In order to penetrate into the depths of her dogma, she wished to become acquainted, in the most secret part of the temple, with the old idol in the magnificent mantle, whereon depended the destinies of Carthage, for the idea of a god did not stand out clearly from his representation, and to hold, or even see the image of one, was to take away part of his virtue, and in a measure to rule him.
But Salammbo turned around.

She had recognised the sound of the golden bells which Schahabarim wore at the hem of his garment.
He ascended the staircases; then at the threshold of the terrace he stopped and folded his arms.
His sunken eyes shone like the lamps of a sepulchre; his long thin body floated in its linen robe which was weighted by the bells, the latter alternating with balls of emeralds at his heels.

He had feeble limbs, an oblique skull and a pointed chin; his skin seemed cold to the touch, and his yellow face, which was deeply furrowed with wrinkles, was as if it contracted in a longing, in an everlasting grief.
He was the high priest of Tanith, and it was he who had educated Salammbo.
"Speak!" he said.

"What will you ?" "I hoped--you had almost promised me--" She stammered and was confused; then suddenly: "Why do you despise me?
what have I forgotten in the rites?
You are my master, and you told me that no one was so accomplished in the things pertaining to the goddess as I; but there are some of which you will not speak.

Is it so, O father ?" Schahabarim remembered Hamilcar's orders, and replied: "No, I have nothing more to teach you!" "A genius," she resumed, "impels me to this love.