“If the people gather in the streets and shout for Hannibal, these cowards will hesitate.  They are accessible only in their moneybags, and rather than risk a riot they would vote for the destruction of Moloch’s temple.  Giscon and Adherbal, do you go to the barracks, get as many of your comrades together as are of our way of thinking, talk to the soldiers of the glories of Hamilcar Barca, of the rich booty they won under him, of the glory of their arms when he led them, tell them that in Hannibal they have their old commander revived, and that Hanno and his companions seek only to have him removed, because they fear that the luster of his deeds will overshadow them.

“Urge that he is the elect of the army of Spain, that the voice of the soldiers has acclaimed him, and that the troops here should join their voices to those of their comrades in Spain.  They too may ere long have to take share in the war, and would it not be far better for them to be led by a soldier like Hannibal than by Hanno, whose incapacity has been proved a score of times, and who is solely chosen because he is rich, and because he has pandered to the fat traders and lazy shopkeepers?

“Do you, Stryphex, go to the weavers’ quarter; you have influence there.  Work upon the men, point out to them how, since Hamilcar and Hasdrubal have conquered Spain, and the gold and silver from the mines have poured into Carthage, their trade has flourished.  Before that gold was scarce known in the city, none could purchase their choice productions, their wages would scarce keep the wolf from the door.  Show them that under Hanno disaster will be sure to befall our arms, that the Iberians will reconquer their soil, that the mines will be lost, and we shall have to return to the leather money of twenty years back.”

So one by one Hamilcar despatched the groups round him on various missions, until Malchus alone remained.

“You, Malchus, can, as you suggested, go down to the port; ask the sailors and fishermen what will become of their trade were the Roman galleys cruising in our bay.  Point out that our conquests in Spain have already caused the greatest alarm in Rome, and that under Hannibal our arms will so flourish that Rome will be glad to come to terms with us, and to leave us free to trade with the world.

“Point out how great is the trade and commerce which Carthagena has already produced.  Ask them if they are willing that all this shall be hazarded, in order that Hanno may gratify his personal ambition, and his creatures may wring the last penny from the over taxed people of Carthage.  Don’t try too much, my boy.  Get together a knot of men whom you know; prime them with argument, and send them among their fellows.  Tell them to work day and night, and that you will see that their time is well paid.  Find out if there are any men who have special influence with their fellows, and secure them on our side.  Promise them what they will; the Syssite will spend money like water to carry its object.  Be discreet, Malchus; when you have lit the fire, and see that it is well on its way, withdraw quietly.”