hinking, thinking of what? Was
it rejoicing that Tanis was to give you to me so soon?" and he showed
his teeth, like a dog. "Listen: they suspect me. I have done all as
you wished, but there was a council to-day in the camp before
Casilinum, and Maharbal fell on his knees, as he did after Cannae, and
begged to march north,--not with the cavalry alone, as then; he knew it
was too late for that: and the schalischim knit his brows and frowned.
Then Hasdrubal and Karthalo added their prayers and pleadings,
gathering around him, and then he turned his sombre face to me, and
asked if it was permitted; but, before I could answer, for my mind was
disturbed, that animal whom they call, 'The Fighter' had drawn his
sword and held it over my head, crying out: 'Yes, friends, it is
permitted--see! It is permitted;' and then I felt myself grow pale,
and I heard the great beast laugh. A moment later and Hannibal had
ordered him to put up his sword, and I saw Maharbal whispering quick
words in the general's ear, among which it seemed to me that his lips
formed your name. Again, Hannibal asked: 'Is it permitted, Iddilcar?
or what sacrifice will your lord have from us? Have we not served him
faithfully? Is there aught he wishes?' and I felt all their eyes on
me; but, above all, were yours that were soon to smile. Therefore I
took courage, which the lord Melkarth granted, and spoke boldly,
explaining that I had as yet been able to win no favour, though I had
prayed long and fasted and lashed myself with thongs, whereupon
Hannibal-the-Fighter made as if to tear off my mantle, laughing in his
beard; and when I saw they did not believe me, my terror came back.
Then it was that Melkarth shed wisdom upon his servant, and, after a
moment's thought, I spoke up, thus:--

"'Listen, lords,' I said; 'I am a native Carthaginian, like you all,
and I reverence the gods. Howbeit it may chance that here, beyond the
sea, it is not so easy to win their favour, so that they shall go
before us. New and strange sacrifices and pleadings wherein I am
untaught may be needed to pierce the denser ether of this land. Truly,
lords, as ye have not failed in piety, neither have I erred in
divination, for Melkarth has spoken many times, telling me of the
unnumbered woes that would overwhelm the army if it marched upon Rome
unbidden, and he hath spoken truth, and I have saved you to revile me
for it--only I would learn if there be yet speech better fitted to