m five months, and intended to
take away his life. Some senators were of opinion, that war ought to be
proclaimed immediately against Jugurtha; but still his influence
prevailed, and the Romans only ordered an embassy to be sent, composed of
senators of the highest distinction, among whom was AEmilius Scaurus, a
factious man, who had a great ascendant over the nobility, and concealed
the blackest vices under the specious appearance of virtue. Jugurtha was
terrified at first; but he again found an opportunity to elude their
demands, and accordingly sent them back without coming to any conclusion.
Upon this, Adherbal, who had lost all hopes, surrendered upon condition of
having his life spared; nevertheless, he was immediately murdered with a
great number of Numidians.

But though the greatest part of the people at Rome were struck with horror
at this news, Jugurtha's money again obtained him defenders in the senate.
However, C. Memmius, the tribune of the people, an active man, and one who
hated the nobility, prevailed with the people not to suffer so horrid
(M150) a crime to go unpunished; and, accordingly, war being proclaimed
against Jugurtha, Calpurnius Bestia, the consul, was appointed to carry it
on.(943) He was endued with excellent qualities, but they were all
depraved and rendered useless by his avarice. Scaurus set out with him.
They at first took several towns; but Jugurtha's bribes checked the
progress of these conquests; and Scaurus(944) himself, who till now had
expressed the strongest animosity against this prince, could not resist so
powerful an attack. A treaty was therefore concluded; Jugurtha feigned to
submit to the Romans, and thirty elephants, some horses, with a very
inconsiderable sum of money, were delivered to the quaestor.

But now the indignation of the people in general at Rome displayed itself
in the strongest manner. Memmius the tribune inflamed them by his
speeches. He caused Cassius, who was praetor, to be appointed to attend
Jugurtha; and to engage him to come to Rome, under the guarantee of the
Romans, in order that an inquiry might be made in his presence, who those
persons were that had taken bribes. Accordingly, Jugurtha was forced to
come to Rome. The sight of him raised the anger of the people still
higher; but a tribune having been bribed, he prolonged the session, and at
last dissolved it. A Numidian prince, grandson of Masinissa, called
Massiva, being at that time in the city, w