28.  This destructive war being concluded, the senate began to think of turning their arms against Mithrida’tes, the most powerful and warlike monarch of the east.[4] 29.  For this expedition Ma’rius had long been preparing, but Sylla had interest enough to get himself appointed to the expedition.  Ma’rius, however, tried all his arts with the people to get his appointment reversed; and the command of the army, intended to oppose Mithrida’tes, was ordered to be transferred from Sylla to Ma’rius. 30.  In consequence of this, Ma’rius immediately sent officers from Rome, to take the command in his name.  But instead of being obeyed, the officers were slain, and Sylla was entreated by the army to lead them directly to take signal vengeance upon all his enemies at Rome.

31.  Accordingly, his soldiers entered the city sword in hand, as a place taken by storm.  Ma’rius and Sulpi’cius, at the head of a tumultuary body of their partisans, attempted to oppose their entrance; and the citizens themselves, who feared the sackage of the place, threw down stones and tiles from the houses upon the intruders. 32.  So unequal a conflict lasted longer than could have been expected; at length Ma’rius and his party were obliged to seek safety by flight, after having vainly offered liberty to the slaves who would assist them.

Questions for Examination.

1.  Was this internal degeneracy of the Roman people accompanied by ill success abroad?

2.  What signal victory did they obtain, and who was Jugurtha?

3.  By what means did he obtain the crown?

4.  How did he propitiate the Romans?

5.  How did these commissoners? discharge their trust?

6.  Was Jugurtha satisfied with this allotment?

7.  Did this answer his purpose?

8.  Did the Romans suffer this treachery to pass unpunished?

9.  Did Jugurtha obey this summons?

10.  Were hostilities commenced against him, and what was the result?

11.  What was the condition of the army when Metellus assumed the command?

12.  Did this deplorable state continue?

13.  Did Metellus enjoy the fruits of his victories?

14.  Who was Caius Marius?

15.  What resolution did he adopt?

16.  By what artifices did he succeed in his design?

17.  What was the conduct of Marius in his new command?

18.  To whom did Jugurtha have recourse in his extremity?

19.  Did Bocchus continue to befriend Jugurtha?

20.  Was his request complied with?

21.  Did Bocchus submit to this condition?

22.  What became of Jugurtha after this?

23.  How did Marius conduct himself after his victories?

24.  What was the consequence of his attempts at popularity?

25.  Was this war of long continuance?

26.  What measure did the senate adopt to end it?