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 in our enterprise.

No good fortune can be expected to attend our efforts unless we have the help of the gods." "The matter is easily mended, Giscon," Malchus said calmly.

"So far I have taken no step towards carrying out your plans, and have but listened to what you said, therefore, no harm can yet have been done.
Strike my name off the list, and forget that I have been with you.