Then the soldiers claimed, as a proof of friendship, the punishment of those who had estranged them from the Republic.
Their meaning, it was pretended, was not understood, and they explained themselves more clearly by saying that they must have Hanno's head.
Several times a day, they left their camp, and walked along the foot of the walls, shouting a demand that the Suffet's head should be thrown to them, and holding out their robes to receive it.
The Great Council would perhaps have given way but for a last exaction, more outrageous than the rest; they demanded maidens, chosen from illustrious families, in marriage for their chiefs.

It was an idea which had emanated from Spendius, and which many thought most simple and practicable.

But the assumption of their desire to mix with Punic blood made the people indignant; and they were bluntly told that they were to receive no more.

Then they exclaimed that they had been deceived, and that if their pay did not arrive within three days, they would themselves go and take it in Carthage.
The bad faith of the Mercenaries was not so complete as their enemies thought.

Hamilcar had made them extravagant promises, vague, it is true, but at the same time solemn and reiterated.