United States or Anguilla ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
In the midst of an army camp, before a besieged city, it sings and sings, calling to its mate, heedless of the horrors of war, unconscious of the stench of blood which rises from these fields. Let us be like him! Let us make war; but let us also love each other, and let us ride through the battles with our bodies thrilled with love!" "No, Asbyte," said the African gloomily.
Asbyte contemplated with loving admiration the young hero, who had flung down his bow, and while he spoke of his strength he raised his powerful arms, and the moon enlarged their shadow in such wise that as they moved he seemed to embrace the camp, the city, the whole valley, like a supernatural being. The Amazon drew near leaning her lance against the trunk of a tree.
Behind her stood a black horse with glossy coat, nervous legs, and eyes injected with blood, destitute of saddle or bridle, his mane unbound; he was bending down to lick the border of the Amazon's tunic and her nude feet, like a dog which followed her everywhere. "Asbyte!" exclaimed Hannibal, surprised at the apparition. "What are you doing here?"
"Then I flew to your side," continued Asbyte. "I wished to know the man and to save the hero.
They came whooping, waving their lances, calling one to another to charge upon the denser groups, and the assailants fell back astonished at these women whom they saw near at hand for the first time, and who were now favored by the effect of surprise. Looking between the heads which surrounded him, Hannibal saw Asbyte pass like a luminous flash, absolutely alone.
Her crumpling bronze shield rung plaintively, her golden helmet parted on the seams, and Asbyte doubled up on the ground, her tunic stained with blood, like a wounded white bird folded in its fluttering wings.
Give me at least the consolation of seeing you near, of telling you what I feel. If not, why have I come to Iberia, joining my fate to yours?" The chieftain glanced around, as if fearing that someone might be listening to his conversation with the Amazon. "Fear not," said Asbyte, divining his thought. "Mago, your brother, sleeps far from here with Maherbal, the favorite captain.
"This night, Asbyte, you shall sleep in the ivory couch of some rich Greek woman, and you shall have at your feet the Elders of the city to serve you as slaves." "No, Hannibal. This day which is now beginning will never end for me. I still see the shade of Iarbas, as it appeared to me before the first cock-crow. I shall die, Hannibal!" "Die! Can you believe that?
Asbyte straightened her graceful figure as if she had just received a lashing. Her large eyes glowed with anger. "I will leave you, Hannibal. Day is beginning to dawn. Make preparation for the assault, and you will find me ready when your troops give the signal. Knowing that I am going to die, I wish to ask you for one kiss, the last No, do not approach me.
Suddenly the chieftain repelled his helpers, and limped painfully toward a white, bloodstained object lying on the red earth like a shapeless rag. He bent over the form, and the Numidians who surrounded it beheld the terrible Hannibal weep for the first and last time pressing his lips upon the mangled head of the Amazon Asbyte. The wounding of Hannibal gave the city some days of respite.
Word Of The Day