get Cilicia,
which bordered on Cappadocia, no one else would be sent to conduct the
war against Mithridates, he left no means untried to prevent the
province falling into other hands; and, at last, contrary to his
natural disposition, he submitted from necessity to do an act which
was not creditable, or commendable, though it was useful towards the
end he had in view. There was a woman named Praecia, who was famed
through Rome for her beauty and gallantry, and though in other
respects she was no better than a common prostitute, yet, as she
availed herself of her influence with those who visited her and talked
to her, for the purpose of forwarding the interests and political
views of her friends, she added to her other attractions the
reputation of being a woman who was much attached to her friends, and
very active in accomplishing anything, and she obtained great
influence. Cethegus, who was then at the height of his popularity, and
directed the administration, was captivated by Praecia, and began to
cohabit with her, and thus the whole power of the State fell into her
hands; for no public measure was transacted if Cethegus was not for
it, and if Praecia did not recommend it to Cethegus. Now Lucullus
gained over Praecia by presents and flattery; and, indeed, it was in
itself a great boon to a proud woman, fond of public display, to be
seen using her influence on behalf of Lucullus; and thus he soon had
Cethegus speaking in his favour, and trying to get Cilicia for him.
When Lucullus had once gained the province of Cilicia, it was no
longer necessary for him to call in the aid of Praecia or Cethegus, but
all alike readily put into his hands the conduct of the Mithridatic
war, believing that it could not be managed better by any other
person; for Pompeius was still fighting against Sertorius, and
Metellus[341] had withdrawn from service by reason of his age, and
these were the only persons who could be considered as rivals to
Lucullus in any dispute about the command in the war. However, Cotta,
the colleague of Lucullus, after making earnest application to the
Senate, was sent with some ships to watch the Propontis,[342] and to
defend Bithynia.

VII. Lucullus, with one legion which he had raised at home, crossed
over into Asia, where he took the command of the rest of the forces,
all of whom had long been spoiled by luxurious habits and living at
free quarters; and the soldiers of Fimbria were said to have become
diffic