Aneroestes the Gaul: a fragment of the second Punic war

Front matter

SIX-SHILLING NOYELS. Uniform with this Volume. Rodman the Boatsteerer. Bv Louis Becke. Romance of a Midshipman. By W. Clark Russell. The Two Standards. By W. Barry, D.D. The Mawken of the Flow. By Lord Ernest Hamilton. Love is not so Light. By Constance Cotterell. The Orey Man. By S. R. Crockett. An Outcast of the Islands. By Joseph Conrad. 2nd Edition. Almayer's Folly. By Joseph Conrad. A First Fleet Family. By Louis Becke and Walter JEFFERY. Paddy's Woman, and Other Stories. By Humphrey James. he Ebbing of the Tide. Bv Louis Becke. Clara Hopgood. By Mark Rutherford. The Tales of John Oliver Hobbes. Portrait of the Autiior. 2nd Edition. The Sticklt Minister. By S. R. Crockett, nth Edition. The Raiders. By S. R. Crockett. Sth Edition. Nancy Noon. By Benjamin Swift. 2nd Edition. The Lilac Sunbonnet.

By S. R. Crockett. 6th Edition. In a Man's Mind. By J. R. Watson. A Daughter of the Fen. By J. T. Bealby. 2nd Edition. The Herb-Moon. By John Oliver Hobbes. 3rd Edition. Mrs. Keith's Crime. By Mrs. W. H. Clifford. With Frontispiece by the Hon. John Collier. Pacific Tales. By Louis Becke. With Portrait. Tbe (Juds. Some Mortals and Lord Wickenham. By John Oliver Hobbes. The Outlaws of the Marches. By Lord Ernest Hamilton. Tales of Unrest. Bv Joseph Conrad. The Mutineer. By Louis Becke. The Destroyer. By Benjamin Swift. Evelyn Innes. By George Moore. The Silver Christ. By Ouida. The Tormentor. By Benjamin Swift. Moonlight. By Mary E. Mann. The Making of a Saint. Bv W. Somerset Maugham. The White-headed Boy. By George Bartram. The School for Saints. By John Oliver Hobbes. Hugh Wynne. By Dr. Weir Mitchell.

The People of Clopton. Bv George Bartram. Prisoners of Conscience. By Amelia E. Barr. London : T. FISHER UNWIN. A FRAGMENT OF THE SECOND PUNIC WAR BV EDGAR MAURICE SMITH LONDON : T. FISHER UNWIN PATERNOSTER SQUARE [All rights reserved.'} 2>eJ>fcatfott. TO THAT DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AND SCIENTIST, SIR WILLIAM DAWSON, LL.D., F.R.S., F.G.S., C.M.G., WHO DURING A LONG AND LABORIOUS CAREER HAS DONE MORE THAN ALL OTHERS TO PROMOTE HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE DOMINION OF CANADA, AND TO RAISE THE UNIVERSITY OF MCGILL TO ITS PRESENT LOFTY PLANE, IS THIS BOOK DEDICATED AS A SLIGHT MARK OF THE ESTEEM AND RESPECT IN WHICH HE IS HELD BY THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS

Chapter I The Camp

s T was morning. The thick mist that had held the earth in a clammy embrace during the night reluctantly retreated before the approach of the sun. Like a Reecy mantle it trailed westward over plain, forest, and rivulet until the Alpine barriers were reached, when, soaring up the steep mountain-sides, it mingled with the clouds that the topmost turrets had arrested in their course. A newborn wind came from the east in gentle puffs and dispersed the lagging fragments of crystallised vapour that clung to a clump of bushes. These fringed the northern extremity of 2 i a valley wherein the Carthaginian army lay en camped. Far-reaching beams radiating from the yellow disc just creeping to a level with the horizon cunningly penetrated the crevices of the tents and awakened the sleepers. The long spell of quietude came to an end.

Nodding sentries posted at various points blinked their tired eyes in the increasing light and saluted each other with shouts and gesticulations. They aroused the more hardy warriors who lay about in promiscuous disorder, unprotected save by their wraps, but slumbering none the less soundly. Thin wreaths of bluish smoke ascended from the smouldering remains of ruddy camp-fires. A shaggy Ligurian protruded his head from beneath the folds of a coarse blanket and stared about him in sleepy bewilderment. He had fought in foreign lands for many years, and the accidental return to his native country may have aroused some happy memories in a mind warped by hardship. He shivered. Presently the dying embers near at hand engaged his notice, and with an effort he raised himself to a sitting posture. A few others were moving about in search of fuel, and scrambling to his feet he joined in the work.

Men now began to pour out of the innumerable tents that clustered in this pleasant valley, and the silence was disturbed by the languages of diverse nations — Africans, Iberians and Gauls— blending in loud discordancy. Amid the confusion the morning meal was soon in course of preparation. The smell of cooking meat perfumed the air and attracted the soldiers to where the food was to be served. They waited in impatience. When their turns came they ate ravenously, for up to the morning previous hunger had not parted company with them during many days, and all were in sore want. An air of relaxation was conspicuous on every side. The great struggle with Nature was at an end, and men alone now barred the way to victory. As the warriors reclined near the fires, or squatted in groups demolishing chunks of fresh beef and goats' flesh obtained from the friendly Gauls, they rejoiced in having survived the disasters that had marked the terrible journey from New Carthage.

And yet this joy seemed a mockery. Skin hung loosely on pro jecting bones, and so stiff had their joints become that sharp pains accompanied the slightest exertions. Emaciated, worn, and weak, afflicted with vile dis orders, they resembled gaunt, starved slaves rather than soldiers of the great African Republic. The majority aggravated their ills by excessive eating and inactivity, overloading their weakened stomachs and refusing to indulge in necessary exercise. But life was still sweet, and they thanked the gods that their corpses did not strew the Alpine passes or rot in the deep ravines. Many comrades had perished on the way from cold and exhaustion as well as from the subtle attacks of the mountaineers. The site of the camp, though hastily chosen, was well situated. At the rear the Alps rose up tier upon tier in a sublime immensity that seemed to shut out all communication with the world beyond — the balmy plains of Libya, the sun-tinted valleys of the Iberus, the rugged highlands of Lusitania — homes to which so many expected to return victorious and laden with rich trophies of the campaign.

These mountains, lofty and bleak, their bald snowcrowned heads obscured in impenetrable mist to which the sun's rays gave a fringe of gold, awed the soldiers as their eyes rested furtively upon them. Strategy and perseverance had overcome the grim terrors that lay entombed in the dark abysses and treacherous paths, but only at a sacrifice well-nigh fatal. The army, energetic and confident, had measured strength with these silent adversaries, and in fifteen days had emerged from the icy gloom lessened one-half in numbers, and the remainder but skeletons of their former selves. The bodies of the fallen served to mark the way for Hasdrubal when some years later he hazarded everything and fell in the attempt to assist his brother. For the first time in many weeks labour suffered a cessation. Rivers had been crossed, mountains pene trated, opposing tribes conquered, and just previous to the setting of the Pleiads the invaders rested on Italian soil.

Even the descent into the valley had been accom plished with great difficulty. Exhausted, and chilled by the night air, the survivors had not waited to erect tents, but sinking to the earth in whatever covering was convenient, they had soon become unconscious of their sufferings. And now the army rested in ease, being relieved of military duty save that of keeping guard. This state of things pleased all mightily, for they possessed less strength than inclination to perform their ordinary work. A rumour spread that they were to recruit for as much as seven days, and added not a little to their delight ; for it was felt that such a recuperation would thoroughly fit them to overcome the forces of Rome. The early meal was eaten voraciously even by the sick and wounded, who dragged themselves on hands and knees to the tent openings and hungrily seized the bits tossed to them by their more fortunate fellows.

The morning wore on, and each hour increased the number of Insubres who poured into the camp bring ing with them abundant provisions, which they lavishly distributed. They seemed unconscious of the admiration they evoked as the Carthaginians sadly compared their own weakened condition with the physical per fection of these Gauls. Their large and powerful bodies, exposed to the waist, seemed extraordinarily white and supple when contrasted with the darkcoloured breeches of untanned leather. Heavy gold bracelets encircled the arms near the shoulder and below the elbow, while many wore necklaces, baldrics and belts of great value. Their principal weapon was a massive sword made of copper, sharp along the edge but without any point. Some were armed with clubs, and all carried a targe of unusual dimensions, though withal light.

The long hair, -which these warriors wore piled up on the tops of their heads, added to their height and made their appearance more imposing. It was with the Ligurians and others of Celtic origin that they particularly mixed, owing to the similarity of language. On these new-made friends they bestowed gifts of considerable value, and in but few instances would they accept anything in return. Dark-complexioned Libyans lounged close to i*h«. fires or exposed themselves to the pale sun that poorly stirred their African blood. The majority were clad in tight-fitting leather jackets covered with brass plates, though a number within close range of the crackling logs had discarded this garment in order to rub their aching limbs with the sweet-scented oil brought with so much care from Iberia. ANEROESTES THE GAUL The swords, pikes, and defensive armour used by these troops in battle were piled in irregular heaps near the entrance to the tents, but it seemed impos sible to imagine that the shrivelled, languid forms could support the heavy cuirasses and helmets, or with their grisly muscles wield the deadly weapons.

The penetrating cold of the mountains had stiffened their joints, and, combined with the other hardships sustained during the terrible journey, had bred serious diseases within them. Beards had become coarse and tangled through neglect. The hair of the head fell over the shoulders in thin, matted wisps and intensified the gauntness of the faces so framed. A warrior of more than ordinary stature came hurrying towards one of the largest groups with open v?""^ "ind eyes rolling in excitement. "The General has ordered amusement to be pro vided for us," he explained in answer to the looks of inquiry levelled at him. " What may it be ? " shouted several in chorus. Nearly every man ceased his occupation while awaiting the reply. Many in the immediate vicinity, attracted by the commotion, joined the gathering and craned their necks in hope of seeing or hearing some thing.

" The prisoners are to fight with each other in single combat," announced the informant, with no little show of importance. " How know you this ? " asked one among the listeners whose face betokened middle age and experience. " Has Hannibal thought fit to consult with you ? " A laugh greeted this sally, while he against whom it was directed but ill concealed his anger. " The General," he retorted, " looks to me to fight and not for advice. But what I tell you is true. I have it from the Iberian who stands guard at the great tent," But the older man only smiled at this evidence, " The Iberians are all liars," he said, as he stretched himself full length on the soft sward and blinked his yellow eyes at the sun. Being a man of acknowledged wisdom, his scepticism instantly took hold of the others, and they who had been the most eager to absorb the exhilarating news now scorned it with the greatest vehemence.

ANEROESTES THE GAUL The self-constituted herald protested the truth of his story, but meeting with naught but ridicule he brushed past his fellows and angrily stalked away to another quarter. On the upper bank of a narrow but swift stream that gushed from the mountains and formed the southern boundary of the encampment, small knots of Iberians had assembled to wash their linen tunics and cuirasses, cleanliness being one of their first considerations. For activity and beauty of form these soldiers were the pick of the army, but the hardships attendant on the campaign had reduced them sorely. The well-groomed limbs, once the admiration of all, now seemed hardly capable of supporting the wasted bodies ; while the strong, sinuous arms, shorn of all flesh, had become un recognisable. Their very energy was sapped, and they moved to and fro with great effort, like corpulent men after feasting.

The tents of the Cantabrians occupied a con spicuous space on this side of the camp. The rugged natures of this tribe had best borne the trials that had so thinned the army. But they were rough and barbaric in their ways, and while despised by the more refined of their associates, quelled all open criticism by the very ferocity they displayed. Unmindful of the wondering glances directed at them, they rinsed their mouths with urine, cooled in their heavy metal helmets — a custom they practised with daily regularity even under the most trying circumstances. Loud lamenta tions occasionally broke from some of their number, who so evinced the grief felt for fallen comrades. Their strong bonds of friendship caused many of the bravest to prefer the peace of death, even when inflicted by their own hands, to continued existence without a beloved companion.

During the passage of the Alps this devotion had come strongly before the notice of Hannibal, who, to prevent such useless self-extermination, had promised the survivors additional pay and gifts. But some continued to wail and wring their hands, while many inflicted grievous punishment upon their bodies. The more violent of these mourners were now and then seized with spasms, and rolled over and over frothing at the mouth. Of kindred natures were the Vascones, whose tents lay next in order to the right, and from whose tribes the Carthaginian general had drawn heavily. Posses sing the dauntless perseverance of the Cantabrians, without giving way to wild feelings and humours, they were more to be relied upon in a lengthy campaign. They wore little in the form of garments, but rough black blankets of goat's wool enveloped them as completely as cloaks, and served the double purpose of a covering by night.

Fierce Lusitanians, who in the absence of an enemy were wont to create much havoc by fighting among themselves, noisily criticised the actions of their com manders. Many attached to the cavalry had lost their horses in the mountains, and the more ponderous animals supplied by the Insubres called forth murmurs and grumblings. The rumour spreading that prisoners captured in the Alps were to engage with each other in mortal combat filled these men with joy, for they loved the sight of blood, as did the skin-clothed mountaineers of Asturia, who had been tempted to forsake their highland fastnesses by pleasing promises and the sight of rich gold. More desperate were the Celtiberians, whose tents were pitched in a semicircle somewhat to the left. Being of that uncertain disposition that is too much elated by success and similarly depressed by failure, the disasters so generally sustained had seemingly deprived them of all spirit, and while some prepared medicines for their ailments, the majority crowded about the fires, sullen and dejected.

Without doubt they had suffered much, not alone in numbers but in health. They forebore to maintain their national cleanliness, and lay inert, their tunics soiled with many days' wearing and their very persons smelling unwholesome. Round wicker bucklers and cuirasses, with spears and swords, lay strewn on the ground in neglected confusion, and bespoke the straits to which their owners were reduced. The horsemen alone made a pretence to establish order, and while grooming their steeds chid the foot-soldiers for their lethargy and filth. A lithe Numidian of the Maurian tribe, who had occupied his leisure time since sunrise wandering about the camp, hearing the rumour that the dis credited Libyan had circulated regarding the combats to be held between the prisoners, hastened back to his comrades with the news.

Instantly he was sur rounded by an inquisitive group, who gave expression to their satisfaction in shrill cries, while the less weakened indulged in ecstatic capers, strangely out of place amid such surroundings. The lion-skins covering their backs in comfortable amplitude, combined with the bright colours of the cloth tunics visible between the brass clasps in front, gave them a fierce and savage appearance that the dusky aquiline features did not tend to dispel. Others of this race, more civilised through closer contact with Carthage — such as the Massylians — sat wrapped in white woollen mantles, and the more serious among them frowned on the young men who danced and gesticulated with so much joy. Gloom had not left their own faces since that day near the Rhone when over two hundred brave horsemen had fallen in the skirmish with Scipio's cavalry.

They mourned not so much for the dead as for the disgrace of defeat, which bore heavily upon them. Balearian warriors wandered about in various directions, and were easily distinguishable by their rush slings, of which each man carried three, wound around his head and body. The more energetic searched along the edge of the stream for smooth, flat pebbles of a size suitable for ammunition. Their broad-bordered tunics of Phœnician manufacture were covered with mud stains. Like the rest they had suffered, but the hope of conquest freshened them and filled them with strength. Such was the army destined to humble Rome.

Chapter II Hannibal

/^\N this morning Hannibal held lengthy council with his officers. The curious clustered about the tent and vainly attempted to learn the nature of the proceedings from the bronzed warriors who guarded the entrance. The indolence and sloth so apparent in the actions of the soldiers evoked the criticism and sneers of these veterans, whose point of vantage — a slight eminence near the northern extremity of the camp — commanded a full view of the army. Themselves reduced and weak, they attempted to conceal their condition beneath a passive indifference. " My countrymen fill me with shame," exclaimed one veteran from Iberia whose wrinkles denoted 3 '7 hardship rather than age. " To see them reclining in their own filth is enough to discourage the whole army." " In truth the whole army is already discouraged," rejoined a Libyan in the language of the other, "and the blame rests with all alike.

One would think by their lamentations that the journey across the mountains was yet before them." The raising of the flap of the tent checked further conversation. Hannibal appeared at the opening with his chief counsellors. At sight of him the idlers slunk away, not wishing to encounter the piercing gaze of their leader. The little knot of sentries assumed a military bearing once natural but now maintained with visible effort. Hannibal quickly took note of the surroundings, and his bright black eyes swept over the remnants of what had so lately constituted a magnificent army. The misery must have appealed to him, though the stern expression of his dark-skinned face did not alter. He had not spared himself during that long weary march from New Carthage, and while partaking HANNIBAL 19 of exactly the same food as was served to the troops, had given up less time to rest.

Those intimately acquainted with his habits marvelled at his endu rance, and watched with dread for its sudden termination. It was impossible for them to compre hend the physical as well as the mental resources at his command. Having been schooled from boyhood to bestow such attention on himself as was required by necessity rather than pleasure, his constitution had become so hardened as to be proof against what would have overcome the majority of men. Never theless the past five months had wrought changes in the tall, muscular figure. The plain blouse, covering the upper part, hung in loose folds as though made for a man less spare. The leather leggings, too, did not encase the limbs with any degree of compactness, and showed a loss of flesh that could only have been brought about through extraordinary exertions.

But his step was firm and his every movement bespoke energy. His face was even a better index to the iron will which knew no master and acknowledged no defeat. The brilliant eyes reflected an omnipresent determination that was powerfully emphasised by the straight, thin-lipped mouth and the massive chin, whose outline a thick beard failed to hide. He had given careful attention to the opinion expressed by one of the officers concerning the condition of the army, though he evinced some impatience at the speaker's lengthy explanations. " It is as you say, Gisco," he remarked somewhat abruptly and before the other had concluded ; " the soldiers lack energy and need something to arouse them from their despondency. Methinks they would be entertained by a combat such as Mago spoke of not long since.

We have with us the necessary gladiators among the prisoners. Two might be chosen from the number by lot. Yes," he continued meditatively, wrinkling his broad forehead, " it will answer. The plan can be easily arranged without delay, and the men would be amused." " More than amusement is necessary to fatten their lean forms," retorted Maharbal, whose dark face was wreathed in a frown at the thought of the pitiable condition to which his once superb cavalry was reduced. " Experience and faithful service entitle you to criticise with severity, but you are more fitted, good HANNIBAL 21 Maharbal, to lead a charge than to revive the fallen spirits of a weakened army," and Hannibal shot a chiding glance at the incomparable cavalry leader. The others smiled at the gentle reprimand, but Maharbal persisted in his course.

" What you say may be true, but I can see with one eye closed that the bodies of the men are what should be first humoured. Would you have them laugh when the exertion but reminds them of their weakness ? " A hearty laugh followed this sally, in which Maharbal alone did not join, for his mood was all seriousness. "Trouble not over these things," said Hannibal good-naturedly. " Men and animals shall be pro perly rested and fed before we leave the confines of this valley." " Have we, then, so much time at our disposal ? " asked Himilco in surprise; "for," he continued, not without trace of a sneer, " it will take some weeks to satisfy the gluttonous cravings of that whining crowd." He indicated the shattered army by a sweep of the hand. Anger darkened the eye of the young commander at such unjust calumny.

" If," he rejoined with unconcealed displeasure, " my valiant soldiers are gluttonous now it is no dis credit to them after what they have undergone, and I would not have had them gratify their appetites at the most trying times in the way you, Himilco, advocated. There are certain things that should not be tolerated by men of civilised ideas, and one of these is the eating of human flesh." " You did not so express yourself when I made the suggestion," muttered Himilco sulkily. " I only reprimand when necessary, and then at the proper time." "Nevertheless had my advice been followed the army would to-day consist of more healthy men. Unusual enterprises cannot be accomplished without making use of similar means." " My soldiers in their present condition are prefer able to me than if fattened on the flesh of their brave comrades."

" Is it more repulsive to sustain life by eating the flesh of those who die by natural causes than to offer HANNIBAL 23 up human sacrifices to appease the wrath of Moloch ? " An uneasy movement ran through those present at the careless mention of the vengeful god, for it was the belief of all that he who spoke in such a way would come to a violent end. " Why introduce the name of the Awful One ? " asked Hannibal sternly. " Though I offer not human sacrifices at his altar, I would not bring down his wrath." " I fear him not' " Have a care," whispered Gisco, " or you will regret your worldly boastings." Himilco was about to reply, but Hannibal silenced him with an angry gesture. The aggressor gnawed his lip savagely. He was somewhat short, like most of his race, but of that thick, heavy build denoting great strength.

His face, while not ill-favoured, was unpleasant to look upon so sinister was the expression about the lips and in the small eyes. Though several years older than Hannibal he looked somewhat of the same age, owing to his having adopted the Greek custom of shaving. He bestowed particular attention on his person, and in the little group of officers his apparel was in every respect the richest. But he was withal a doughty warrior, and had early distinguished himself under Hasdrubal in Iberia. The soldiers of the heavy infantry under his command entertained a high admiration for the courage and ability displayed by him in battle, but they feared him more than they did Hannibal, for he was both cruel and unforgiving. It had angered him to be reprimanded in the presence of his fellow-officers, knowing as he did the general dislike they felt for him, and if he had dared he would have retorted.

But the dark eyes had flashed on him for a moment, and the unspoken command there expressed would brook no dis obedience. He therefore saluted and took his departure, the conference being at an end. " I like him better on the field of battle than off," remarked Maharbal as his gaze followed the retreating figure. He is a brave warrior," said Hannibal quietly, The others present maintained silence. H.4NNIBAL 25 " And now," continued the General, " see that my plan of amusement is carried out. Have the soldiers assembled before the camp early in the afternoon, for at this season the air is none too warm and our com fort can be greatly regulated by the position of the sun." Left to himself Hannibal walked to and fro before the standards, unmindful of the reverential glances bestowed on him by the soldiers.

Gaunt as his figure was from the severe trials lately undergone, it had lost nothing of its majesty. The contour of the face was somewhat affected by a sinking of the cheeks, but this was not apparent in the profile, which was, indeed, without a fault. The young leader's hair of shining black was uncovered to the breeze, and at times was blown about the lofty forehead in such a way as to hide the creases that thought had carved on the smooth surface. Some saw in him a likeness to his father — the mighty Hamilcar — but there were those attractions about the son which, combined with the noble qualities bestowed upon him by his illustrious parent, placed him on a higher plane. Though youthful in years he had, with the calmness and judgment of a greybeard, entered upon a struggle with a power that had forced Carthage to bend the knee and submit to being stripped of her ancient possessions in Sicily and the fair island of Sardinia.

He realised the enormity of the task he had under taken, and in the face of overwhelming catastrophes was not for a moment deterred from his purpose. By the destruction of Saguntum and the subjuga tion of all surrounding unfriendly tribes, he had been enabled to depart from Iberia without fear of any serious trouble within these new domains of the republic. Little more than five months had elapsed since leaving New Carthage, when the superb host had marched forth on its memorable campaign, but in that time much of import had transpired. The Pyrenees had hardly been penetrated before the army was weakened by the withdrawal of eight thousand foot-soldiers. Their departure was regretted by Hannibal, though not openly. He even affected indifference in the hope that their action would not unbalance the intentions of the others.

In HANNIBAL 27 this he met with success. The remaining soldiers were so well pleased with his behaviour that they taunted their weaker comrades with cowardice and womanly feelings, while some Baleares tossed pebbles into the midst of the retreating mass. Delay had been caused by skirmishes with the tribes inhabiting the country between the Pyrenees and the Rhone, and these it was necessary to keep in check for fear of their attempting to fall upon the rear of the army. To accomplish this Hanno remained among them with eleven thousand mixed troops. The crossing of the great river was also a set-back, for the barbarians assembled in great numbers on the opposite side, and though routed with heavy loss succeeded in doing some damage. And then came the Alps. What terror the sight of these mountains had created in the hearts of the bravest!

Looming up against the horizon to heights seemingly insurmountable, they were as very ramparts about Italy that defied the efforts of puny man. A nearer approach to the base revealed shapeless huts clinging to the sides of the bare declivities, like eagles' nests in the jaws of a precipice. Here and there lean, shivering cattle nibbled at the sparse herbage that forced its way through the frost-bound earth. It was a scene most discouraging to the men, who vowed that such a country was impassable. Their fears were further increased by the uncouth-looking creatures who forsook all occupation and assembled to gaze in awe at the advancing army. Jabbering vehemently and waving their hairy arms, they were representative of more savagery than had yet been encountered. Though approached in a friendly way they fled precipitately to the upper heights, and there occupied the passes.