thing. Adherbal was
afterwards captured, savagely tortured, and finally killed.

The Senate, compelled by the popular indignation to make an
investigation, moved so slowly that some of its members were accused of
accepting bribes. War was declared at last, but the campaign languished,
and peace was soon made on such easy terms for the prince that it was
evident his money had again been freely used. The scandalous transaction
was denounced at Rome by the Tribune MEMMIUS. Jugurtha then repaired to
the city in person, and bought up all the authorities except Memmius,
whom he found incorruptible. He had another cousin in the city, whom he
caused to be murdered. After this the Senate ordered him to leave, and
as he departed, it is said he exclaimed, "Venal city, destined soon to
perish, if a purchaser be found!"

War was now begun in earnest (110), but resulted in a crushing defeat
of the Romans, whose army was sent under the yoke. Humiliated by
the defeat, the Senate in the following year sent QUINTUS CAECILIUS
METELLUS, nephew of Metellus Macedonicus, to take charge of the war. He
was a man of integrity, with some experience as an officer, and a rigid
aristocrat. Realizing the danger of failure, he took with him as his
lieutenant the ablest soldier that he could find, GAIUS MARIUS.

Marius, born at Arpinum in 157, was the son of a farmer, and was
himself bred to the plough. He joined the army at an early age, and soon
attracted notice for his punctual performance of all duties, and his
strictness in discipline. He was present at the siege of Numantia, and
his courage caused Scipio to predict for him a brilliant career. He soon
rose to be Military Tribune. In 119 he was chosen Tribune of the People,
and two years later Praetor. The fact that he was respected and valued
in high circles is shown by his subsequent marriage into the family of
the Caesars. By this marriage with Julia, the aunt of Julius Caesar, he
became a person of social distinction.

The campaign was moderately successful. Jugurtha was defeated near the
river Muthul, and made to retire into the desert, where his stronghold,
Thala, was captured. He sued for peace, but, as unconditional surrender
was demanded, he still held out. The popular party at Rome, irritated
that such a petty prince should give so much trouble, demanded that
Marius should be made Consul and have charge of the war. When the
lieutenant asked Metellus for leave of absence to enable him t