Many grew weak for lack of food.

It was the occasion of many quarrels and invectives, many drawing away the companions of the rest by the bait or even by the promise of their own portion.

Matho commanded them all to be driven away pitilessly.

They took refuge in the camp of Autaritus; but the Gaulish and Libyan women forced them by their outrageous treatment to depart.
At last they came beneath the walls of Carthage to implore the protection of Ceres and Proserpine, for in Byrsa there was a temple with priests consecrated to these goddesses in expiation of the horrors formerly committed at the siege of Syracuse.

The Syssitia, alleging their right to waifs and strays, claimed the youngest in order to sell them; and some fair Lacedaemonian women were taken by New Carthaginians in marriage.
A few persisted in following the armies.