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.

"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.

"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."

The meeting now broke up.

"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."

"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