He needed some proof, some manifestation from the gods, and in the hope of obtaining it the priest devised an enterprise which might save at once his country and his belief.
Thenceforward he set himself to deplore before Salammbo the sacrilege and the misfortunes which resulted from it even in the regions of the sky.

Then he suddenly announced the peril of the Suffet, who was assailed by three armies under the command of Matho--for on account of the veil Matho was, in the eyes of the Carthaginians, the king, as it were, of the Barbarians,--and he added that the safety of the Republic and of her father depended upon her alone.
"Upon me!" she exclaimed.

"How can I-- ?" But the priest, with a smile of disdain said: "You will never consent!" She entreated him.

At last Schahabarim said to her: "You must go to the Barbarians and recover the zaimph!" She sank down upon the ebony stool, and remained with her arms stretched out between her knees and shivering in all her limbs, like a victim at the altar's foot awaiting the blow of the club.

Her temples were ringing, she could see fiery circles revolving, and in her stupor she had lost the understanding of all things save one, that she was certainly going to die soon.
But if Rabbetna triumphed, if the zaimph were restored and Carthage delivered, what mattered a woman's life?
thought Schahabarim.