n the nobles and
Saturninus, running first to one and then to the other, and
endeavouring to rouse and irritate them mutually. However, when the
Senate and the Equites began to combine and express their indignation,
he drew out the soldiers into the Forum, and driving the party of
Saturninus to the Capitol, he compelled them to submit for fear of
dying of thirst, by cutting off the pipes that supplied them with
water. The partisans of Saturninus in despair called out to Marius and
surrendered on the Public Faith, as the Romans term it. Marius did all
he could to save their lives, but without effect, for as soon as they
came down to the Forum they were massacred. These events made him
odious both to the nobles and the people, and when the time for
electing censors came, contrary to all expectation he did not offer
himself as a candidate, but allowed men of inferior rank to be
elected, fearing he might be rejected. He, however, alleged as an
excuse, though it was not true, that he did not wish to make himself
many enemies by a rigid scrutiny into their lives and morals.

XXXI. A measure being proposed for recalling Metellus[112] from
exile, Marius did all he could to stop it both by word and deed, but
finding his opposition useless, he at last desisted. The people
received the proposed measure well, and Marius, who could not endure
to see the return of Metellus, set sail for Cappadocia and Galatia,
pretending that he wished to make the sacrifices he had vowed to the
Great Mother, but in reality having quite a different object in view,
which the people never suspected. Marius was naturally ill suited for
times of peace and for taking a part in civil affairs, as he had
attained his position merely by arms, and now thinking that he was
gradually losing his influence and reputation by doing nothing and
remaining quiet, he looked out for an opportunity of again being
actively employed. He hoped to be able to stir up the kings of Asia
and to rouse and stimulate Mithridates,[113] who was supposed to be
ready to go to war, in which case he expected to be appointed to take
the command against him, and so to fill the city with new triumphs,
and his house with Pontic spoils and the wealth of the king.
Accordingly, though Mithridates paid him all attention and honour,
Marius could not be bent from his purpose or induced to give way: his
only answer was, "King, either try to conquer the Romans or obey their
orders in silence;" an exp