6 Imaginary Conversation* their neighbours by these very means^ and others were en- slaving their own country^ For so heinous a crime the laws had appointed no specific punishment. On such occa- sions the people and elders vote in what manner the delin- quent shall be prosecuted^ lest any offender should escape with impunity^ from their humanity or their improvidence. Some voted that these wretches should be cast amid the panthers; the majority decreed them (I think wisely) a more lingering a7id more ignominious death. The men upon the crosses held down then* heads, whether from shame or pain or feebleness. The sunbeams were striking them fiercely ; sweat ran from them, liquefying the blood that, within a few instants, had blackened and hardened on their hands and feet. A soldier stood by the side of each, lowering the point of his spear to the ground; but no one of them gave it up to us. A centurion asked the nearest of them how he dared to stand armed before him. Because the city is in ruins^ and the laws still live^ said he. At the Jirst order of the conqueror or of the elders I surrender my spear. What is your pleasure^ O commander ? said the elder. That an act of justice be the last public act performed by the citizens of Carthage^ and that the sufferings of these wretches be not abridged. Such was my reply. The soldiers piled their spears, for the points of which the hearts of the crucified men thirsted ; and the people hailed us as they would have hailed deliverers. SCIPIO. It is wonderful that a city, in which private men are so wealthy as to furnish the armories of tyrants, should have existed so long, and flourishing in power and freedom. PANETIUS. It survived but shortly this flagrant crime in its richer citizens. An admirable form of government, spacious and safe harbours, a fertile soil, a healthy climate, industry and science in agriculture, in which no nation is equal to the Moorish, were the causes of its prosperity : there are many of its decline.
