rbal and Hiempsal, and with them he
educated in his palace Jugurtha his nephew, Mastanabal's son, and took as
much care of him as he did of his own children.(938) This last-mentioned
prince possessed several eminent qualities, which gained him universal
esteem. Jugurtha, who was finely shaped, and very handsome, of the most
delicate wit, and the most solid judgment, did not devote himself, as
young men commonly do, to a life of luxury and pleasure. He used to
exercise himself with persons of his own age, in running, riding, and
throwing the javelin; and though he surpassed all his companions, there
was not one of them but loved him. The chase was his only delight; but it
was that of lions and other savage beasts. To finish his character, he
excelled in all things, and spoke very little of himself: _Plurimum
facere, et mininum ipse de se loqui_.

Merit so conspicuous, and so generally acknowledged, began to excite some
anxiety in Micipsa. He saw himself in the decline of life, and his
children very young. He knew the prodigious lengths which ambition is
capable of going, when a crown is in view: and that a man, with talents
much inferior to those of Jugurtha, might be dazzled by so glittering a
temptation, especially when united with such favourable
circumstances.(939) In order therefore to remove a competitor so dangerous
with regard to his children, he gave Jugurtha the command of the forces
which he sent to the assistance of the Romans, who, at that time, were
besieging Numantia, under the conduct of Scipio. Knowing Jugurtha was
actuated by the most heroic bravery, he flattered himself, that he
probably would rush upon danger, and lose his life. However, he was
mistaken. This young prince joined to an undaunted courage, the utmost
presence of mind; and, a circumstance very rarely found in persons of his
age, he preserved a just medium between a timorous foresight and an
impetuous rashness.(940) In this campaign, he won the esteem and
friendship of the whole army. Scipio sent him back to his uncle with
letters of recommendation, and the most advantageous testimonials of his
conduct, after having given him very prudent advice with regard to the
course which he ought to pursue; for knowing mankind so well, he, in all
probability, had discovered certain sparks of ambition in that prince,
which he feared would one day break out into a flame.

Micipsa, pleased with the high character that was sent him of his nephew,
change