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.

"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."

"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."

"If honouring them means approval of shedding the blood of infants
and captives, I will renounce all hopes of obtaining victory by
their aid."

"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