There was a great deal of maneuvering, management, and debate on the one hand to effect the passage of this law, and, on the other, to defeat it.  Caesar, who, though not so prominent yet as Pompey, was now rising rapidly to influence and power, was in favor of the measure, because, as is said, he perceived that the people were pleased with it.  It was at length adopted.  Pompey was then designated to fill the office which the law created.  He accepted the trust, and began to prepare for the vast undertaking.  The price of grain fell immediately in Rome, as soon as the appointment of Pompey was made known, as the merchants, who had large supplies in the granaries there, were now eager to sell, even at a reduction, feeling confident that Pompey’s measures would result in bringing in abundant supplies.  The people, surprised at this sudden relaxation of the pressure of their burdens, said that the very name of Pompey had put an end to the war.

[Sidenote:  Pompey’s complete success.]

They were not mistaken in their anticipations of Pompey’s success.  He freed the Mediterranean from pirates in three months, by one systematic and simple operation, which affords one of the most striking examples of the power of united and organized effort, planned and conducted by one single master mind, which the history of ancient or modern times has recorded.  The manner in which this work was effected was this: 

[Sidenote:  His mode of operation.]

Pompey raised and equipped a vast number of galleys, and divided them into separate fleets, putting each one under the command of a lieutenant.  He then divided the Mediterranean Sea into thirteen districts, and appointed a lieutenant and his fleet for each one of them as a guard.  After sending these detachments forth to their respective stations, he set out from the city himself to take charge of the operations which he was to conduct in person.  The people followed him, as he went to the place where he was to embark, in great crowds, and with long and loud acclamations.

[Sidenote:  Pompey drives the pirates before him.] [Sidenote:  Exultation at Rome.]

Beginning at the Straits of Gibraltar, Pompey cruised with a powerful fleet toward the east, driving the pirates before him, the lieutenants, who were stationed along the coast being on the alert to prevent them from finding any places of retreat or refuge.  Some of the pirates’ ships were surrounded and taken.  Others fled, and were followed by Pompey’s ships until they had passed beyond the coasts of Sicily, and the seas between the Italian and African shores.  The communication was now open again to the grain-growing countries south of Rome, and large supplies of food were immediately poured into the city.  The whole population was, of course, filled with exultation and joy at receiving such welcome proofs that Pompey was successfully accomplishing the work they had assigned him.

[Sidenote:  The pirates concentrate themselves.]