wind light, and on the second day after sailing the vessel + lay to in a bay a few miles from Brundusium. The boat was lowered, and + Malchus and his companions set on shore. + </p> + <p> + They had before embarking laid in a store of provisions not only for a + voyage, but for their journey across the country, as the slight knowledge + which Malchus had of the Latin tongue would have betrayed him at once were + he obliged to enter a town or village to purchase food. Carrying the + provisions in bundles they made for the mountains, and after three days' + journey reached without interruption or adventure the camp of Hannibal. He + was still lying in his intrenched camp near Geronium. The Roman army was + as before watching him at a short distance off. + </p> + <p> + Malchus at once sought the tent of the general, whose surprise at seeing + him enter was great, for he had not expected that he would return until + the spring. Malchus gave him an account of all that had taken place since + he left him. Hannibal was indignant in the extreme at Hanno having + ventured to arrest and condemn his ambassador. When he learned the result + of the interview with Manon, and heard how completely the hostile faction + were the masters of Carthage, he agreed that the counsels of the old + nobleman were wise, and that Malchus could have done no good, whereas he + would have exposed himself to almost certain death, by endeavouring + further to carry out the mission with which he had been charged. + </p> + <p> + “Manon knows what is best, and, no doubt, a premature attempt to excite + the populace to force Hanno into sending the reinforcements we so much + need would have not only failed, but would have injured our cause. He and + his friends will doubtless work quietly to prepare the public mind, and I + trust that ere very long some decisive victory will give them the + opportunity for exciting a great demonstration on our behalf.” + </p> + <p> + The remainder of the winter passed quietly. Malchus resumed his post as + the commander of Hannibal's bodyguard, but his duties were very light. The + greater part of his time was spent in accompanying Hannibal in his visits + to the camps of the soldiers, where nothing was left undone which could + add to the comfort and contentment of the troops. There is no stronger + evidence of the popularity of Hannibal and of the influence which he + exercised over his troops than the fact that the army under him, composed, + as it was, of men of so many nationalities, for the most part originally + compelled against their will to enter the service of Carthage, maintained + their discipline unshaken, not only by the hardships and sacrifices of the + campaigns, but through the long periods of enforced idleness in their + winter quarters. + </p> + <p> + From first to last, through the long war, there was neither grumbling, nor + discontent, nor insubordination among the troops. They served willingly + and cheerfully. They had absolute confidence in their general, and were + willing to undertake the most tremendous labours and to engage in the most + arduous conflicts to please him, knowing that he, on his part, was + unwearied in promoting their comfort and well being at all other times. + </p> + <p> + As the spring advanced the great magazines which Hannibal had brought with + him became nearly exhausted, and no provisions could be obtained from the + surrounding country, which had been completely ruined by the long presence + of the two armies. It became, therefore, necessary to move from the + position which he had occupied during the winter. The Romans possessed the + great advantage over him of having magazines in their rear constantly + replenished by their allies, and move where they might, they were sure of + obtaining subsistence without difficulty. Thus, upon the march, they were + unembarrassed by the necessity of taking a great baggage train with them, + and, when halted, their general could keep his army together in readiness + to strike a blow whenever an opportunity offered; while Hannibal, on the + other hand, was forced to scatter a considerable portion of the army in + search of provisions. + </p> + <p> + The annual elections at Rome had just taken place, and Terentius Varro and + Emilius Paulus had been chosen consuls. Emilius belonged to the + aristocratic party, and had given proof of military ability three years + before when he had commanded as consul in the Illyrian war. Varro belonged + to the popular party, and is described by the historians of the period as + a coarse and brutal demagogue, the son of a butcher, and having himself + been a butcher. But he was unquestionably an able man, and possessed some + great qualities. The praetor Marcellus, who had slain a Gaulish king with + his own hand in the last Gaulish war, was at Ostia with a legion. He was + destined to command the fleet and to guard the southern coasts of Italy, + while another praetor, Lucius Postumius, with one legion, was in Cisalpine + Gaul keeping down the tribes friendly to Carthage. + </p> + <p> + But before the new consuls arrived to take the command of the army + Hannibal had moved from Geronium. + </p> + <p> + The great Roman magazine of Apulia was at Cannae, a town near the river + Aulidus. This important place was but fifty miles by the shortest route + across the plain from Geronium; but the Romans were unable to follow + directly across the plain, for at this time the Carthaginians greatly + outnumbered them in cavalry, and they would, therefore, have to take the + road round the foot of the mountains, which was nearly seventy miles long; + and yet, by some unaccountable blunder, they neglected to place a + sufficient guard over their great magazines at Cannae to defend them for + even a few days against a sudden attack. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal saw the opportunity, and when spring was passing into summer + broke up his camp and marched straight to Cannae, where the vast magazines + of the Romans at once fell into his hands. He thus not only obtained + possession of his enemy's supplies, but interposed between the Romans and + the low lying district of Southern Apulia, where alone, at, this early + season of the year, the corn was fully ripe. + </p> + <p> + The Romans had now no choice but to advance and fight a battle for the + recovery of their magazines, for, had they retired, the Apulians, who had + already suffered terribly from the war, would, in sheer despair, have been + forced to declare for Carthage, while it would have been extremely + difficult to continue any longer the waiting tactics of Fabius, as they + would now have been obliged to draw their provisions from a distance, + while Hannibal could victual his army from the country behind him. The + senate therefore, having largely reinforced the army, ordered the consuls + to advance and give battle. + </p> + <p> + They had under them eight full legions, or eighty thousand infantry and + seven thousand two hundred cavalry. To oppose these Hannibal had forty + thousand infantry and ten thousand excellent cavalry, of whom two thousand + were Numidians. On the second day after leaving the neighbourhood of + Geronium the Romans encamped at a distance of six miles from the + Carthaginians. Here the usual difference of opinion at once arose between + the Roman consuls, who commanded the army on alternate days. Varro wished + to march against the enemy without delay, while Emilius was adverse to + risking an engagement in a country which, being level and open, was + favourable to the action of Hannibal's superior cavalry. + </p> + <p> + On the following day Varro, whose turn it was to command, marched towards + the hostile camp. Hannibal attacked the Roman advanced guard with his + cavalry and light infantry, but Varro had supported his cavalry not only + by his light troops, but by a strong body of his heavy armed infantry, and + after an engagement, which lasted for several hours, he repulsed the + Carthaginians with considerable loss. + </p> + <p> + That evening the Roman army encamped about three miles from Cannae, on the + right bank of the Aufidus. The next morning Emilius, who was in command, + detached a third of his force across the river, and encamped them there + for the purpose of supporting the Roman foraging parties on that side and + of interrupting those of the Carthaginians. + </p> + <p> + The next day passed quietly, but on the following morning Hannibal quitted + his camp and formed his army in order of battle to tempt the Romans to + attack; but Emilius, sensible that the ground was against him, would not + move, but contented himself with further strengthening his camps. + Hannibal, seeing that the Romans would not fight, detached his Numidian + cavalry across the river to cut off the Roman foraging parties and to + surround and harass their smaller camp on that side of the river. On the + following morning Hannibal, knowing that Varro would be in command, and + feeling sure that, with his impetuous disposition, the consul would be + burning to avenge the insult offered by the surrounding of his camp by the + Numidians, moved his army across the river, and formed it in order of + battle, leaving eight thousand of his men to guard his camp. + </p> + <p> + By thus doing he obtained a position which he could the better hold with + his inferior forces, while the Romans, deeming that he intended to attack + their camp on that side of the river, would be likely to move their whole + army across and to give battle. This in fact Varro proceeded to do. + Leaving ten thousand men in his own camp with orders to march out and + attack that of Hannibal during the engagement, he led the rest of his + troops over the river, and having united his force with that in the camp + on the right bank, marched down the river until he faced the position + which Hannibal had taken up. + </p> + <p> + This had been skillfully chosen. The river, whose general course was east + and west, made a loop, and across this Hannibal had drawn up his army with + both wings resting upon the river. Thus the Romans could not outflank him, + and the effect of their vastly superior numbers in infantry would to some + extent be neutralized. The following was the disposition of his troops. + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards and Gauls occupied the centre of the line of infantry. The + Africans formed the two wings. On his left flank between the Africans and + the river he placed his heavy African and Gaulish horse, eight thousand + strong, while the two thousand Numidians were posted between the infantry + and the river on the right flank. Hannibal commanded the centre of the + army in person, Hanno the right wing, Hasdrubal the left wing; Maharbal + commanded the cavalry. + </p> + <p> + Varro placed his infantry in close and heavy order, so as to reduce their + front to that of the Carthaginians. The Roman cavalry, numbering two + thousand four hundred men, was on his right wing, and was thus opposed to + Hannibal's heavy cavalry, eight thousand strong. The cavalry of the + Italian allies, four thousand eight hundred strong, was on the left wing + facing the Numidians. + </p> + <p> + Emilius commanded the Roman right, Varro the left. The Carthaginians faced + north, so that the wind, which was blowing strongly from the south, swept + clouds of dust over their heads full into the faces of the enemy. The + battle was commenced by the light troops on both sides, who fought for + some time obstinately and courageously, but without any advantage to + either. While this contest was going on, Hannibal advanced his centre so + as to form a salient angle projecting in front of his line. The whole of + the Gauls and Spaniards took part in this movement, while the Africans + remained stationary; at the same time he launched his heavy cavalry + against the Roman horse. + </p> + <p> + The latter were instantly overthrown, and were driven from the field with + great slaughter. Emilius himself was wounded, but managed to join the + infantry. While the Carthaginian heavy horse were thus defeating the Roman + cavalry, the Numidians maneuvered near the greatly superior cavalry of the + Italian allies, and kept them occupied until the heavy horse, after + destroying the Roman cavalry, swept round behind their infantry and fell + upon the rear of the Italian horse, while the Numidians charged them + fiercely in front. + </p> + <p> + Thus caught in a trap the Italian horse were completely annihilated, and + so, before the heavy infantry of the two armies met each other, not a + Roman cavalry soldier remained alive and unwounded on the field. + </p> + <p> + The Roman infantry now advanced to the charge, and from the nature of + Hannibal's formation their centre first came in contact with the head of + the salient angle formed by the Gauls and Spaniards. These resisted with + great obstinacy. The principes, who formed the second line of the Roman + infantry, came forward and joined the spearmen, and even the triarii + pressed forward and joined in the fight. Fighting with extreme obstinacy + the Carthaginian centre was forced gradually back until they were again in + a line with the Africans on their flanks. + </p> + <p> + The Romans had insensibly pressed in from both flanks upon the point where + they had met with resistance, and now occupied a face scarcely more than + half that with which they had begun the battle. Still further the Gauls + and Spaniards were driven back until they now formed an angle in rear of + the original line, and in this angle the whole of the Roman infantry in a + confused mass pressed upon them. This was the moment for which Hannibal + had waited. He wheeled round both his flanks, and the Africans, who had + hitherto not struck a blow, now fell in perfect order upon the flanks of + the Roman mass, while Hasdrubal with his victorious cavalry charged down + like a torrent upon their rear. Then followed a slaughter unequalled in + the records of history. Unable to open out, to fight, or to fly, with no + quarter asked or given, the Romans and their Latin allies fell before the + swords of their enemies, till, of the seventy thousand infantry which had + advanced to the fight, forty thousand had fallen on the field. Three + thousand were taken prisoners, seven thousand escaped to the small camp, + and ten thousand made their way across the river to the large camp, where + they joined the force which had been left there, and which had, in + obedience to Varro's orders, attacked the Carthaginian camp, but had been + repulsed with a loss of two thousand men. All the troops in both camps + were forced to surrender on the following morning, and thus only fifteen + thousand scattered fugitives escaped of the eighty-seven thousand two + hundred infantry and cavalry under the command of the Roman consuls. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal's loss in the battle of Cannae amounted to about six thousand + men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX: IN THE MINES + </h2> + <p> + The exultation of the Carthaginians at the total destruction of their + enemies was immense, and Maharbal and some of the other leaders urged + Hannibal at once to march upon Rome; but Hannibal knew the spirit of the + Roman people, and felt that the capture of Rome, even after the + annihilation of its army, would be a greater task than he could undertake. + History has shown how desperate a defence may be made by a population + willing to die rather than surrender, and the Romans, an essentially + martial people, would defend their city until the last gasp. They had an + abundance of arms, and there were the two city legions, which formed the + regular garrison of the capital. + </p> + <p> + The instant the news of the defeat reached Rome, a levy of all males over + seventeen years of age was ordered, and this produced another ten thousand + men and a thousand cavalry. Eight thousand slaves who were willing to + serve were enlisted and armed, and four thousand criminals and debtors + were released from prison and pardoned, on the condition of their taking + up arms. The praetor Marcellus was at Ostia with the ten thousand men with + which he was about to embark for Sicily. + </p> + <p> + Thus Rome would be defended by forty-three thousand men, while Hannibal + had but thirty-three thousand infantry, and his cavalry, the strongest arm + of his force, would be useless. From Cannae to Rome was twelve days' march + with an army encumbered with booty. He could not, therefore, hope for a + surprise. The walls of Rome were exceedingly strong, and he had with him + none of the great machines which would have been necessary for a siege. He + must have carried with him the supplies he had accumulated for the + subsistence of his force, and when these were consumed he would be + destitute. Fresh Roman levies would gather on his rear, and before long + his whole army would be besieged. + </p> + <p> + In such an undertaking he would have wasted time, and lost the prestige + which he had acquired by his astonishing victory. Varro, who had escaped + from the battle, had rallied ten thousand of the fugitives at the strong + place of Canusium, and these would be a nucleus round which the rest of + those who had escaped would rally, and would be joined by fresh levies of + the Italian allies of Rome. + </p> + <p> + The Romans showed their confidence in their power to resist a siege by at + once despatching Marcellus with his ten thousand men to Canusium. Thus, + with a strongly defended city in front, an army of twenty thousand Roman + soldiers, which would speedily increase to double that number, in his + rear, Hannibal perceived that were he to undertake the siege of Rome he + would risk all the advantages he had gained. He determined, therefore, to + continue the policy which he had laid down for himself, namely, to move + his army to and fro among the provinces of Italy until the allies of Rome + one by one fell away from her, and joined him, or until such + reinforcements arrived from Carthage as would justify him in undertaking + the siege of Rome. + </p> + <p> + Rome herself was never grander than in this hour of defeat; not for a + moment was the courage and confidence of her citizens shaken. The + promptness with which she prepared for defence, and still more the + confidence which she showed by despatching Marcellus with his legion to + Canusium instead of retaining him for the defence of the city, show a + national spirit and manliness worthy of the highest admiration. Varro was + ordered to hand over his command to Marcellus, and to return to Rome to + answer before the senate for his conduct. + </p> + <p> + Varro doubted not that his sentence would be death, for the Romans, like + the Carthaginians, had but little mercy for a defeated general. His + colleague and his army had undoubtedly been sacrificed by his rashness. + Moreover, the senate was composed of his bitter political enemies, and he + could not hope that a lenient view would be taken of his conduct. + Nevertheless Varro returned to Rome and appeared before the senate. That + body nobly responded to the confidence manifested in it; party feeling was + suspended, the political adversary, the defeated general, were alike + forgotten, it was only remembered how Varro had rallied his troops, how he + had allayed the panic which prevailed among them, and had at once restored + order and discipline. His courage, too, in thus appearing, after so great + a disaster, to submit himself to the judgment of the country, counted in + his favour. His faults were condoned, and the senate publicly thanked him, + because he had not despaired of the commonwealth. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal, in pursuance of his policy to detach the allies of Italy from + Rome, dismissed all the Italian prisoners without ransom. The Roman + prisoners he offered to admit to ransom, and a deputation of them + accompanied an ambassador to offer terms of peace. The senate, however, + not only refused to discuss any terms of peace, but absolutely forbade the + families and friends of the prisoners to ransom them, thinking it politic + neither to enrich their adversary nor to show indulgence to soldiers who + had surrendered to the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The victory of Cannae and Hannibal's clemency began to bear the effects + which he hoped for. Apulia declared for him at once, and the towns of Arpi + and Celapia opened their gates to him; Bruttium, Lucania, and Samnium were + ready to follow. Mago with one division of the army was sent into Bruttium + to take possession of such towns as might submit. Hanno was sent with + another division to do the same in Lucania. Hannibal himself marched into + Samnium, and making an alliance with the tribes, there stored his plunder, + and proceeded into Campania, and entered Capua, the second city of Italy, + which concluded an alliance with him. Mago embarked at one of the ports of + Bruttium to carry the news of Hannibal's success to Carthage, and to + demand reinforcements. + </p> + <p> + Neither Rome nor Carthage had the complete mastery of the sea, and as the + disaster which had befallen Rome by land would greatly lessen her power to + maintain a large fleet, Carthage could now have poured reinforcements in + by the ports of Bruttium without difficulty. But unfortunately Hannibal's + bitterest enemies were to be found not in Italy but in the senate of + Carthage, where, in spite of the appeals of Mago and the efforts of the + patriotic party, the intrigues of Hanno and his faction and the demands + made by the war in Spain, prevented the reinforcements from being + forwarded which would have enabled him to terminate the struggle by the + conquest of Rome. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal, after receiving the submission of several other towns and + capturing Casilinum, went into winter quarters at Capua. During the winter + Rome made gigantic efforts to place her army upon a war footing, and with + such success that, excluding the army of Scipio in Spain, she had, when + the spring began, twelve legions or a hundred and twenty thousand men + again under arms; and as no reinforcements, save some elephants and a + small body of cavalry, ever reached Hannibal from Carthage, he was, during + the remaining thirteen years of the war, reduced to stand wholly on the + defensive, protecting his allies, harassing his enemy, and feeding his own + army at their expense; and yet so great was the dread which his genius had + excited that, in spite of their superior numbers, the Romans after Cannae + never ventured again to engage him in a pitched battle. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the winter set in Hannibal ordered Malchus to take a number of + officers and a hundred picked men, and to cross from Capua to Sardinia, + where the inhabitants had revolted against Rome, and were harassing the + praetor, Quintus Mucius, who commanded the legion which formed the + garrison of the island. Malchus and the officers under him were charged + with the duty of organizing the wild peasantry of the island, and of + drilling them in regular tactics; for unless acting as bodies of regular + troops, however much they might harass the Roman legion, they could not + hope to expel them from their country. Nessus of course accompanied + Malchus. + </p> + <p> + The party embarked in two of the Capuan galleys. They had not been many + hours at sea when the weather, which had when they started been fine, + changed suddenly, and ere long one of the fierce gales which are so + frequent in the Mediterranean burst upon them. The wind was behind them, + and there was nothing to do but to let the galleys run before it. The sea + got up with great rapidity, and nothing but the high poops at their stern + prevented the two galleys being sunk by the great waves which followed + them. The oars were laid in, for it was impossible to use them in such a + sea. + </p> + <p> + As night came on the gale increased rather than diminished. The + Carthaginian officers and soldiers remained calm and quiet in the storm, + but the Capuan sailors gave themselves up to despair, and the men at the + helm were only kept at their post by Malchus threatening to have them + thrown overboard instantly if they abandoned it. After nightfall he + assembled the officers in the cabin in the poop. + </p> + <p> + “The prospects are bad,” he said. “The pilot tells me that unless the gale + abates or the wind changes we shall, before morning, be thrown upon the + coast of Sardinia, and that will be total destruction; for upon the side + facing Italy the cliffs, for the most part, rise straight up from the + water, the only port on that side being that at which the Romans have + their chief castle and garrison. He tells me there is nothing to be done, + and I see nought myself. Were we to try to bring the galley round to the + wind she would be swamped in a moment, while even if we could carry out + the operation, it would be impossible to row in the teeth of this sea. + Therefore, my friends, there is nothing for us to do save to keep up the + courage of the men, and to bid them hold themselves in readiness to seize + upon any chance of getting to shore should the vessel strike.” + </p> + <p> + All night the galley swept on before the storm. The light on the other + boat had disappeared soon after darkness had set in. Half the soldiers and + crew by turns were kept at work baling out the water which found its way + over the sides, and several times so heavily did the seas break into her + that all thought that she was lost. However, when morning broke she was + still afloat. The wind had hardly shifted a point since it had begun to + blow, and the pilot told Malchus that they must be very near to the coast + of Sardinia. As the light brightened every eye was fixed ahead over the + waste of angry foaming water. Presently the pilot, who was standing next + to Malchus, grasped his arm. + </p> + <p> + “There is the land,” he cried, “dead before us.” + </p> + <p> + Not until a few minutes later could Malchus make out the faint outline + through the driving mist. It was a lofty pile of rock standing by itself. + </p> + <p> + “It is an island!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “It is Caralis,” the pilot replied; “I know its outline well; we are + already in the bay. Look to the right, you can make out the outline of the + cliffs at its mouth, we have passed it already. You do not see the shore + ahead because the rock on which Caralis stands rises from a level plain, + and to the left a lagoon extends for a long way in; it is there that the + Roman galleys ride. The gods have brought us to the only spot along the + coast where we could approach it with a hope of safety.” + </p> + <p> + “There is not much to rejoice at,” Malchus said; “we may escape the sea, + but only to be made prisoners by the Romans.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Malchus, the alternative is not so bad,” a young officer who was + standing next to him said. “Hannibal has thousands of Roman prisoners in + his hands, and we may well hope to be exchanged. After the last twelve + hours any place on shore, even a Roman prison, is an elysium compared to + the sea.” + </p> + <p> + The outline of the coast was now clearly visible. The great rock of + Caralis, now known as Cagliari, rose dark and threatening, the low shores + of the bay on either side were marked by a band of white foam, while to + the left of the rock was the broad lagoon, dotted with the black hulls of + a number of ships and galleys rolling and tossing heavily, for as the wind + blew straight into the bay the lagoon was covered with short, angry waves. + </p> + <p> + The pilot now ordered the oars to be got out. The entrance to the lagoon + was wide, but it was only in the middle that the channel was deep, and on + either side of this long breakwaters of stone were run out from the shore, + to afford a shelter to the shipping within. The sea was so rough that it + was found impossible to use the oars, and they were again laid in and a + small sail was hoisted. This enabled the head to be laid towards the + entrance of the lagoon. For a time it was doubtful whether the galley + could make it, but she succeeded in doing so, and then ran straight on + towards the upper end of the harbour. + </p> + <p> + “That is far enough,” the pilot said presently; “the water shoals fast + beyond. We must anchor here.” + </p> + <p> + The sail was lowered, the oars got out on one side, and the head of the + galley brought to the wind. The anchor was then dropped. As the storm + beaten galley ran right up the lagoon she had been viewed with curiosity + and interest by those who were on board the ships at anchor. That she was + an Italian galley was clear, and also that she was crowded with men, but + no suspicion was entertained that these were Carthaginians. + </p> + <p> + The anchor once cast Malchus held a council with the other officers. They + were in the midst of foes, and escape seemed altogether impossible. Long + before the gale abated sufficiently to permit them to put to sea again, + they would be visited by boats from the other vessels to ask who they were + and whence they came. As to fighting their way out it was out of the + question, for there were a score of triremes in the bay, any one of which + could crush the Capuan galley, and whose far greater speed rendered the + idea of flight as hopeless as that of resistance. The council therefore + agreed unanimously that the only thing to be done was to surrender without + resistance. + </p> + <p> + The storm continued for another twenty-four hours, then the wind died out + almost as suddenly as it began. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the sea began to abate two galleys were seen putting out from + the town, and these rowed directly towards the ship. The fact that she had + shown no flag had no doubt excited suspicion in the minds of the garrison. + Each galley contained fifty soldiers. As they rowed alongside a Roman + officer on the poop of one of the galleys hailed the ship, and demanded + whence it came. + </p> + <p> + “We are from Capua,” the pilot answered. “The gale has blown us across + thence. I have on board fifty Carthaginian officers and soldiers, who now + surrender to you.” + </p> + <p> + As in those days, when vessels could with difficulty keep the sea in a + storm, and in the event of a gale springing up were forced to run before + it, it was by no means unusual for galleys to be blown into hostile ports, + the announcement excited no great surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Who commands the party?” the Roman officer asked. + </p> + <p> + “I do,” Malchus replied. “I am Malchus, the son of Hamilcar, who was + killed at the Trebia, a cousin of Hannibal and captain of his guard. I + surrender with my followers, seeing that resistance is hopeless.” + </p> + <p> + “It is hopeless,” the Roman replied, “and you are right not to throw away + the lives of your men when there is no possibility of resistance.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he stepped on board, ordered the anchor to be weighed, and the + galley, accompanied by the two Roman boats, was rowed to the landing + place. A messenger was at once sent up to Mucius to tell him what had + happened, and the praetor himself soon appeared upon the spot. The officer + acquainted him with the name and rank of the leader of the Carthaginian + party, and said that there were with him two officers of noble families of + the Carthaginians. + </p> + <p> + “That is well,” the praetor said, “it is a piece of good fortune. The + Carthaginians have so many of our officers in their hands, that it is well + to have some whom we may exchange for them. Let them be landed.” + </p> + <p> + As they left the ship the Carthaginians laid down their arms and armour. + By this time a large number of the Roman garrison, among whom the news had + rapidly spread, were assembled at the port. Many of the young soldiers had + never yet seen a Carthaginian, and they looked with curiosity and interest + at the men who had inflicted such terrible defeats upon the armies of the + Romans. They were fine specimens of Hannibal's force, for the general had + allowed Malchus to choose his own officers and men, and, knowing that + strength, agility, and endurance would be needed for a campaign in so + mountainous a country as Sardinia, he had picked both officers and men + with great care. + </p> + <p> + His second in command was his friend Trebon, who had long since obtained a + separate command, but who, on hearing from Malchus of the expedition on + which he was bound, had volunteered to accompany him. The men were all + Africans accustomed to desert fighting and trained in warfare in Spain. + The Romans, good judges of physical strength, could not repress a murmur + of admiration at the sight of these sinewy figures. Less heavy than + themselves, there was about them a spring and an elasticity resembling + that of the tiger. Long use had hardened their muscles until they stood up + like cords through their tawny skin, most of them bore numerous scars of + wounds received in battle, and the Romans, as they viewed them, + acknowledged to themselves what formidable opponents these men would be. + </p> + <p> + A strong guard formed up on either side of the captives, and they were + marched through the town to the citadel on the upper part of the rock. + Here a large chamber, opening on to the courtyard, was assigned to the + officers, while the men, who were viewed in the light of slaves, were at + once set to work to carry stores up to the citadel from a ship which had + arrived just as the storm broke. + </p> + <p> + A fortnight later a vessel arrived from Rome with a message from the + senate that they would not exchange prisoners, and that the Carthaginians + were at once to be employed as slaves in the mines. The governor + acquainted Malchus with the decision. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry,” he said, “indeed, that it is so; but the senate are + determined that they will exchange no prisoners. Of course their view of + the matter is, that when a Roman lays down his arms he disgraces himself, + and the refusal to ransom him or allow him to be exchanged is intended to + act as a deterrent to others. This may be fair enough in cases where large + numbers surrender to a few, or where they lay down their arms when with + courage and determination they might have cut their way through the enemy; + but in cases where further resistance would be hopeless, in my mind men + are justified in surrendering. However, I can only obey the orders I have + received, and tomorrow must send you and your men to the mines.” + </p> + <p> + As Malchus had seen the Iberian captives sent to labour as slaves in the + mines in Spain, the fate thus announced to him did not appear surprising + or barbarous. In those days captives taken in war were always made slaves + when they were not put to death in cold blood, and although Hannibal had + treated with marked humanity and leniency the Roman and Italian captives + who had fallen into his hands, this had been the result of policy, and was + by no means in accordance with the spirit in which war was then conducted. + Accordingly, the next day the Carthaginians were, under a strong guard, + marched away to the mines, which lay on the other side of the island, some + forty miles due west of the port, and three miles from the western sea + coast of the island. The road lay for some distance across a dead flat. + The country was well cultivated and thickly studded with villages, for + Rome drew a heavy tribute in corn annually from the island. + </p> + <p> + After twenty miles' march they halted for the night, pursuing their way on + the following morning. They had now entered a wide and fertile valley with + lofty hills on either side. In some places there were stagnant marshes, + and the officer in charge of the guard informed Malchus that in the autumn + a pestilential miasma rose from these, rendering a sojourn in the valley + fatal to the inhabitants of the mainland. The native people were wild and + primitive in appearance, being clad chiefly in sheepskins. They lived in + beehive shaped huts. The hills narrowed in towards the end of the day's + march, and the valley terminated when the party arrived within half a mile + of their destination. Here stood a small town named Metalla, with a strong + Roman garrison, which supplied guards over the slaves employed in working + the mines. This town is now called Iglesias. + </p> + <p> + The principal mine was situated in a narrow valley running west from the + town down to the sea coast. The officer in command of the escort handed + over Malchus and his companions to the charge of the officer at the head + mining establishment. + </p> + <p> + Malchus was surprised at the large number of people gathered at the spot. + They lived for the most part in low huts constructed of boughs or sods, + and ranged in lines at the bottom of the valley or along the lower slopes + of the hill. A cordon of Roman sentries was placed along the crest of the + hill at either side, and a strong guard was posted in a little camp in the + centre of the valley, in readiness to put down any tumult which might + arise. + </p> + <p> + The great majority of the slaves gathered there were Sards, men belonging + to tribes which had risen in insurrection against the Romans. There were + with them others of their countrymen who were not like them slaves, though + their condition was but little better except that they received a nominal + rate of payment. These were called free labourers, but their labour was as + much forced as was that of the slaves—each district in the island + being compelled to furnish a certain amount of labourers for this or the + mines further to the north. The men so conscripted were changed once in + six months. With the Sards were mingled people of many nations. Here were + Sicilians and members of many Italian tribes conquered by the Romans, + together with Gauls from the northern plains and from Marseilles. + </p> + <p> + There were many mines worked in different parts of the island, but Metalla + was the principal. The labour, in days when gunpowder had not become the + servant of man, was extremely hard. The rocks had to be pierced with hand + labour, the passages and galleries were of the smallest possible + dimensions, the atmosphere was stifling; consequently the mortality was + great, and it was necessary to keep up a constant importation of labour. + </p> + <p> + “If these people did but possess a particle of courage,” Trebon said, + “they would rise, overpower the guard, and make for the forests. The whole + island is, as the officer who brought us here told us, covered with + mountains with the exception of the two broad plains running through it; + as we could see the hills are covered with woods, and the whole Roman army + could not find them if they once escaped.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true enough,” Malchus said, “but there must be at least five or + six thousand slaves here. How could these find food among the mountains? + They might exist for a time upon berries and grain, but they would in the + end be forced to go into the valleys for food, and would then be + slaughtered by the Romans. Nevertheless a small body of men could no doubt + subsist among the hills, and the strength of the guard you see on the + heights shows that attempts to escape are not rare. Should we find our + existence intolerable here, we will at any rate try to escape. There are + fifty of us, and if we agreed in common action we could certainly break + through the guards and take to the hills. As you may see by their faces, + the spirit of these slaves is broken. See how bent most of them are by + their labour, and how their shoulders are wealed by the lashes of their + taskmasters!” + </p> + <p> + The officer in charge of the mines told Malchus that he should not put him + and the other two officers to labour, but would appoint them as overseers + over gangs of the men, informing them that he had a brother who was at + present a captive in the hands of Hannibal; and he trusted that Malchus, + should he have an opportunity, would use his kind offices on his behalf. + </p> + <p> + One of the lines of huts near the Roman camp was assigned to the + Carthaginians, and that evening they received rations of almost black + bread similar to those served out to the others. The following morning + they were set to work. Malchus and his two friends found their tasks by no + means labourious, as they were appointed to look after a number of Sards + employed in breaking up and sorting the lead ore as it was brought up from + the mine. The men, however, returned in the evening worn out with toil. + All had been at work in the mines. Some had had to crawl long distances + through passages little more than three feet high and one foot wide, until + they reached the broad lode of lead ore. + </p> + <p> + Here some of the party had been set to work, others had been employed in + pushing on the little galleries, and there had sat for hours working in a + cramped position, with pick, hammer, and wedge. Others had been lowered by + ropes down shafts so narrow that when they got to the bottom it was only + with extreme difficulty that they were able to stoop to work at the rock + beneath their feet. Many, indeed, of these old shafts have been found in + the mines of Montepone, so extremely narrow that it is supposed that they + must have been bored by slaves lowered by ropes, head foremost, it + appearing absolutely impossible for a man to stoop to work if lowered in + the ordinary way. + </p> + <p> + The Carthaginians, altogether unaccustomed to work of this nature, + returned to their huts at night utterly exhausted, cramped, and aching in + every limb. Many had been cruelly beaten for not performing the tasks + assigned to them. All were filled with a dull despairing rage. In the + evening a ration of boiled beans, with a little native wine, was served + out to each, the quantity of the food being ample, it being necessary to + feed the slaves well to enable them to support their fatigues. + </p> + <p> + After three days of this work five or six of the captives were so + exhausted that they were unable to take their places with the gang when + ordered for work in the morning. They were, however, compelled by blows to + rise and take their places with the rest. Two of them died during the + course of the day in their stifling working places; another succumbed + during the night; several, too, were attacked by the fever of the country. + Malchus and his friends were full of grief and rage at the sufferings of + their men. + </p> + <p> + “Anything were better than this,” Malchus said. “A thousand times better + to fall beneath the swords of the Romans than to die like dogs in the + holes beneath that hill!” + </p> + <p> + “I quite agree with you, Malchus,” Halco, the other officer with the + party, said, “and am ready to join you in any plan of escape, however + desperate.” + </p> + <p> + “The difficulty is about arms,” Trebon observed. “We are so closely + watched that it is out of the question to hope that we should succeed in + getting possession of any. The tools are all left in the mines; and as the + men work naked, there is no possibility of their secreting any. The stores + here are always guarded by a sentry; and although we might overpower him, + the guard would arrive long before we could break through the solid doors. + Of course if we could get the other slaves to join us, we might crush the + guard even with stones.” + </p> + <p> + “That is out of the question,” Malchus said. “In the first place, they + speak a strange language, quite different to the Italians. Then, were we + seen trying to converse with any of them, suspicions might be roused; and + even could we get the majority to join us, there would be many who would + be only too glad to purchase their own freedom by betraying the plot to + the Romans. No, whatever we do must be done by ourselves alone; and for + arms we must rely upon stones, and upon the stoutest stakes we can draw + out from our huts. The only time that we have free to ourselves is the + hour after work is over, when we are allowed to go down to the stream to + wash and to stroll about as we will until the trumpet sounds to order us + to retire to our huts for the night. + </p> + <p> + “It is true that at that time the guards are particularly vigilant, and + that we are not allowed to gather into knots; and an Italian slave I spoke + to yesterday told me that he dared not speak to me, for the place swarms + with spies, and that any conversation between us would be sure to be + reported, and those engaged in it put to the hardest and cruelest work. I + propose, therefore, that tomorrow—for if it is to be done, the + sooner the better, before the men lose all their strength—the men + shall on their return from work at once eat their rations; then each man, + hiding a short stick under his garment and wrapping a few heavy stones in + the corner of his robe, shall make his way up towards the top of the hill + above the mine. + </p> + <p> + “No two men must go together—all must wander as if aimlessly among + the huts. When they reach the upper line on that side and see me, let all + rapidly close up, and we will make a sudden rush at the sentries above. + They cannot get more than five or six together in time to oppose us, and + we shall be able to beat them down with our stones. Once through them, the + heavy armed men will never be able to overtake us till we reach the + forest, which begins, I believe, about half a mile beyond the top.” + </p> + <p> + The other two officers at once agreed to the plan; and when the camp was + still Malchus crept cautiously from hut to hut, telling his men of the + plan that had been formed and giving orders for the carrying of it out. + </p> + <p> + All assented cheerfully; for although the stronger were now becoming + accustomed to their work, and felt less exhausted than they had done the + first two days, there was not one but felt that he would rather suffer + death than endure this terrible fate. Malchus impressed upon them strongly + that it was of the utmost consequence to possess themselves of the arms of + any Roman soldiers they might overthrow, as they would to a great extent + be compelled to rely upon these to obtain food among the mountains. + </p> + <p> + Even the men who were most exhausted, and those stricken with fever, + seemed to gain strength at once at the prospect of a struggle for liberty, + and when the gang turned out in the morning for work none lagged behind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX: THE SARDINIAN FORESTS + </h2> + <p> + The Carthaginians returned in the evening in groups from the various + scenes of their labour and without delay consumed the provisions provided + for them. Then one by one they sauntered away down towards the stream. + Malchus was the last to leave, and having seen that all his followers had + preceded him, he, too, crossed the stream, paused a moment at a heap of + debris from the mine, and picking up three or four pieces of rock about + the size of his fist, rolled them in the corner of his garment, and + holding this in one hand moved up the hill. + </p> + <p> + Here and there he paused a moment as if interested in watching the groups + of slaves eating their evening meal, until at last he reached the upper + line of little huts. Between these and the hill top upon which the + sentries stood was a distance of about fifty yards, which was kept + scrupulously clear to enable them to watch the movements of any man going + beyond the huts. The sentries were some thirty paces apart, so that, as + Malchus calculated, not more than four or five of them could assemble + before he reached them, if they did not previously perceive anything + suspicious which might put them on the alert. + </p> + <p> + Looking round him Malchus saw his followers scattered about among the + slaves at a short distance. Standing behind the shelter of the hut he + raised his hand, and all began to move towards him. As there was nothing + in their attire, which consisted of one long cloth wound round them, to + distinguish them from the other slaves, the movement attracted no + attention from the sentries, who were, from their position, able to + overlook the low huts. + </p> + <p> + When he saw that all were close, Malchus gave a shout and dashed up the + hill, followed by his comrades. + </p> + <p> + The nearest sentry, seeing a body of fifty men suddenly rushing towards + him, raised a shout, and his comrades from either side ran towards him; + but so quickly was the movement performed that but five had gathered when + the Carthaginians reached them, although many others were running towards + the spot. The Carthaginians, when they came close to their levelled + spears, poured upon them a shower of heavy stones, which knocked two of + them down and so bruised and battered the others that they went down at + once when the Carthaginians burst upon them. + </p> + <p> + The nearest Romans halted to await the arrival of their comrades coming up + behind them, and the Carthaginians, seizing the swords, spears, and + shields of their fallen foes, dashed on at full speed. The Romans soon + followed, but with the weight of their weapons, armour, and helmets they + were speedily distanced, and the fugitives reached the edge of the forest + in safety and dashed into its recesses. + </p> + <p> + After running for some distance they halted, knowing that the Romans would + not think of pursuing except with a large force. The forests which covered + the mountains of Sardinia were for the most part composed of evergreen + oak, with, in some places, a thick undergrowth of shrubs and young trees. + Through this the Carthaginians made their way with some difficulty, until, + just as it became dark, they reached the bottom of a valley comparatively + free of trees and through which ran a clear stream. + </p> + <p> + “Here we will halt for the night,” Malchus said; “there is no fear of the + Romans pursuing at once, if indeed they do so at all, for their chance of + finding us in these mountains, covered with hundreds of square miles of + forests, is slight indeed; however, we will at once provide ourselves with + weapons.” + </p> + <p> + The five Roman swords were put into requisition, and some straight young + saplings were felled, and their points being sharpened they were converted + into efficient spears, each some fourteen feet long. + </p> + <p> + “It is well we have supped,” Malchus said; “our breakfast will depend on + ourselves. Tomorrow we must keep a sharp lookout for smoke rising through + the trees; there are sure to be numbers of charcoal burners in the forest, + for upon them the Romans depend for their fuel. One of the first things to + do is to obtain a couple of lighted brands. A fire is essential for warmth + among these hills, even putting aside its uses for cooking.” + </p> + <p> + “That is when we have anything to cook,” Halco said laughingly. + </p> + <p> + “That is certainly essential,” Malchus agreed; “but there is sure to be + plenty of wild boar and deer among these forests. We have only to find a + valley with a narrow entrance, and post ourselves there and send all the + men to form a circle on the hills around it and drive them down to us; + besides, most likely we shall come across herds of goats and pigs, which + the villagers in the lower valleys will send up to feed on the acorns. I + have no fear but we shall be able to obtain plenty of flesh; as to corn, + we have only to make a raid down into the plain, and when we have found + out something about the general lay of the country, the hills and the + extent of the forest, we will choose some spot near its centre and erect + huts there. If it were not for the peasants we might live here for years, + for all the Roman forces in Sardinia would be insufficient to rout us out + of these mountains; but unfortunately, as we shall have to rob the + peasants, they will act as guides to the Romans, and we shall be obliged + to keep a sharp lookout against surprise. If it gets too hot for us we + must make a night march across the plain to the mountains on the eastern + side. I heard at Caralis that the wild part there is very much larger than + it is on this side of the island, and it extends without a break from the + port right up to the north of the island.” + </p> + <p> + Safe as he felt from pursuit Malchus posted four men as sentries, and the + rest of the band lay down to sleep, rejoicing in the thought that on the + morrow they should not be wakened to take their share in the labours in + the mine. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak all were on the move, and a deep spot having been found in the + stream, they indulged in the luxury of a bath. That done they started on + the march further into the heart of the forest. The hills were of great + height, with bare crags often beetling up among the trees hundreds of + feet, with deep valleys and rugged precipices. In crossing one of these + valleys Nessus suddenly lifted his hand. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” Malchus asked. + </p> + <p> + “I heard a pig grunt,” Nessus replied, “on our right there.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus at once divided the band in two and told them to proceed as + quietly as possible along the lower slopes of the hill, leaving a man at + every fifteen paces. + </p> + <p> + When all had been posted, the ends of the line were to descend until they + met in the middle of the valley, thus forming a circle. A shout was to + tell the rest that this was done, and then all were to move down until + they met in the centre. One officer went with each party, Malchus remained + at the spot where he was standing. In ten minutes the signal was heard, + and then all moved forward, shouting as they went, and keeping a sharp + lookout between the trees to see that nothing passed them. As the + narrowing circle issued into the open ground at the bottom of the valley + there was a general shout of delight, for, huddled down by a stream, + grunting and screaming with fright, was a herd of forty or fifty pigs, + with a peasant, who appeared stupefied with alarm at the sudden uproar. + </p> + <p> + On seeing the men burst out with their levelled spears from the wood, the + Sard gave a scream of terror and threw himself upon his face. When the + Carthaginians came up to him Malchus stirred him with his foot, but he + refused to move; he then pricked him with the Roman spear he held, and the + man leaped to his feet with a shout. Malchus told him in Italian that he + was free to go, but that the swine must be confiscated for the use of his + followers. The man did not understand his words, but, seeing by his + gestures that he was free to go, set off at the top of his speed, hardly + believing that he could have escaped with his life, and in no way + concerned at the loss of the herd. This was, indeed, the property of + various individuals in one of the villages at the foot of the hills—it + being then, as now, the custom for several men owning swine to send them + together under the charge of a herdsman into the mountains, where for + months together they live in a half wild state on acorns and roots, a + villager going up occasionally with supplies of food for the swineherd. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had the peasant disappeared than a shout from one of the men + some fifty yards away called the attention of Malchus. + </p> + <p> + “Here is the man's fire, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + A joyous exclamation rose from the soldiers, for, the thought of all this + meat and no means of cooking it was tantalizing every one. Malchus hurried + to the spot, where, indeed, was a heap of still glowing embers. Some of + the men at once set to work to collect dried sticks, and in a few minutes + a great fire was blazing. One of the pigs was slaughtered and cut up into + rations, and in a short time each man was cooking his portion stuck on a + stick over the fire. + </p> + <p> + A smaller fire was lit for the use of the officers a short distance away, + and here Nessus prepared their share of the food for Malchus and his two + companions. After the meal the spears were improved by the points being + hardened in the fire. When they were in readiness to march two of the men + were told off as fire keepers, and each of these took two blazing brands + from the fire, which, as they walked, they kept crossed before them, the + burning points keeping each other alight. Even with one man there would be + little chance of losing the fire, but with two such a misfortune could + scarcely befall them. + </p> + <p> + A party of ten men took charge of the herd of swine, and the whole then + started for the point they intended to make to in the heart of the + mountains. Before the end of the day a suitable camping place was selected + in a watered valley. The men then set to work to cut down boughs and erect + arbours. Fires were lighted and another pig being killed those who + preferred it roasted his flesh over the fire, while others boiled their + portions, the Roman shields being utilized as pans. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of doing, Malchus?” Halco asked as they stretched + themselves out on a grassy bank by the stream when they had finished their + meal. “We are safe here, and in these forests could defy the Romans to + find us for months. Food we can get from the villages at the foot of the + hills, and there must be many swine in the forest beside this herd which + we have captured. The life will not be an unpleasant one, but—” and + he stopped. + </p> + <p> + “But you don't wish to end your days here,” Malchus put in for him, “nor + do I. It is pleasant enough, but every day we spend here is a waste of our + lives, and with Hannibal and our comrades combating the might of Rome we + cannot be content to live like members of the savage tribes here. I have + no doubt that we shall excite such annoyance and alarm by our raids among + the villages in the plains that the Romans will ere long make a great + effort to capture us, and doubtless they will enlist the natives in their + search. Still, we may hope to escape them, and there are abundant points + among these mountains where we may make a stand and inflict such heavy + loss upon them that they will be glad to come to terms. All I would ask is + that they shall swear by their gods to treat us well and to convey us as + prisoners of war to Rome, there to remain until exchanged. In Rome we + could await the course of events patiently. Hannibal may capture the city. + The senate, urged by the relatives of the many prisoners we have taken, + may agree to make an exchange, and we may see chances of our making our + escape. At any rate we shall be in the world and shall know what is going + on.” + </p> + <p> + “But could we not hold out and make them agree to give us our freedom?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think so,” Malchus said. “It would be too much for Roman pride + to allow a handful of escaped prisoners to defy them in that way, and even + if the prefect of this island were to agree to the terms, I do not believe + that the senate would ratify them. We had better not ask too much. For + myself I own to a longing to see Rome. As Carthage holds back and will + send no aid to Hannibal, I have very little hope of ever entering it as a + conqueror, and rather than not see it at all I would not mind entering it + as a prisoner. There are no mines to work there, and the Romans, with so + vast a number of their own people in the hands of Hannibal, would not dare + to treat us with any cruelty or severity. + </p> + <p> + “Here it is different. No rumour of our fate will ever reach Hannibal, and + had every one of us died in those stifling mines he would never have been + the wiser.” + </p> + <p> + The two officers both agreed with Malchus; as for the soldiers, they were + all too well pleased with their present liberty and their escape from the + bondage to give a thought to the morrow. + </p> + <p> + The next day Malchus and his companions explored the hills of the + neighbourhood, and chose several points commanding the valleys by which + their camp could be approached, as lookout places. Trees were cleared + away, vistas cut, and wood piled in readiness for making bonfires, and two + sentries were placed at each of these posts, their orders being to keep a + vigilant lookout all over the country, to light a fire instantly the + approach of any enemy was perceived, and then to descend to the camp to + give particulars as to his number and the direction of his march. + </p> + <p> + A few days later, leaving ten men at the camp with full instructions as to + what to do in case of an alarm by the enemy, Malchus set out with the rest + of the party across the mountains. The sun was their only guide as to the + direction of their course, and it was late in the afternoon before they + reached the crest of the easternmost hills and looked down over the wide + plain which divides the island into two portions. Here they rested until + the next morning, and then, starting before daybreak, descended the + slopes. They made their way to a village of some size at the mouth of a + valley, and were unnoticed until they entered it. Most of the men were + away in the fields; a few resisted, but were speedily beaten down by the + short heavy sticks which the Carthaginians carried in addition to their + spears. + </p> + <p> + Malchus had given strict orders that the latter weapons were not to be + used, that no life was to be taken, and that no one was to be hurt or ill + used unless in the act of offering resistance. For a few minutes the + confusion was great, women and children running about screaming in wild + alarm. They were, however, pacified when they found that no harm was + intended. + </p> + <p> + On searching the village large stores of grain were discovered and + abundance of sacks were also found, and each soldier filled one of these + with as much grain as he could conveniently carry. A number of other + articles which would be useful to them were also taken—cooking pots, + wooden platters, knives, and such arms as could be found. Laden with these + the Carthaginians set out on their return to camp. Loaded as they were it + was a long and toilsome journey, and they would have had great difficulty + in finding their way back had not Malchus taken the precaution of leaving + four or five men at different points with instructions to keep fires of + damp wood burning so that the smoke should act as a guide. It was, + however, late on the second day after their leaving the village before + they arrived in camp. Here the men set to work to crush the grain between + flat stones, and soon a supply of rough cakes were baking in the embers. + </p> + <p> + A month passed away. Similar raids to the first were made when the + supplies became exhausted, and as at the second village they visited they + captured six donkeys, which helped to carry up the burdens, the journeys + were less fatiguing than on the first occasion. One morning as the troop + were taking their breakfast a column of bright smoke rose from one of the + hill tops. The men simultaneously leaped to their feet. + </p> + <p> + “Finish your breakfast,” Malchus said, “there will be plenty of time. Slay + two more hogs and cut them up. Let each man take three or four pounds of + flesh and a supply of meal.” + </p> + <p> + Just as the preparations were concluded the two men from the lookout + arrived and reported that a large force was winding along one of the + valleys. There were now but six of the herd of swine left—these were + driven into the forest. The grain and other stores were also carried away + and carefully hidden, and the band, who were now all well armed with + weapons taken in the different raids on the villages, marched away from + their camp. + </p> + <p> + Malchus had already with his two comrades explored all the valleys in the + neighbourhood of the camp, and had fixed upon various points for defence. + One of these was on the line by which the enemy were approaching. The + valley narrowed in until it was almost closed by perpendicular rocks on + either side. On the summit of these the Carthaginians took their post. + They could now clearly make out the enemy; there were upwards of a + thousand Roman troops, and they were accompanied by fully five hundred + natives. + </p> + <p> + When the head of the column approached the narrow path of the valley the + soldiers halted and the natives went on ahead to reconnoitre. They + reported that all seemed clear, and the column then moved forward. When it + reached the gorge a shout was heard above and a shower of rocks fell from + the crags, crushing many of the Romans. Their commander at once recalled + the soldiers, and these then began to climb the hillside, wherever the + ground permitted their doing so. After much labour they reached the crag + from which they had been assailed, but found it deserted. + </p> + <p> + All day the Romans searched the woods, but without success. The natives + were sent forward in strong parties. Most of these returned unsuccessful, + but two of them were suddenly attacked by the Carthaginians, and many were + slaughtered. + </p> + <p> + For four days the Romans pursued their search in the forest, but never + once did they obtain a glimpse of the Carthaginians save when, on several + occasions, the latter appeared suddenly in places inaccessible from below + and hurled down rocks and stones upon them. The Sards had been attacked + several times, and were so disheartened by the losses inflicted upon them + that they now refused to stir into the woods unless accompanied by the + Romans. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the fourth day, feeling it hopeless any longer to pursue the + fugitive band over these forest covered mountains, the Roman commander + ordered the column to move back towards its starting place. He had lost + between forty and fifty of his men and upwards of a hundred of the Sards + had been killed. Just as he reached the edge of the forest he was + overtaken by one of the natives. + </p> + <p> + “I have been a prisoner in the hands of the Carthaginians,” the man said, + “and their leader released me upon my taking an oath to deliver a message + to the general.” The man was at once brought before the officer. + </p> + <p> + “The leader of the escaped slaves bids me tell you,” he said, “that had + you ten times as many men with you it would be vain for you to attempt to + capture them. You searched, in these four days, but a few square miles of + the forest, and, although he was never half a mile away from you, you did + not succeed in capturing him. There are hundreds of square miles, and, did + he choose to elude you, twenty thousand men might search in vain. He bids + me say that he could hold out for years and harry all the villages of the + plains; but he and his men do not care for living the life of a mountain + tribe, and he is ready to discuss terms of surrender with you, and will + meet you outside the forest here with two men with him if you on your part + will be here with the same number at noon tomorrow. He took before me a + solemn oath that he will keep the truce inviolate, and requires you to do + the same. I have promised to take back your answer.” + </p> + <p> + The Roman commander was greatly vexed at his non-success, and at the long + continued trouble which he saw would arise from the presence of this + determined band in the mountains. They would probably be joined by some of + the recently subdued tribes, and would be a thorn in the side of the Roman + force holding the island. He was, therefore, much relieved by this + unexpected proposal. + </p> + <p> + “Return to him who sent you,” he said, “and tell him that I, Publius + Manlius, commander of that portion of the 10th Legion here, do hereby + swear before the gods that I will hold the truce inviolate, and that I + will meet him here with two officers, as he proposes, at noon tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + At the appointed hour Malchus, with the two officers, standing just inside + the edge of the forest, saw the Roman general advancing with two + companions; they at once went forward to meet them. + </p> + <p> + “I am come,” Malchus said, “to offer to surrender to you on certain terms. + I gave you my reasons in the message I yesterday sent you. With my band + here I could defy your attempts to capture me for years, but I do not care + to lead the life of a mountain robber. Hannibal treats his captives + mercifully, and the treatment which was bestowed upon me and my + companions, who were not even taken in fair fight, but were blown by a + tempest into your port, was a disgrace to Rome. My demand is this, that we + shall be treated with the respect due to brave men, that we be allowed to + march without guard or escort down to the port, where we will go straight + on board a vessel there prepared for us. We will then lay down our arms + and surrender as prisoners of war, under the solemn agreement taken and + signed by you and the governor of the island, and approved and ratified by + the senate of Rome, that, in the first place, the garments and armour of + which we were deprived when captured, shall be restored to us, and that we + shall then be conveyed in the ship to Rome, there to remain as prisoners + of war until exchanged, being sent nowhere else, and suffering no pains or + penalties whatever for what has taken place on this island.” + </p> + <p> + The Roman general was surprised and pleased with the moderation of the + demand. He had feared that Malchus would have insisted upon being restored + with his companions to the Carthaginian army in Italy. Such a proposition + he would have been unwilling to forward to Rome, for it would have been a + confession that all the Roman force in the island was incapable of + overcoming this handful of desperate men, and he did not think that the + demand if made would have been agreed to by the senate. The present + proposition was vastly more acceptable. He could report without + humiliation that the Carthaginian slaves had broken loose and taken to the + mountains, where there would be great difficulty in pursuing them, and + they would serve as a nucleus round which would assemble all the + disaffected in the island; and could recommend that, as they only demanded + to be sent to Rome as prisoners of war, instead of being kept in the + island, the terms should be agreed to. After a moment's delay, therefore, + he replied: + </p> + <p> + “I agree to your terms, sir, as far as I am concerned, and own they appear + to me as moderate and reasonable. I will draw out a document, setting them + forth and my acceptance of them, and will send it at once to the prefect, + praying him to sign it, and to forward it to Rome for the approval of the + senate. Pending an answer I trust that you will abstain from any further + attacks upon the villages.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be a fortnight before the answer returns,” Malchus replied; “but + if you will send up to this point a supply of cattle and flour sufficient + for our wants till the answer comes, I will promise to abstain from all + further action.” + </p> + <p> + To this the Roman readily agreed, and for a fortnight Malchus and his + friends amused themselves by hunting deer and wild boar among the + mountains. After a week had passed a man had been sent each day to the + spot agreed upon to see if any answer had been received from Rome. It was + nearly three weeks before he brought a message to Malchus that the terms + had been accepted, and that the Roman commander would meet him there on + the following day with the document. The interview took place as arranged, + and the Roman handed to Malchus the document agreeing to the terms + proposed, signed by himself and the prefect, and ratified by the senate. + He said that if Malchus with his party would descend into the road on the + following morning three miles below Metalla they would find an escort of + Roman soldiers awaiting them, and that a vessel would be ready at the port + for them to embark upon their arrival. + </p> + <p> + Next day, accordingly, Malchus with his companions left the forest, and + marched down to the valley in military order. At the appointed spot they + found twenty Roman soldiers under an officer. The latter saluted Malchus, + and informed him that his orders were to escort them to the port, and to + see that they suffered no molestation or interference at the hands of the + natives on their march. Two days' journey took them to Caralis, and in + good order and with proud bearing they marched through the Roman soldiers, + who assembled in the streets to view so strange a spectacle. Arrived at + the port they embarked on board the ship prepared for them, and there + piled their arms on deck. A Roman officer received them, and handed over, + in accordance with the terms of the agreement, the whole of the clothing + and armour of which they had been deprived. A guard of soldiers then + marched on board, and an hour later the sails were hoisted and the vessel + started for her destination. + </p> + <p> + Anxiously Malchus and his companions gazed round the horizon in hopes that + some galleys of Capua or Carthage might appear in sight, although indeed + they had but small hopes of seeing them, for no Carthaginian ship would be + likely to be found so near the coast of Italy, except indeed if bound with + arms for the use of the insurgents in the northern mountains of Sardinia. + However, no sail appeared in sight until the ship entered the mouth of the + Tiber. As they ascended the river, and the walls and towers of Rome were + seen in the distance, the prisoners forgot their own position in the + interest excited by the appearance of the great rival of Carthage. + </p> + <p> + At that time Rome possessed but little of the magnificence which + distinguished her buildings in the days of the emperors. Everything was + massive and plain, with but slight attempt at architectural adornment. The + temples of the gods rose in stately majesty above the mass of buildings, + but even these were far inferior in size and beauty to those of Carthage, + while the size of the city was small indeed in comparison to the wide + spreading extent of its African rival. + </p> + <p> + The vessel anchored in the stream until the officer in command landed to + report his arrival with the prisoners and to receive instructions. An hour + later he returned, the prisoners were landed and received by a strong + guard of spearmen at the water gate. The news had spread rapidly through + the city. A crowd of people thronged the streets, while at the windows and + on the roofs were gathered numbers of ladies of the upper classes. A party + of soldiers led the way, pushing back the crowd as they advanced. A line + of spearmen marched on either side of the captives, and a strong guard + brought up the rear to prevent the crowd from pressing in there. Malchus + walked at the head of the prisoners, followed by his officers, after whom + came the soldiers walking two and two. + </p> + <p> + There was no air of dejection in the bearing of the captives, and they + faced the regards of the hostile crowd with the air rather of conquerors + than of prisoners. They remembered that it was but by accident that they + had fallen into the hands of the Romans, that in the battlefield they had + proved themselves over and over again more than a match for the soldiers + of Rome, and that it was the walls of the city alone which had prevented + their marching through her streets as triumphant conquerors. + </p> + <p> + It was no novel sight in Rome for Carthaginian prisoners to march through + the streets, for in the previous campaigns large numbers of Carthaginians + had been captured; but since Hannibal crossed the Alps and carried his + victorious army through Italy, scarce a prisoner had been brought to Rome, + while tens of thousands of Romans had fallen into the hands of Hannibal. + The lower class of the population of Rome were at all times rough and + brutal, and the captives were assailed with shouts of exultation, with + groans and menaces, and with bitter curses by those whose friends and + relatives had fallen in the wars. + </p> + <p> + The better classes at the windows and from the housetops abstained from + any demonstration, but watched the captives as they passed with a critical + eye, and with expressions of admiration at their fearless bearing and + haughty mien. + </p> + <p> + “Truly, that youth who marches at their head might pose for a Carthaginian + Apollo, Sempronius,” a Roman matron said as she sat at the balcony of a + large mansion at the entrance to the Forum. “I have seldom seen a finer + face. See what strength his limbs show, although he walks as lightly as a + girl. I have a fancy to have him as a slave; he would look well to walk + behind me and carry my mantle when I go abroad. See to it, Sempronius; as + your father is the military praetor, you can manage this for me without + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do my best, Lady Flavia,” the young Roman said; “but there may be + difficulties.” + </p> + <p> + “What difficulties?” Flavia demanded imperiously. “I suppose the + Carthaginians will as usual be handed over as slaves; and who should have + a better right to choose one among them than I, whose husband, Tiberius + Gracchus, is Consul of Rome?” + </p> + <p> + “None assuredly,” Sempronius replied. “It was only because, as I hear, + that youth is a cousin of Hannibal himself, and, young as he is, the + captain of his bodyguard, and I thought that my father might intend to + confine him in the prison for better security.” + </p> + <p> + Flavia waved her hand imperiously. + </p> + <p> + “When did you ever hear of a slave escaping from Rome, Sempronius? Are not + the walls high and strong, and the sentries numerous? And even did they + pass these, would not the badge of slavery betray them at once to the + first who met them without, and they would be captured and brought back? + No, I have set my mind upon having him as a slave. He will go well with + that Gaulish maiden whom Postumius sent me from the banks of the Po last + autumn. I like my slaves to be as handsome as my other surroundings, and I + see no reason why I should be baulked of my fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do my best to carry out your wishes, Lady Flavia,” Sempronius + replied deferentially, for the wife of the consul was an important + personage in Rome. Her family was one of the most noble and powerful in + the city, and she herself—wealthy, luxurious, and strong willed—was + regarded as a leader of society at Rome. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius deemed it essential for his future advancement to keep on good + terms with her. At the same time he was ill pleased at this last fancy of + hers. In the first place, he was a suitor for the hand of her daughter + Julia. In the second, he greatly admired the northern beauty of the + Gaulish slave girl whom she had spoken of, and had fully intended that + when Flavia became tired of her—and her fancies seldom lasted long—he + would get his mother to offer to exchange a horse, or a hawk, or something + else upon which Flavia might set her mind, for the slave girl, in which + case she would, of course, be in his power. He did not, therefore, approve + of Flavia's intention of introducing this handsome young Carthaginian as a + slave into her household. It was true that he was but a slave at present, + but he was a Carthaginian noble of rank as high as that of Flavia. + </p> + <p> + That he was brave was certain, or he would not be the captain of + Hannibal's bodyguard. Julia was fully as capricious as her mother, and + might take as warm a fancy for Malchus as Flavia had done, while, now the + idea of setting this Gaulish girl and the Carthaginian together had seized + Flavia, it would render more distant the time when the Roman lady might be + reasonably expected to tire of the girl. However, he felt that Flavia's + wishes must be carried out; whatever the danger might be, it was less + serious than the certainty of losing that lady's favour unless he humoured + her whims. + </p> + <p> + His family was far less distinguished than hers, and her approval of his + suit with Julia was an unexpected piece of good fortune which he owed, as + he knew, principally to the fact that Gracchus wished to marry his + daughter to Julius Marcius, who had deeply offended Flavia by an outspoken + expression of opinion, that the Roman ladies mingled too much in public + affairs, and that they ought to be content to stay at home and rule their + households and slaves. + </p> + <p> + He knew that he would have no difficulty with his father. The praetor was + most anxious that his son should make an alliance with the house of + Gracchus, and it was the custom that such prisoners taken in war, as were + not sacrificed to the gods, should be given as slaves to the nobles. As + yet the great contests in the arena, which cost the lives of such vast + numbers of prisoners taken in war, were not instituted. Occasional + combats, indeed, took place, but these were on a small scale, and were + regarded rather as a sacrifice to Mars than as an amusement for the + people. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius accordingly took his way moodily home. The praetor had just + returned, having seen Malchus and the officers lodged in prison, while the + men were set to work on the fortifications. Sempronius stated Flavia's + request. The praetor looked doubtful. + </p> + <p> + “I had intended,” he said, “to have kept the officers in prison until the + senate decided what should be done with them; but, of course, if Flavia + has set her mind on it I must strain a point. After all there is no + special reason why the prisoners should be treated differently to others. + Of course I cannot send the leader of the party to Flavia and let the + others remain in prison. As there are two of them I will send them as + presents to two of the principal families in Rome, so that if any question + arises upon the subject I shall at once have powerful defenders; at any + rate, it will not do to offend Flavia.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus, as he was led through the streets of Rome, had been making + comparisons by no means to the favour of Carthage. The greater simplicity + of dress, the absence of the luxury which was so unbridled at Carthage, + the plainness of the architecture of the houses, the free and manly + bearing of the citizens, all impressed him. Rough as was the crowd who + jeered and hooted him and his companions, there was a power and a vigour + among them which was altogether lacking at home. Under the influence of + excitement the populace there was capable of rising and asserting + themselves, but their general demeanour was that of subservience to the + wealthy and powerful. + </p> + <p> + The tyranny of the senate weighed on the people, the numerous secret + denunciations and arrests inspired each man with a mistrust of his + neighbour, for none could say that he was safe from the action of secret + enemies. The Romans, on the other hand, were no respecters of persons. + Every free citizen deemed himself the equal of the best; the plebeians + held their own against the patricians, and could always return one of the + consuls, generally selecting the man who had most distinguished himself by + his hostility to the patricians. + </p> + <p> + The tribunes, whose power in Rome was nearly equal to that of the consuls, + were almost always the representatives and champions of the plebeians, and + their power balanced that of the senate, which was entirely in the + interests of the aristocracy. Malchus was reflecting over these things in + the prison, when the door of his cell opened and Sempronius, accompanied + by two soldiers, entered. The former addressed him in Greek. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me,” he said. “You have been appointed by my father, the praetor + Caius, to be the domestic slave of the lady Flavia Gracchus, until such + time as the senate may determine upon your fate.” + </p> + <p> + As Carthage also enslaved prisoners taken in war Malchus showed no + surprise, although he would have preferred labouring upon the + fortifications with his men to domestic slavery, however light the latter + might be. Without a comment, then, he rose and accompanied Sempronius from + his prison. + </p> + <p> + Domestic slavery in Rome was not as a whole a severe fate. The masters, + indeed, had the power of life and death over their slaves, they could flog + and ill use them as they chose; but as a rule they treated them well and + kindly. + </p> + <p> + The Romans were essentially a domestic people, kind to their wives, and + affectionate, although sometimes strict, with their children. The slaves + were treated as the other servants; and, indeed, with scarce an exception, + all servants were slaves. The rule was easy and the labour by no means + hard. Favourite slaves were raised to positions of trust and confidence, + they frequently amassed considerable sums of money, and were often granted + their freedom after faithful services. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI: THE GAULISH SLAVE + </h2> + <p> + On arriving at the mansion of Gracchus, Sempronius led Malchus to the + apartment occupied by Flavia. Her face lighted with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “You have done well, my Sempronius,” she said; “I shall not forget your + ready gratification of my wish. So this is the young Carthaginian? My + friends will all envy me at having so handsome a youth to attend upon me. + Do you speak our tongue?” she asked graciously. + </p> + <p> + “A few words only,” Malchus answered. “I speak Greek.” + </p> + <p> + “It is tiresome,” Flavia said, addressing Sempronius, “that I do not know + that language; but Julia has been taught it. Tell him, Sempronius, that + his duties will be easy. He will accompany me when I walk abroad, and will + stand behind me at table, and will have charge of my pets. The young lion + cub that Tiberius procured for me is getting troublesome and needs a firm + hand over him; he nearly killed one of the slaves yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + Sempronius translated Flavia's speech to Malchus. + </p> + <p> + “I shall dress him,” Flavia said, “in white and gold; he will look + charming in it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is hardly the dress for a slave,” Sempronius ventured to object. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I can dress him as I please. Lesbia, the wife of Emilius, + dresses her household slaves in blue and silver, and I suppose I have as + much right as she has to indulge my fancies.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Lady Flavia,” Sempronius said reverentially. “I only thought + that such favours shown to the Carthaginian might make the other slaves + jealous.” + </p> + <p> + Flavia made no answer, but waved her fan to Sempronius in token of + dismissal. The young Roman, inwardly cursing her haughty airs, took his + leave at once, and Flavia handed Malchus over to the charge of the chief + of the household, with strict directions as to the dress which was to be + obtained for him, and with orders to give the animals into his charge. + </p> + <p> + Malchus followed the man, congratulating himself that if he must serve as + a slave, at least he could hardly have found an easier situation. The pets + consisted of some bright birds from the East, a Persian greyhound, several + cats, a young bear, and a half grown lion. Of these the lion alone was + fastened up, in consequence of his attack upon the slave on the previous + day. + </p> + <p> + Malchus was fond of animals, and at once advanced boldly to the lion. The + animal crouched as if for a spring, but the steady gaze of Malchus + speedily changed its intention, and, advancing to the full length of its + chain, it rubbed itself against him like a great cat. Malchus stroked its + side, and then, going to a fountain, filled a flat vessel with water and + placed it before it. The lion lapped the water eagerly. Since its assault + upon the slave who usually attended to it, none of the others had ventured + to approach it. They had, indeed, thrown it food, but had neglected to + supply it with water. + </p> + <p> + “We shall get on well together, old fellow,” Malchus said. “We are both + African captives, and ought to be friends.” + </p> + <p> + Finding from the other slaves that until the previous day the animal had + been accustomed to run about the house freely and to lie in Flavia's room, + Malchus at once unfastened the chain and for some time played with the + lion, which appeared gentle and good tempered. As the master of the + household soon informed the others of the orders he had received + respecting Malchus, the slaves saw that the newcomer was likely, for a + time at least, to stand very high in the favour of their capricious + mistress, and therefore strove in every way to gain his goodwill. + </p> + <p> + Presently Malchus was sent for again, and found Julia sitting on the couch + by the side of her mother, and he at once acknowledged to himself that he + had seldom seen a fairer woman. She was tall, and her figure was full and + well proportioned. Her glossy hair was wound in a coil at the back of her + head, her neck and arms were bare, and she wore a garment of light green + silk, and embroidered with gold stripes along the bottom, reaching down to + her knees, while beneath it a petticoat of Tyrian purple reached nearly to + the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Is he not good looking, Julia?” Flavia asked. “There is not a slave in + Rome like him. Lesbia and Fulvia will be green with envy.” + </p> + <p> + Julia made no reply, but sat examining the face of Malchus with as much + composure as if he had been a statue. He had bowed on entering, as he + would have done in the presence of Carthaginian ladies, and now stood + composedly awaiting Flavia's orders. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him, Julia, if it is true that he is a cousin of Hannibal and the + captain of his guard. Such a youth as he is, I can hardly believe it; and + yet how strong and sinewy are his limbs, and he has an air of command in + his face. He interests me, this slave.” + </p> + <p> + Julia asked in Greek the questions that her mother had dictated. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him now, Julia,” Flavia said, when her daughter had translated the + answer, “how he came to be captured.” + </p> + <p> + Malchus recounted the story of his being blown by a gale into the Roman + ports; then, on her own account, Julia inquired whether he had been + present at the various battles of the campaign. After an hour's + conversation Malchus was dismissed. In passing through the hall beyond he + came suddenly upon a female who issued from one of the female apartments. + They gave a simultaneous cry of astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Clotilde!” Malchus exclaimed, “you here, and a captive?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! yes,” the girl replied. “I was brought here three months since.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard nothing of you all,” Malchus said, “since your father + returned with his contingent after the battle of Trasimene. We knew that + Postumius with his legion was harrying Cisalpine Gaul, but no particular + has reached us.” + </p> + <p> + “My father is slain,” the girl said. “He and the tribe were defeated. The + next day the Romans attacked the village. We, the women and the old men, + defended it till the last. My two sisters were killed. I was taken + prisoner and sent hither as a present to Flavia by Postumius. I have been + wishing to die, but now, since you are here, I shall be content to live + even as a Roman slave.” + </p> + <p> + While they were speaking they had been standing with their hands clasped. + Malchus, looking down into her face, over which the tears were now + streaming as she recalled the sad events at home, wondered at the change + which eighteen months had wrought in it. Then she was a girl, now she was + a beautiful woman—the fairest he had ever seen, Malchus thought, + with her light brown hair with a gleam of gold, her deep gray eyes, and + tender, sensitive mouth. + </p> + <p> + “And your mother?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “She was with my father in the battle, and was left for dead on the field; + but I heard from a captive, taken a month after I was, that she had + survived, and was with the remnant of the tribe in the well nigh + inaccessible fastnesses at the head of the Orcus.” + </p> + <p> + “We had best meet as strangers,” Malchus said. “It were well that none + suspect we have met before. I shall not stay here long—if I am not + exchanged. I shall try to escape whatever be the risks, and if you will + accompany me I will not go alone.” + </p> + <p> + “You know I will, Malchus,” Clotilde answered frankly. “Whenever you give + the word I am ready, whatever the risk is. It should break my heart were I + left here alone again.” + </p> + <p> + A footstep was heard approaching, and Clotilde, dropping Malchus' hands, + fled away into the inner apartments, while Malchus walked quietly on to + the part of the house appropriated to the slaves. The next day, having + assumed his new garments, and having had a light gold ring, as a badge of + servitude, fastened round his neck, Malchus accompanied Flavia and her + daughter on a series of visits to their friends. + </p> + <p> + The meeting with Clotilde had delighted as much as it had surprised + Malchus. The figure of the Gaulish maiden had been often before his eyes + during his long night watches. When he was with her last he had resolved + that when he next journeyed north he would ask her hand of the chief, and + since his journey to Carthage his thoughts had still more often reverted + to her. The loathing which he now felt for Carthage had converted what + was, when he was staying with Allobrigius, little more than an idea, into + a fixed determination that he would cut himself loose altogether from + corrupt and degenerate Carthage, and settle among the Gauls. That he + should find Clotilde captive in Rome had never entered his wildest + imagination, and he now blessed, as a piece of the greatest good fortune, + the chance, which had thrown him into the hands of the Romans, and brought + him into the very house where Clotilde was a slave. Had it not been for + that he would never again have heard of her. When he returned to her + ruined home he would have found that she had been carried away by the + Roman conquerors, but of her after fate no word could ever have reached + him. + </p> + <p> + Some weeks passed, but no mode of escape presented itself to his mind. + Occasionally for a few moments he saw Clotilde alone, and they were often + together in Flavia's apartment, for the Roman lady was proud of showing + off to her friends her two slaves, both models of their respective races. + </p> + <p> + Julia had at first been cold and hard to Malchus, but gradually her manner + had changed, and she now spoke kindly and condescendingly to him, and + would sometimes sit looking at him from under her dark eyebrows with an + expression which Malchus altogether failed to interpret. Clotilde was more + clear sighted. One day meeting Malchus alone in the atrium she said to + him: “Malchus, do you know that I fear Julia is learning to love you. I + see it in her face, in the glance of her eye, in the softening of that + full mouth of hers.” + </p> + <p> + “You are dreaming, little Clotilde,” Malchus said laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I am not,” she said firmly; “I tell you she loves you.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” Malchus said incredulously. “The haughty Julia, the fairest + of the Roman maidens, fall in love with a slave! You are dreaming, + Clotilde.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are not a common slave, Malchus, you are a Carthaginian noble and + the cousin of Hannibal. You are her equal in all respects.” + </p> + <p> + “Save for this gold collar,” Malchus said, touching the badge of slavery + lightly. + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure you do not love her in return, Malchus? She is very + beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she?” Malchus said carelessly. “Were she fifty times more beautiful it + would make no difference to me, for, as you know as well as I do, I love + some one else.” + </p> + <p> + Clotilde flushed to the brow. “You have never said so,” she said softly. + </p> + <p> + “What occasion to say so when you know it? You have always known it, ever + since the day when we went over the bridge together.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am no fit mate for you,” she said. “Even when my father was alive + and the tribe unbroken, what were we that I should wed a great + Carthaginian noble? Now the tribe is broken, I am only a Roman slave.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you anything else to observe?” Malchus said quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a great deal more,” she went on urgently. “How could you present + your wife, an ignorant Gaulish girl, to your relatives, the haughty dames + of Carthage? They would look down upon me and despise me.” + </p> + <p> + “Clotilde, you are betraying yourself,” Malchus said smiling, “for you + have evidently thought the matter over in every light. No,” he said, + detaining her, as, with an exclamation of shame, she would have fled away, + “you must not go. You knew that I loved you, and for every time you have + thought of me, be it ever so often, I have thought of you a score. You + knew that I loved you and intended to ask your hand from your father. As + for the dames of Carthage, I think not of carrying you there; but if you + will wed me I will settle down for life among your people.” + </p> + <p> + A footstep was heard approaching. Malchus pressed Clotilde for a moment + against his breast, and then he was alone. The newcomer was Sempronius. He + was still a frequent visitor, but he was conscious that he had lately lost + rather than gained ground in the good graces of Julia. Averse as he had + been from the first to the introduction of Malchus into the household, he + was not long in discovering the reason for the change in Julia, and the + dislike he had from the first felt of Malchus had deepened to a feeling of + bitter hatred. + </p> + <p> + “Slave,” he said haughtily, “tell your mistress that l am here.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not your slave,” Malchus said calmly, “and shall not obey your + orders when addressed in such a tone.” + </p> + <p> + “Insolent hound,” the young Roman exclaimed, “I will chastise you,” and he + struck Malchus with his stick. In an instant the latter sprang upon him, + struck him to the ground, and wrenching the staff from his hand laid it + heavily across him. At that moment Flavia, followed by her daughter, + hurried in at the sound of the struggle. “Malchus,” she exclaimed, “what + means this?” + </p> + <p> + “It means,” Sempronius said rising livid with passion, “that your slave + has struck me—me, a Roman patrician. I will lodge a complaint + against him, and the penalty, you know, is death.” + </p> + <p> + “He struck me first, Lady Flavia,” Malchus said quietly, “because I would + not do his behests when he spoke to me as a dog.” + </p> + <p> + “If you struck my slave, Sempronius,” Flavia said coldly, “I blame him not + that he returned the blow. Although a prisoner of war, he is, as you well + know, of a rank in Carthage superior to your own, and I wonder not that, + if you struck him, he struck you in return. You know that you had no right + to touch my slave, and if you now take any steps against him I warn you + that you will never enter this house again.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor will I ever speak a word to you,” Julia added. + </p> + <p> + “But he has struck me,” Sempronius said furiously; “he has knocked me down + and beaten me.” + </p> + <p> + “Apparently you brought it upon yourself,” Flavia said. “None but + ourselves know what has happened; therefore, neither shame nor disgrace + can arise from it. My advice to you is, go home now and remain there until + those marks of the stick have died out; it will be easy for you to assign + an excuse. If you follow the matter up, I will proclaim among my friends + how I found you here grovelling on the ground while you were beaten. What + will then be said of your manliness? Already the repeated excuses which + have served you from abstaining to join the armies in the field have been + a matter for much comment. You best know whether it would improve your + position were it known that you had been beaten by a slave. Why, you would + be a jest among young Romans.” + </p> + <p> + Sempronius stood irresolute. His last hopes of winning Julia were + annihilated by what had happened. The tone of contempt in which both + mother and daughter had spoken sufficiently indicated their feelings, and + for a moment he hesitated whether he would not take what revenge he could + by denouncing Malchus. But the thought was speedily put aside. He had been + wrong in striking the domestic slave of another; but the fact that Malchus + had been first attacked, and the whole influence of the house of Gracchus, + its relations, friends, and clients exerted in his behalf, would hardly + suffice to save him. Still the revenge would be bought dearly in the + future hostility of Flavia and her friends, and in the exposure of his own + humiliating attitude. He, therefore, with a great effort subdued all signs + of anger and said: + </p> + <p> + “Lady Flavia, your wish has always been law to me, and I would rather that + anything should happen than that I should lose your favour and patronage, + therefore, I am willing to forget what has happened, the more so as I own + that I acted wrongly in striking your slave. I trust that after this + apology you will continue to be the kindly friend I have always found + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Sempronius,” Flavia said graciously, “and I shall not forget + your ready acquiescence in my wishes.” + </p> + <p> + It was the more easy for Sempronius to yield, inasmuch as Malchus had, + after stating that he had been first struck, quietly left the apartment. + For some little time things went on as before. Malchus was now at home in + Rome. As a slave of one of the most powerful families, as was indicated by + the badge he wore on his dress, he was able, when his services were not + required, to wander at will in the city. He made the circuit of the walls, + marked the spots which were least frequented and where an escape would be + most easily made; and, having selected a spot most remote from the busy + quarter of the town, he purchased a long rope, and carrying it there + concealed it under some stones close to one of the flights of steps by + which access was obtained to the summit of the wall. + </p> + <p> + The difficulty was not how to escape from Rome, for that, now that he had + so much freedom of movement, was easy, but how to proceed when he had once + gained the open country. For himself he had little doubt that he should be + able to make his way through the territories of the allies of Rome, but + the difficulty of travelling with Clotilde would be much greater. + </p> + <p> + “Clotilde,” he said one day, “set your wits to work and try and think of + some disguise in which you might pass with me. I have already prepared for + getting beyond the walls; but the pursuit after us will be hot, and until + we reach the Carthaginian lines every man's hand will be against us.” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of it, Malchus; the only thing that I can see is for me to + stain my skin and dye my hair and go as a peasant boy.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what I, too, have thought of, Clotilde. The disguise would be a + poor one, for the roundness of your arms and the colour of your eyes would + betray you at once to any one who looked closely at you. However, as I can + see no better way, I will get the garments and some for myself to match, + and some stuff for staining the skin and hair.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Malchus bought the clothes and dye and managed to bring them + into the house unobserved, and to give to Clotilde those intended for her. + </p> + <p> + The lion, under the influence of the mingled firmness and kindness of + Malchus, had now recovered his docility, and followed him about the house + like a great dog, sleeping stretched out on a mat by the side of his + couch. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius continued his visits. Malchus was seldom present when he was + with Flavia, but Clotilde was generally in the room. It was now the height + of summer, and her duty was to stand behind her mistress with a large fan, + with which she kept up a gentle current of air over Flavia's head and + drove off the troublesome flies. Sometimes she had to continue doing so + for hours, while Flavia chatted with her friends. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius was biding his time. The two slaves were still high in Flavia's + favour, but he was in hopes that something might occur which would render + her willing to part with them. He watched Julia narrowly whenever Malchus + entered the room, and became more and more convinced that she had taken a + strong fancy for the Carthaginian slave, and the idea occurred to him that + by exciting her jealousy he might succeed in obtaining his object. So + careful were Malchus and Clotilde that he had no idea whatever that any + understanding existed between them. This, however, mattered but little; + nothing was more likely than that these two handsome slaves should fall in + love with each other, and he determined to suggest the idea to Julia. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly one day when he was sitting beside her, while Flavia was + talking with some other visitors, he remarked carelessly, “Your mother's + two slaves, the Carthaginian and the Gaul, would make a handsome couple.” + </p> + <p> + He saw a flush of anger in Julia's face. For a moment she did not reply, + and then said in a tone of indifference: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they are each well favoured in their way.” + </p> + <p> + “Methinks the idea has occurred to them,” Sempronius said. “I have seen + them glance at each other, and doubt not that when beyond your presence + they do not confine themselves to looks.” + </p> + <p> + Julia was silent, but Sempronius saw, in the tightly compressed lips and + the lowering brow with which she looked from one to the other, that the + shaft had told. + </p> + <p> + “I have wondered sometimes,” he said, “in an idle moment, whether they + ever met before. The Carthaginians were for some time among the Cisalpine + Gauls, and the girl was, you have told me, the daughter of a chief there; + they may well have met.” + </p> + <p> + Julia made no reply, and Sempronius, feeling that he had said enough, + began to talk on other subjects. Julia scarcely answered him, and at last + impatiently waved him away. She sat silent and abstracted until the last + of the visitors had left, then she rose from her seat and walked quietly + up to her mother and said abruptly to Clotilde, who was standing behind + her mistress: “Did you know the slave Malchus before you met here?” + </p> + <p> + The suddenness of the question sent the blood up into the cheeks of the + Gaulish maiden, and Julia felt at once that the hints of Sempronius were + fully justified. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Clotilde answered quietly, “I met him when, with Hannibal, he came + down from the Alps into our country.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not say so before?” Julia asked passionately. “Mother, the + slaves have been deceiving us.” + </p> + <p> + “Julia,” Flavia said in surprise, “why this heat? What matters it to us + whether they have met before?” + </p> + <p> + Julia did not pay any attention, but stood with angry eyes waiting for + Clotilde's answer. + </p> + <p> + “I did not know, Lady Julia,” the girl said quietly, “that the affairs of + your slaves were of any interest to you. We recognized each other when we + first met. Long ago now, when we were both in a different position—” + </p> + <p> + “And when you loved each other?” Julia said in a tone of concentrated + passion. + </p> + <p> + “And when we loved each other,” Clotilde repeated, her head thrown back + now, and her bearing as proud and haughty as that of Julia. + </p> + <p> + “You hear that, mother? you hear this comedy that these slaves have been + playing under your nose? Send them both to the whipping post.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Julia,” Flavia exclaimed, more and more surprised at her anger, + “what harm has been done? You astonish me. Clotilde, you can retire. What + means all this, Julia?” she went on more severely when they were alone; + “why all this strange passion because two slaves, who by some chance have + met each other before, are lovers? What is this Gaulish girl, what is this + Carthaginian slave, to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I love him, mother!” Julia said passionately. + </p> + <p> + “You!” Flavia exclaimed in angry surprise; “you, Julia, of the house of + Gracchus, love a slave! You are mad, girl, and shameless.” + </p> + <p> + “I say so without shame,” Julia replied, “and why should I not? He is a + noble of Carthage, though now a prisoner of war. What if my father is a + consul? Malchus is the cousin of Hannibal, who is a greater man than Rome + has ever yet seen. Why should I not wed him?” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, it seems, Julia,” Flavia said gravely, “because he + loves someone else. In the second place, because, as I hear, he is likely + to be exchanged very shortly for a praetor taken prisoner at Cannae, and + will soon be fighting against us. In the third place, because all Rome + would be scandalized were a Roman maiden of the patrician order, and of + the house of Gracchus, to marry one of the invaders of her country. Go to, + Julia, I blush for you! So this is the reason why of late you have behaved + so coldly to Sempronius. Shame on you, daughter! What would your father + say, did he, on his return from the field, hear of your doings? Go to your + chamber, and do not let me see you again till you can tell me that you + have purged this madness from your veins.” + </p> + <p> + Without a word Julia turned and left the room. Parental discipline was + strong in Rome, and none dare disobey a parent's command, and although + Julia had far more liberty and license than most unmarried Roman girls, + she did not dare to answer her mother when she spoke in such a tone. + </p> + <p> + Flavia sat for some time in thought, then she sent for Malchus. He had + already exchanged a few words with Clotilde, and was therefore prepared + for her questions. + </p> + <p> + “Malchus, is it true that you love my Gaulish slave girl?” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” Malchus replied quietly. “When we met in Gaul, two years + since, she was the daughter of a chief, I a noble of Carthage. I loved + her; but we were both young, and with so great a war in hand it was not a + time to speak of marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you marry her now?” + </p> + <p> + “Not as a slave,” Malchus replied; “when I marry her it shall be before + the face of all men—I as a noble of Carthage, she as a noble Gaulish + maiden.” + </p> + <p> + “Hannibal is treating for your exchange now,” Flavia said. “There are + difficulties in the way, for, as you know, the senate have refused to + allow its citizens who surrender to be ransomed or exchanged; but the + friends of the praetor Publius are powerful and are bringing all their + influence to bear to obtain the exchange of their kinsman, whom Hannibal + has offered for you. I will gladly use what influence I and my family + possess to aid them. I knew when you came to me that, as a prisoner of + war, it was likely that you might be exchanged.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been very kind, my Lady Flavia,” Malchus said, “and I esteem + myself most fortunate in having fallen into such hands. Since you know now + how it is with me and Clotilde, I can ask you at once to let me ransom her + of you. Any sum that you like to name I will bind myself, on my return to + the Carthaginian camp, to pay for her.” + </p> + <p> + “I will think it over,” Flavia said graciously. “Clotilde is useful to me, + but I can dispense with her services, and will ask you no exorbitant + amount for her. If the negotiations for your exchange come to aught, you + may rely upon it that she shall go hence with you.” + </p> + <p> + With an expression of deep gratitude Malchus retired. Flavia, in thus + acceding to the wishes of Malchus, was influenced by several motives. She + was sincerely shocked at Julia's conduct, and was most desirous of getting + both Malchus and Clotilde away, for she knew that her daughter was + headstrong as she was passionate, and the presence of Clotilde in the + house would, even were Malchus absent, be a source of strife and + bitterness between herself and her daughter. + </p> + <p> + In the second place, it would be a pretty story to tell her friends, and + she should be able to take credit to herself for her magnanimity in + parting with her favourite attendant. Lastly, in the present state of + affairs it might possibly happen that it would be of no slight advantage + to have a friend possessed of great power and influence in the + Carthaginian camp. Her husband might be captured in fight—it was not + beyond the bounds of possibility that Rome itself might fall into the + hands of the Carthaginians. It was, therefore, well worth while making a + friend of a man who was a near relation of Hannibal. + </p> + <p> + For some days Julia kept her own apartment. All the household knew that + something had gone wrong, though none were aware of the cause. A general + feeling of uneasiness existed, for Julia had from a child in her fits of + temper been harsh with her slaves, venting her temper by cruelly beating + and pinching them. Many a slave had been flogged by her orders at such a + time, for her mother, although herself an easy mistress, seldom interfered + with her caprices, and all that she did was good in the eyes of her + father. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the week Flavia told Malchus that the negotiations for his + release had been broken off, the Roman senate remaining inflexible in the + resolve that Romans who surrendered to the enemy should not be exchanged. + Malchus was much disappointed, as it had seemed that the time of his + release was near; however, he had still his former plan of escape to fall + back upon. + </p> + <p> + A day or two later Julia sent a slave with a message to Sempronius, and in + the afternoon sallied out with a confidential attendant, who always + accompanied her when she went abroad. In the Forum she met Sempronius, who + saluted her. + </p> + <p> + “Sempronius,” she said coming at once to the purpose, “will you do me a + favour?” + </p> + <p> + “I would do anything to oblige you, Lady Julia, as you know.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the language of courtesy,” Julia said shortly; “I mean would you + be ready to run some risk?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” Sempronius answered readily. + </p> + <p> + “You will do it the more readily, perhaps,” Julia said, “inasmuch as it + will gratify your revenge. You have reason to hate Malchus, the + Carthaginian slave.” + </p> + <p> + Sempronius nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Your suspicion was true, he loves the Gaulish slave; they have been + questioned and have confessed it. I want them separated.” + </p> + <p> + “But how?” Sempronius asked, rejoicing inwardly at finding that Julia's + wishes agreed so nearly with his own. + </p> + <p> + “I want her carried off,” Julia said shortly. “When once you have got her + you can do with her as you will; make her your slave, kill her, do as you + like with her, that is nothing to me—all I want is that she shall + go. I suppose you have some place where you could take her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Sempronius said, “I have a small estate among the Alban Hills where + she would be safe enough from searchers; but how to get her there? She + never goes out except with Lady Flavia.” + </p> + <p> + “She must be taken from the house,” Julia said shortly; “pretty slaves + have been carried off before now, and no suspicion need light upon you. + You might find some place in the city to hide her for a few days, and then + boldly carry her through the gates in a litter. None will think of + questioning you.” + </p> + <p> + “The wrath of Lady Flavia would be terrible,” Sempronius said doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “My mother would be furious at first,” Julia said coldly; “but get her a + new plaything, a monkey or a Numidian slave boy, and she will soon forget + all about the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “But how do you propose it should be done?” Sempronius asked. + </p> + <p> + “My slave shall withdraw all the bolts of the back entrance to the house,” + Julia said; “do you be there at two in the morning, when all will be sound + asleep; bring with you a couple of barefooted slaves. My woman will be at + the door and will guide you to the chamber where the girl sleeps; you have + only to gag her and carry her quietly off.” + </p> + <p> + Sempronius stood for a moment in doubt. The enterprise was certainly + feasible. Wild adventures of this kind were not uncommon among the + dissolute young Romans, and Sempronius saw at once that were he detected + Julia's influence would prevent her mother taking the matter up hotly. + Julia guessed his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “If you are found out,” she said, “I will take the blame upon myself, and + tell my mother that you were acting solely at my request.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do it, Julia,” he agreed; “tonight at two o'clock I will be at the + back door with two slaves whom I can trust. I will have a place prepared + to which I can take the girl till it is safe to carry her from the city.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII: THE LION + </h2> + <p> + Malchus was sleeping soundly that night when he was awakened by a low + angry sound from the lion. + </p> + <p> + He looked up, and saw by the faint light of a lamp which burned in the + hall, from which the niche like bed chambers of the principal slaves + opened, that the animal had risen to its feet. Knowing that, docile as it + was with those it knew, the lion objected to strangers, the thought + occurred to him that some midnight thief had entered the house for the + purpose of robbery. Malchus took his staff and sallied out, the lion + walking beside him. + </p> + <p> + He traversed the hall and went from room to room until he entered the + portion of the house inhabited by Flavia and the female slaves. Here he + would have hesitated, but the lion continued its way, crouching as it + walked, with its tail beating its sides with short quick strokes. + </p> + <p> + There was no one in the principal apartment. He entered the corridor, from + which as he knew issued the bed chambers of the slaves. Here he stopped in + sudden surprise at seeing a woman holding a light, while two men were + issuing from one of the apartments bearing between them a body wrapped up + in a cloak. Sempronius stood by the men directing their movements. The + face of the person carried was invisible, but the light of the lamp fell + upon a mass of golden brown hair, and Malchus knew at once that it was + Clotilde who was being carried off. + </p> + <p> + Malchus sprang forward and with a blow of his staff levelled one of the + slaves to the ground; Sempronius with a furious exclamation drew his sword + and rushed at him, while the other slave, dropping his burden, closed with + Malchus and threw his arms around him. For a moment Malchus felt + powerless, but before Sempronius could strike there was a deep roar, a + dark body sprang forward and hurled itself upon him, levelling him to the + ground with a crushing blow of its paw, and then seized him by the + shoulder and shook him violently. The slave who held Malchus loosed his + hold and fled with a cry of affright, the female slave dropped the light + and fled also. Clotilde had by this time gained her feet. + </p> + <p> + “Quick, love!” Malchus said; “seize your disguise and join me at the back + gate. Sempronius is killed; I will join you as quickly as I can.” + </p> + <p> + By this time the household was alarmed, the shout of Malchus and the roar + of the lion had aroused everyone, and the slaves soon came hurrying with + lights to the spot. Malchus checked them as they came running out. + </p> + <p> + “Fetch the net,” he said. The net in question had been procured after the + lion had before made an attack upon the slave, but had not since been + required. + </p> + <p> + Malchus dared not approach the creature now, for though he was not afraid + for himself, it was now furious, and might, if disturbed, rush among the + others and do terrible destruction before it could be secured. The net was + quickly brought, and Malchus, with three of the most resolute of the + slaves, advanced and threw it over the lion, which was lying upon the + prostrate body of Sempronius. It sprang to its feet, but the net was round + it, and in its struggle to escape it fell on its side. Another twist of + the net and it was helplessly inclosed; the four men lifted the ends and + carried it away. Cutting a portion of the net Malchus placed the massive + iron collar attached to the chain round its neck and then left it, saying + to the others: + </p> + <p> + “We can cut the rest of the net off it afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + He then hurried back to the scene of the struggle. Flavia was already + there. + </p> + <p> + “What is all this, Malchus,” she asked. “Here I find Sempronius dead and + one of his slaves senseless beside him; they tell me when he first arrived + you were here.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of it, lady,” Malchus replied, “save that the lion aroused + me by growling, and thinking that robbers might have entered the house, I + arose and searched it and came upon three men. One I levelled to the + ground with my staff; doubtless he is only stunned and will be able to + tell you more when he recovers. I grappled with another, and while engaged + in a struggle with him the third attacked me with a sword, and would have + slain me had not the lion sprang upon him and felled him. The other man + then fled—this is all I know about it.” + </p> + <p> + “What can it all mean?” Flavia said. “What could Sempronius with two + slaves be doing in my house after midnight? It is a grave outrage, and + there will be a terrible scandal in Rome tomorrow—the son of a + praetor and a friend of the house!” + </p> + <p> + She then ordered the slaves to raise the body of Sempronius and carry it + to a couch, and to send at once for a leech. She also bade them throw + water on the slave and bring him to consciousness, and then to bring him + before her to be questioned. + </p> + <p> + “Where is my daughter?” she said suddenly; “has she not been roused by all + this stir?” One of the female slaves stole into Julia's apartment, and + returned saying that her mistress was sound asleep on her couch. + </p> + <p> + An expression of doubt crossed Flavia's face, but she only said, “Do not + disturb her,” and then thoughtfully returned to her room. It was not until + an hour later that the prisoner was sufficiently recovered to be brought + before Flavia. He had already heard that his master was killed, and, + knowing that concealment would be useless, he threw himself on the ground + before Flavia, and owned that he and another slave had been brought by + Sempronius to carry off a slave girl. + </p> + <p> + Acting on his instructions they had thrust a kerchief into her mouth, and + wrapped a cloak round her, and were carrying her off when a man rushed at + him, and he supposed struck him, for he remembered nothing more. He then + with many tears implored mercy, on the ground that he was acting but on + his master's orders. At this moment the praetor himself arrived, Flavia + having sent for him immediately she had ascertained that Sempronius was + dead. He was confused and bewildered at the suddenness of his loss. + </p> + <p> + “I thought at first,” Flavia said, “that he must have been engaged in some + wild scheme to carry off Julia, though why he should do so I could not + imagine, seeing that he had my approval of his wooing; but Julia is + asleep, not having been a wakened by the noise of the scuffle. It must + have been one of the slave girls.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she exclaimed suddenly. “I did not see Clotilde.” She struck a bell, + and her attendant entered. + </p> + <p> + “Go,” she said, “and summon Clotilde here.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes the slave returned, saying that Clotilde was not to be + found. + </p> + <p> + “She may have been carried off by the other slave,” Flavia said, “but + Malchus was there, and would have pursued. Fetch him here.” + </p> + <p> + But Malchus too was found to be missing. + </p> + <p> + “They must have fled together,” Flavia said. “There was an understanding + between them. Doubtless Malchus feared that this affair with your son + might cause him to be taken away from here. Perhaps it is best so, and I + trust that they may get away, though I fear there is little chance, since + no slaves are allowed to leave the city without a pass, and even did they + succeed in gaining the open country they would be arrested and brought + back by the first person who met them. But that is not the question for + the present.” + </p> + <p> + “What think you, my friend, what are we to do in this terrible business?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not,” the praetor said with a groan. + </p> + <p> + “The honour of both our families is concerned,” Flavia said calmly. “Your + son has been found in my house at night and slain by my lion. All the + world knows that he was a suitor for Julia's hand. There's but one thing + to be done; the matter must be kept secret. It would not do to try and + remove Sempronius tonight, for the litter might be stopped by the watch; + it must be taken boldly away in daylight. Send four slaves whom you can + trust, and order them to be silent on pain of death. I will tell my + household that if a word is breathed of what has taken place tonight, I + will hand whoever disobeys me over to the executioners. When you have got + your son's body home you can spread a rumour that he is sick of the fever. + There will be no difficulty in bribing the leech. Then in a few days you + will give out that he is dead, and none will be any the wiser.” + </p> + <p> + The praetor agreed that this was the best plan that could be adopted, and + it was carried out in due course, and so well was the secret kept that no + one in Rome ever doubted that Sempronius had fallen a victim to fever. + </p> + <p> + Julia's anger in the morning, when she heard that the Gaulish slave girl + and the Carthaginian were missing, was great, and she hurried to her + mother's room to demand that a hue and cry should be at once made for + them, and a reward offered for their apprehension. She had, when informed + of the scenes which had taken place in the night, and of the death of + Sempronius, expressed great astonishment and horror, and indeed the news + that her accomplice had been killed had really shocked her. The sentiment, + however, had faded to insignificance in the anger which she felt when, as + the narrative continued, she heard of the escape of the two slaves. + </p> + <p> + A stormy scene took place between her and her mother, Julia boldly avowing + that she was the author of the scheme which had had so fatal a + termination. Flavia, in her indignation at her daughter's conduct, sent + her away at once to a small summer retreat belonging to her in the hills, + and there she was kept for some months in strict seclusion under the + watchful guardianship of some old and trusted slaves. + </p> + <p> + Malchus, having seen the lion fastened up, had seized the bundle + containing his disguise, and hurried away to the gate where Clotilde was + awaiting him. + </p> + <p> + “How long you have been!” she said with a gasp of relief. + </p> + <p> + “I could not get away until the lion was secured,” he said, “for I should + have been instantly missed. Now we will be off at once.” Both had thrown + large dark cloaks over their garments, and they now hurried along through + the deserted streets, occasionally drawing aside into bylanes as they + heard the tramp of the city watch. + </p> + <p> + At last, after half an hour's walking, they reached the wall. Malchus knew + the exact spot where he had hidden the rope, and had no difficulty in + finding it. They mounted the steps and stood on the battlements. The + sentries were far apart, for no enemy was in the neighbourhood of Rome. + Malchus fastened the rope round Clotilde, and lowered her down over the + battlements. When he found that she had reached the ground he made fast + the end of the rope and slid down till he stood beside her. They proceeded + with the utmost caution until at some distance from the walls; and then + shaped their course until, after a long walk, they came down upon the + Tiber below the city. + </p> + <p> + Day had by this time broken, and Malchus bade Clotilde enter a little wood + to change her garments and dye her skin. He then proceeded to do the same, + and rolling up the clothes he had taken off, hid them under a bush. + Clotilde soon joined him again. She wore the dress of a peasant boy, + consisting of a tunic of rough cloth reaching to her knees. Her limbs, + face, and neck were dyed a sunny brown, and her hair, which was cut quite + short, was blackened. Dyes were largely in use by Roman ladies, and + Malchus had had no difficulty in procuring those necessary for their + disguises. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think anyone would suspect you, Clotilde,” he said; “even I + should pass you without notice. What a pity you have had to part with all + your sunny hair!” + </p> + <p> + “It will soon grow again,” she said; “and now, Malchus, do not let us + waste a moment. I am in terror while those dark walls are in sight.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall soon leave them behind,” Malchus said encouragingly. “There are + plenty of fishermen's boats moored along the bank here. We shall soon + leave Rome behind us.” + </p> + <p> + They stepped into a boat, loosened the moorings, and pushed off, and + Malchus, getting out the oars, rowed steadily down the river until they + neared its mouth. Then they landed, pushed the boat into the stream again, + lest, if it were found fastened up, it might give a clue to any who were + in pursuit of them, and then struck off into the country. After travelling + some miles they turned into a wood, where they lay down for several hours, + and did not resume their course until nightfall. + </p> + <p> + Malchus had, before starting, entered the kitchen, and had filled a bag + with cold meat, oatmeal cakes, and other food, and this, when examined, + proved ample for four days' supply, and he had, therefore, no occasion to + enter the villages to buy provisions. They kept by the seashore until they + neared Terracina, and then took to the hills, and skirted these until they + had left the state of Latium. They kept along at the foot of the great + range which forms the backbone of Italy, and so passing along Samnium, + came down upon the Volturnus, having thus avoided the Roman army, which + lay between Capua and Rome. + </p> + <p> + Their journey had been a rough one, for, by the winding road they had + followed along the mountains, the distance they traversed was over one + hundred miles. The fatigue had been great, and it was well that Clotilde + had had a Gaulish training. After their provisions were exhausted they had + subsisted upon corn which they gathered in the patches of cultivated + ground near the mountain villages, and upon fruits which they picked in + the woods. + </p> + <p> + Twice, too, they had come upon herds of half wild goats in the mountains, + and Malchus had succeeded in knocking down a kid with a stone. They had + not made very long journeys, resting always for a few hours in the heat of + the day, and it was ten days after they had left Rome before, from an + eminence, they saw the walls of Capua. + </p> + <p> + “How can I go in like this?” Clotilde exclaimed in a sudden fit of + shyness. + </p> + <p> + “We will wait until it is dusk,” Malchus said; “the dye is fast wearing + off, and your arms are strangely white for a peasant girl's. I will take + you straight to Hannibal's palace, and you will soon be fitted out + gorgeously. There are spoils enough stored up to clothe all the women of + Rome.” + </p> + <p> + They sat down in the shade of a clump of trees, and waited till the heat + of the day was past; then they rose and walked on until, after darkness + had fallen, they entered the town of Capua. They had no difficulty in + discovering the palace where Hannibal was lodged. They were stopped at the + entrance by the guards, who gave a cry of surprise and pleasure when + Malchus revealed himself. At first they could hardly credit that, in the + dark skinned peasant, their own commander stood before them, and as the + news spread rapidly the officers of the corps ran down and saluted him + with a joyous greeting. While this was going on Clotilde shrank back out + of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he could extricate himself from his comrades, Malchus joined + her, and led her to Hannibal, who, hearing the unusual stir, was issuing + from his apartment to see what had occasioned it. The shouts of “Long live + Malchus!” which rose from the soldiers informed him of what had happened, + and he at once recognized his kinsman in the figure advancing to meet him. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Malchus,” he exclaimed, “this is a joyous surprise. I have been + in vain endeavouring to get you out of the hands of the Romans, but they + were obstinate in refusing an exchange; but knowing your adroitness, I + have never given up hopes of seeing you appear some day among us. But whom + have you here?” he asked as he re-entered his room accompanied by Malchus + and his companion. + </p> + <p> + “This is Clotilde, daughter of Allobrigius, the chief of the Orcan tribe,” + Malchus replied, “and my affianced wife. Her father has been defeated and + killed by Postumius, and she was carried as a slave to Rome. There good + fortune and the gods threw us together, and I have managed to bring her + with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember you, of course,” Hannibal said to the girl, “and that I joked + my young kinsman about you. This is well, indeed; but we must see at once + about providing you with proper garments. There are no females in my + palace, but I will send at once for Chalcus, who is now captain of my + guard, and who has married here in Capua, and beg him to bring hither his + wife; she will I am sure take charge of you, and furnish you with + garments.” + </p> + <p> + Clotilde was soon handed over to the care of the Italian lady, and Malchus + then proceeded to relate to Hannibal the various incidents which had + occurred since he had sailed from Capua for Sardinia. He learned in return + that the mission of Mago to Carthage had been unsuccessful. He had brought + over a small reinforcement of cavalry and elephants, which had landed in + Bruttium and had safely joined the army; but this only repaired a few of + the many gaps made by the war, and was useless to enable Hannibal to carry + out his great purpose. + </p> + <p> + “Hanno's influence was too strong,” Hannibal said, “and I foresee that + sooner or later the end must come. I may hold out for years here in + Southern Italy, but unless Carthage rises from her lethargy, I must + finally be overpowered.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” Malchus said, “that the only hope is in rousing the + Gauls to invade Italy from the north.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of what is passing there,” Hannibal said; “but it is clear + from the disaster which has befallen our friends the Orcans that the + Romans are more than holding their own north of the Apennines. Still, if a + diversion could be made it would be useful. I suppose you are desirous of + taking your bride back to her tribe.” + </p> + <p> + “Such is my wish, certainly,” Malchus said. “As I have told you, Hannibal, + I have made up my mind never to return to Carthage. It is hateful to me. + Her tame submission to the intolerable tyranny of Hanno and his faction, + her sufferance of the corruption which reigns in every department, her + base ingratitude to you and the army which have done and suffered so much, + the lethargy which she betrays when dangers are thickening and her fall + and destruction are becoming more and more sure, have sickened me of her. + I have resolved, as I have told you, to cast her off, and to live and die + among the Gauls—a life rough and simple, but at least free.” + </p> + <p> + “But it seems that the Gauls have again been subjected to Rome,” Hannibal + said. + </p> + <p> + “On this side of the Alps,” Malchus replied, “but beyond are great tribes + who have never as yet heard of Rome. It is to them that Clotilde's mother + belongs, and we have settled that we will first try and find her mother + and persuade her to go with us, and that if she is dead we will journey + alone until we join her tribe in Germany. But before I go I will, if it be + possible, try and rouse the Gauls to make another effort for freedom by + acting in concert, by driving out the Romans and invading Italy. You will, + I trust, Hannibal, not oppose my plans.” + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly not, Malchus; I sympathize with you, and were I younger and + without ties and responsibilities would fain do the same. It is a + sacrifice, no doubt, to give up civilization and to begin life anew, but + it is what our colonists are always doing. At any rate it is freedom—freedom + from the corruption, the intrigue, the sloth, and the littleness of a + decaying power like that of Carthage. You will be happy at least in having + your wife with you, while the gods only know when I shall see the face of + my beloved Imilce. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Malchus, follow your own devices. Carthage, when she flung you in + prison and would have put you to a disgraceful death, forfeited all + further claim upon you. You have rendered her great services, you have + risked your life over and over again in her cause, you have repaid tenfold + the debt which you incurred when she gave you birth. You are free now to + carry your sword where you will. I shall deeply regret your loss, but your + father has gone and many another true friend of mine, and it is but one + more in the list of those I have lost. Follow your own wishes, and live in + that freedom which you will never attain in the service of Carthage.” + </p> + <p> + The next day the marriage of Malchus and Clotilde took place. Hannibal + himself joined their hands and prayed the gods to bless their union. Three + weeks later Hannibal arranged that a body of a hundred Carthaginian horse + should accompany Malchus to the north, where he would endeavour to raise + the Gaulish tribes. They were to cross into Apulia, to travel up the east + coast until past the ranges of the Apennines, and then make their way + across the plains to the Alps. A dozen officers accompanied him; these + were to aid him in his negotiations with the chiefs, and in organizing the + new forces, should his efforts be successful. + </p> + <p> + To the great joy of Malchus, on the very evening before he started Nessus + arrived in the camp. He had, when Malchus was at Rome, been employed with + the other Carthaginian soldiers on the fortifications. Malchus had once or + twice seen him as, with the others, he was marched from the prison to the + walls, and had exchanged a few words with him. He had told him that he + intended to escape, but could not say when he should find an opportunity + to do so; but that if at any time a month passed without his seeing him, + Nessus would know that he had gone. + </p> + <p> + The extra rigour with which the prisoners were guarded had led Nessus to + suspect that a prisoner had escaped, and a month having passed without his + seeing Malchus, he determined on making an attempt at flight. So rigourous + was the watch that there was no possibility of this being done secretly, + and, therefore, one day when they were employed in repairing the + foundations of the wall outside the city Nessus seized the opportunity, + when the attention of the guards was for a moment directed in another + quarter, to start at the top of his speed. He had chosen the hottest hour + of the day for the attempt, when few people were about, and the peasants + had left the fields for an hour's sleep under the shade of trees. + </p> + <p> + The Roman guard had started in pursuit, but Nessus had not overrated his + powers. Gradually he left them behind him, and, making straight for the + Tiber, plunged in and swam the river. He had followed the right bank up to + the hills, and on the second evening after starting made his appearance at + Capua. When he heard the plans of Malchus he announced, as a matter of + course, that he should accompany him. Malchus pointed out that, with the + rewards and spoils he had obtained, he had now sufficient money to become + a man of importance among his own people. Nessus quietly waved the remark + aside as if it were wholly unworthy of consideration. + </p> + <p> + The cavalry who were to accompany Malchus were light armed Numidians, + whose speed would enable them to distance any bodies of the enemy they + might meet on their way. With them were thirty lead horses, some of them + carrying a large sum of money, which Hannibal had directed should be paid + to Malchus from the treasury, as his share, as an officer of high rank, of + the captured booty. The rest of the horses were laden with costly arms, + robes of honour, and money as presents for the Gaulish chiefs. These also + were furnished from the abundant spoils which had fallen into the hands of + the Carthaginians. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal directed Malchus that, in the event of his failing in his + mission, he was not to trouble to send these things back, but was to + retain them to win the friendship and goodwill of the chiefs of the + country to which he proposed to journey. The next morning Malchus took an + affectionate farewell of the general and his old comrades, and then, with + Clotilde riding by his side—for the women of the Gauls were as well + skilled as the men in the management of horses—he started at the + head of his party. He followed the route marked out for him without any + adventure of importance. He had one or two skirmishes with parties of + tribesmen allied with Rome, but his movements were too rapid for any force + sufficient to oppose his passage being collected. + </p> + <p> + After ascending the sea coast the troop skirted the northern slopes of the + Apennines, passing close to the battlefield of Trebia, and crossing the Po + by a ford, ascended the banks of the Orcus, and reached Clotilde's native + village. A few ruins alone marked where it had stood. Malchus halted there + and despatched scouts far up the valley. These succeeded in finding a + native, who informed them that Brunilda with the remains of the tribe were + living in the forests far up on the slopes. The scouts delivered to them + the message with which they were charged: that Clotilde and Malchus, with + a Carthaginian force, were at Orca. The following evening Brunilda and her + followers came into camp. + </p> + <p> + Deep was the joy of the mother and daughter. The former had long since + given up all hope of ever hearing of Clotilde again, and had devoted her + life to vengeance on the Romans. From her fastness in the mountain she had + from time to time led her followers down, and carried fire and sword over + the fields and plantations of the Roman colonists, retiring rapidly before + the garrisons could sally from the towns and fall upon her. She was + rejoiced to find that her child had found a husband and protector in the + young Carthaginian, still more rejoiced when she found that the latter had + determined upon throwing in his lot with the Gauls. + </p> + <p> + All that night mother and daughter sat talking over the events which had + happened since they parted. Brunilda could give Malchus but little + encouragement for the mission on which he had come. The legion of + Postumius had indeed been defeated and nearly destroyed in a rising which + had taken place early in the spring; but fresh troops had arrived, + dissensions had, as usual, broken out among the chiefs, many of them had + again submitted to the Romans, and the rest had been defeated and crushed. + Brunilda thought that there was little hope at present of their again + taking up arms. + </p> + <p> + For some weeks Malchus attempted to carry out Hannibal's instructions; he + and his lieutenants, accompanied by small parties of horse, rode through + the country and visited all the chiefs of Cisalpine Gaul, but the spirit + of the people was broken. The successes they had gained had never been + more than partial, the Roman garrison towns had always defied all their + efforts, and sooner or later the Roman legions swept down across the + Apennines and carried all before them. + </p> + <p> + In vain Malchus told them of the victories that Hannibal had won, that + Southern Italy was in his hands, and the Roman dominion tottering. In + reply they pointed to the garrisons and the legion, and said that, were + Rome in a sore strait, she would recall her legion for her own defence, + and no arguments that Malchus could use could move them to lay aside their + own differences and to unite in another effort for freedom. Winter was now + at hand. Malchus remained in the mountains with the Orcans until spring + came, and then renewed his efforts with no greater success than before. + Then he dismissed the Carthaginians, with a letter giving Hannibal an + account of all he had done, and bade them find their way back to Capua by + the road by which they had come. + </p> + <p> + Brunilda had joyfully agreed to his proposal that they should cross the + Alps and join her kinsmen in Germany, and the remnant of the tribe + willingly consented to accompany them. Accordingly in the month of May + they set out, and journeying north made their way along the shore of the + lake now called the Lago di Guarda, and, crossing by the pass of the + Trentino, came down on the northern side of the Alps, and, after + journeying for some weeks among the great forests which covered the + country, reached the part inhabited by the tribe of the Cherusei, to which + Brunilda belonged. + </p> + <p> + Here they were hospitably received. Brunilda's family were among the + noblest of the tribe, and the rich presents which the ample resources of + Malchus enabled him to distribute among all the chiefs, at once raised him + to a position of high rank and consideration among them. Although + accepting the life of barbarism Malchus was not prepared to give up all + the usages of civilization. He built a house, which, although it would + have been but a small structure in Carthage, was regarded with admiration + and wonder by the Gauls. Here he introduced the usages and customs of + civilization. The walls, indeed, instead of being hung with silk and + tapestry, were covered with the skins of stags, bears, and other animals + slain in the chase; but these were warmer and better suited for the rigour + of the climate in winter than silks would have been. The wealth, + knowledge, and tact of Malchus gained him an immense influence in the + tribe, and in time he was elected the chief of that portion of it dwelling + near him. He did not succeed in getting his followers to abandon their own + modes of life, but he introduced among them many of the customs of + civilization, and persuaded them to adopt the military formation in use + among the Carthaginians. It was with some reluctance that they submitted + to this; but so complete was the victory which they obtained over a rival + tribe, upon their first encounter when led by Malchus and his able + lieutenant Nessus, that he had no difficulty in future on this score. + </p> + <p> + The advantages, indeed, of fighting in solid formation, instead of the + irregular order in which each man fought for himself, were so overwhelming + that the tribe rapidly increased in power and importance, and became one + of the leading peoples in that part of Germany. Above all, Malchus + inculcated them with a deep hatred of Rome, and warned them that when the + time came, as it assuredly would do, that the Romans would cross the Alps + and attempt the conquest of the country, it behooved the German tribes to + lay aside all their disputes and to join in a common resistance against + the enemy. + </p> + <p> + From time to time rumours, brought by parties of Cisalpine Gauls, who, + like the Orcans, fled across the Alps to escape the tyranny of Rome, + reached Malchus. For years the news came that no great battle had been + fought, that Hannibal was still in the south of Italy defeating all the + efforts of the Romans to dislodge him. + </p> + <p> + It was not until the thirteenth year after Hannibal had crossed the Alps + that any considerable reinforcement was sent to aid the Carthaginian + general. Then his brother Hasdrubal, having raised an army in Spain and + Southern Gaul, crossed the Alps to join him. But he was met, as he marched + south, by the consuls Livius and Nero with an army greatly superior to his + own; and was crushed by them on the river Metaurus, the Spanish and + Ligurian troops being annihilated and Hasdrubal himself killed. + </p> + <p> + For four years longer Hannibal maintained his position in the south of + Italy. No assistance whatever reached him from Carthage, but alone and + unaided he carried on the unequal war with Rome until, in 204 B.C., Scipio + landed with a Roman force within a few miles of Carthage, captured Utica, + defeated two Carthaginian armies with great slaughter, and blockaded + Carthage. Then the city recalled the general and the army whom they had so + grossly neglected and betrayed. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal succeeded in safely embarking his army and in sailing to + Carthage; but so small was the remnant of the force which remained to him, + that when he attempted to give battle to Scipio he was defeated, and + Carthage was forced to make peace on terms which left her for the future + at the mercy of Rome. She was to give up all her ships of war except ten, + and all her elephants, to restore all Roman prisoners, to engage in no war + out of Africa—and none in Africa except with the consent of Rome, to + restore to Massinissa, a prince of Numidia who had joined Rome, his + kingdom, to pay a contribution of two hundred talents a year for fifty + years, and to give a hundred hostages between the ages of fourteen and + thirty, to be selected by the Roman general. + </p> + <p> + These terms left Carthage at the mercy of Rome, when the latter, confident + in her power, entered upon the third Punic war, the overthrow and the + destruction of her rival were a comparatively easy task for her. Hannibal + lived nineteen years after his return to Carthage. For eight years he + strove to rectify the administration, to reform abuses, and to raise and + improve the state; but his exposure of the gross abuses of the public + service united against him the faction which had so long profited by them, + and, in B. C. 196, the great patriot and general was driven into exile. + </p> + <p> + He then repaired to the court of Antiochus, King of Syria, who was at that + time engaged in a war against Rome; but that monarch would not follow the + advice he gave him, and was in consequence defeated at Magnesia, and was + forced to sue for peace and to accept the terms the Romans imposed, one of + which was that Hannibal should be delivered into their hands. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal, being warned in time, left Syria and went to Bithynia. But Rome + could not be easy so long as her great enemy lived, and made a demand upon + Prusias, King of Bithynia, for his surrender. He was about to comply with + the request when Hannibal put an end to his life, dying at the age of + sixty-four. + </p> + <p> + No rumour of this event ever reached Malchus, but he heard, fifteen years + after he had passed into Germany, that Hannibal had at last retired from + Italy, and had been defeated at Zama, and that Carthage had been obliged + to submit to conditions which placed her at the mercy of Rome. Malchus + rejoiced more than ever at the choice he had made. His sons were now + growing up, and he spared no efforts to instill in them a hatred and + distrust of Rome, to teach them the tactics of war, and to fill their + minds with noble and lofty thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Nessus had followed the example of his lord and had married a Gaulish + maiden, and he was now a subchief in the tribe. Malchus and Clotilde lived + to a great age, and the former never once regretted the choice he had + made. From afar he heard of the ever growing power of Rome, and warned his + grandsons, as he had warned his sons, against her, and begged them to + impress upon their descendants in turn the counsels he had given them. The + injunction was observed, and the time came when Arminius, a direct + descendant of Malchus, then the leader of the Cherusei, assembled the + German tribes and fell upon the legions of Varus, inflicting upon them a + defeat as crushing and terrible as the Romans had ever suffered at the + hands of Hannibal himself, and checking for once and all the efforts of + the Romans to subdue the free people of Germany. + </p> + <p> + THE END <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Carthaginian, by G.A. 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