[-23-] To such an extent did the supremacy of the pirates grow that their hostility became a matter of moment, constant, admitting no precaution, implacable.  The Romans, of course, from time to time heard and saw a little of what was going on, inasmuch as imports in general ceased coming in and the corn supply was shut off entirely; but they gave no serious attention to it when they ought.  On the contrary, they would send out fleets and generals, according as they were stirred by individual reports, but effected nothing; instead, they caused their allies all the greater distress by these very means, until they were finally reduced to extremities.  Then at last they came together and deliberated many days as to what steps must be taken.  Wearied by the continued dangers and noting how great and far reaching was the war raised against them, and believing, too, that it was impossible to assail the pirates all at once or individually, because the latter gave mutual assistance and it was impracticable to drive them back everywhere at once, the people fell into a dilemma and into great despair of making any successful stroke.  In the end one Aulus Gabinius, a tribune, set forth his plan:  he was either prompted by Pompey or wished to do him some favor; certainly he was not impelled by any love of the common welfare, for he was the vilest of men:  his plan was that they should choose from among the ex-consuls one general with full powers over all, who should command for three years and have the use of a huge force, with many lieutenants.  He did not actually utter the name of Pompey, but it was easy to see that if once the multitude should hear of any such proposition, they would choose him. [-24-] So it turned out.  His motion was carried and immediately all save the senate began to favor Pompey.  That body was in favor of enduring anything whatever at the hands of the freebooters rather than to put so great command into Pompey’s hands.  In fact they came near slaying Gabinius in the very halls of the senate, but he eluded them somehow.  When the people learned the intention of the senators they raised an uproar, going to the point of making a rush at them as they sat assembled:  and if the elders had not gotten out of the way, the populace would without doubt have killed them.  They all scattered and secreted themselves except Gaius Piso the consul (it was in his year and Acilius’s that these events took place), who was arrested and condemned to perish for the others; but Gabinius begged him off.  After this the leading men themselves gladly held their peace on condition of being allowed to live, but used influence on the nine tribunes, to have them oppose Gabinius.  All of the latter, however, except a Lucius Trebellius and Lucius Roscius, out of fear of the multitude would not say a word in opposition; and those two men, who had the courage, were unable to redeem any of their promises by either word or deed.  For when the appointed day came on which the motion was to be ratified, things went as follows.