Almost all writing about war is to some extent fiction. (You mean they told their mothers what was really going on?) But GA Henty, the 19th-century British war correspondent, adventurer, and all-round imperialist, went further: he fictionalised wars throughout history – even the ones he was in personally. His plucky young heroes and heroines are still beloved of those who miss the Good Old Days.

In this account, Mr Henty has outdone himself by giving us a 'you are there' version of doings in ancient Carthage. (No, we don't think he had a tardis.)

We particularly enjoy the prose.

After seeing his detachment safely lodged in the barracks Hamilcar and his companions rode along the streets to the Barcine Syssite, or club¹, one of the grandest buildings in Carthage. Throwing the reins of their horses to some slaves who stood in readiness² at the foot of the steps, they entered the building. As they rode through the streets they had noticed that the population appeared singularly quiet and dejected, and the agitation which reigned in the club showed them that something unusual had happened. Groups of men were standing talking excitedly in the great hall³. Others with dejected mien⁴ were pacing the marble pavement. As Hamilcar entered, several persons hurried up to him.

"Welcome back again!" they exclaimed; "your presence is most opportune at this sad moment⁵."

"What has happened?" Hamilcar asked; "I have but this moment arrived, and rode straight here to hear the news of what has taken place in my absence⁶."

"What! have you not heard?" they exclaimed; "for the last four days nothing else has been talked of, nothing else thought of – Hasdrubal has been assassinated⁷!"

Hamilcar recoiled a step as if struck⁸.

"Ye gods⁹!" he exclaimed, "can this be so? Hasdrubal the handsome¹⁰, as he was well called, the true patriot, the great general, the eloquent orator¹¹, the soul of generosity and patriotism, our leader and hope, dead! Surely it cannot be."

"It is too true, Hamilcar. Hasdrubal is dead – slain by the knife of an Iberian¹², who, it seems, has for months been in his service, awaiting the chance for revenge for some injuries which his family or people have suffered from our arms.

"It is a terrible blow. This morning a swift sailing ship has arrived with the news that the army of Spain have with one voice acclaimed the young Hannibal as their general¹³, and that they demand the ratification of their choice by the senate and people. Need I tell you how important it is that this ratification should be gained¹⁴? Hanno and his satellites¹⁵ are furious, they are scattering money broadcast¹⁶, and moving heaven and earth¹⁷ to prevent the choice falling upon Hannibal, and to secure the appointment for Hanno himself or one of his clique¹⁸. They say that to appoint a youth like this to such a position would be a thing unheard of, that it would bring countless dangers upon the head of the republic. We know, of course, that what they fear is not the youth and inexperience, but the talent and genius of Hannibal¹⁹…"

From The Young Carthaginian: A Story of the Times of Hannibal, by G.A. Henty. 1887.

Dmitri Gheorgheni

08.06.15 Front Page

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