puting the prey of vagabond dogs which
prowled the streets with lolling tongues and flaming eyes.

Vile smelling people of savage aspect, possessed by the delirium of
starvation, dragged themselves cautiously through the streets armed with
clubs, stones, and missiles. They went foraging as soon as night fell.
Euphobias guided them, giving counsel with majestic emphasis, as if he
were a great captain commanding his army. When they managed to kill a
crow or a savage dog they carried it to the Forum and roasted it over a
bonfire, quarreling violently over the noisome morsels, while the rich
citizens stood aloof, faint with hunger but nauseated by such horrors.

Spring had set in. It was a gloomy springtime, revealed to the besiegers
by little flowers growing up among the weeds in the crevices of the
towers and on the roofs of the houses. Winter was over, and yet it was
cold in Saguntum, with a tomb-like chill which the besieged felt in the
very marrow of their bones. The sun shone, but the city seemed obscured
by a fetid mist which imparted to people and to houses a leaden color.

One morning, on his way to the upper part of the mount where the defense
continued, Actaeon met the prudent Alcon in the Forum. This loyal
citizen revealed discouragement in his dejected appearance.

"Athenian," he said, with a mysterious expression, "I am resolved that
this must end. The city can resist no further. She has waited long
enough for aid from Rome. Let Saguntum fall, and let Rome be filled with
shame because of her infidelity to her allies. This day I shall go to
Hannibal's camp and sue for peace."

"Have you considered it carefully?" exclaimed the Greek. "Do you not
fear the indignation of your people when they see you treating with the
enemy?"

"I love my city well, and I cannot remain impassive and witness its
sacrifice, its interminable agony. Few are aware of the actual
conditions, but I can tell you, Actaeon, because you are discreet. We are
much worse off than the people realize. There is not a scrap of meat
left for those who are defending our walls. This morning there was
nothing but mud in the bottom of the cisterns. We have no water. A few
days more of resistance and we shall be forced to eat dead bodies like
those soulless creatures who feed by night. We shall have to kill the
children to placate our thirst with their blood."

Alcon was silent for a moment; he passed his hand over his forehead with
a gesture of pai