The Jugurthine War (Sallust)

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	The Jugurthine War Author: Sallust	Translator: John Selby Watson
1	Falso queritur de natura sua genus humanum , quod inbecilla atque aevi brevis forte potius quam virtute regatur . Nam contra reputando neque maius aliud neque praestabilius invenias magisque naturae industriam hominum quam vim aut tempus deesse . Sed dux atque imperator vitae mortalium animus est . Qui ubi ad gloriam virtutis via grassatur , abunde pollens potensque et clarus est neque fortuna eget , quippe quae probitatem , industriam aliasque artis bonas neque dare neque eripere cuiquam potest . Sin captus pravis cupidinibus ad inertiam et voluptates corporis pessum datus est , perniciosa libidine paulisper usus , ubi per socordiam vires tempus ingenium diffluxere , naturae infirmitas accusatur : suam quisque culpam auctores ad negotia transferunt . Quod si hominibus bonarum rerum tanta cura esset , quanto studio aliena ac nihil profutura multaque etiam periculosa ac perniciosa petunt , neque regerentur magis quam regerent casus et eo magnitudinis procederent , ubi pro mortalibus gloria aeterni fierent .	Mankind unreasonably complain of their nature, that, being weak and short-lived, it is governed by chance rather than intellectual power; for, on the contrary, you will find, upon reflection, that there is nothing more noble or excellent, and that to nature is wanting rather human industry than ability or time. The ruler and director of the life of man is the mind, which, when it pursues glory in the path of true merit, is sufficiently powerful, efficient, and worthy of honor, and needs no assistance from fortune, who can neither bestow integrity, industry, or other good qualities, nor can take them away. But if the mind, ensnared by corrupt passions, abandons itself to indolence and sensuality, when it has indulged for a season in pernicious gratifications, and when bodily strength, time, and mental vigor, have been wasted in sloth, the infirmity of nature is accused, and those who are themselves in fault impute their delinquency to circumstances. If man, however, had as much regard for worthy objects, as he has spirit in the pursuit of what is useless, unprofitable, and even perilous, he would not be governed by circumstances more than he would govern them, and would attain to a point of greatness, at which, instead of being mortal, he would be immortalized by glory.
2	Nam uti genus hominum compositum ex corpore et anima est , ita res cuncta studiaque omnia nostra corporis alia , alia animi naturam secuntur . Igitur praeclara facies , magnae divitiae , ad hoc vis corporis et alia omnia huiusce modi brevi dilabuntur ; at ingeni egregia facinora sicuti anima immortalia sunt . Postremo corporis et fortunae bonorum ut initium sic finis est , omniaque orta occidunt et aucta senescunt : animus incorruptus , aeternus , rector humani generis agit atque habet cuncta neque ipse habetur . Quo magis pravitas eorum admiranda est , qui , dediti corporis gaudiis , per luxum et ignaviam aetatem agunt , ceterum ingenium , quo neque melius neque amplius aliud in natura mortalium est , incultu atque socordia torpescere sinunt , cum praesertim tam multae variaeque sint artes animi , quibus summa claritudo paratur .	As man is composed of mind and body, so, of all our concerns and pursuits, some partake the nature of the body, and some that of the mind. Thus beauty of person, eminent wealth, corporeal strength, and all other things of this kind, speedily pass away; but the illustrious achievements of the mind are, like the mind itself, immortal. Of the advantages of person and fortune, as there is a beginning, there is also an end; they all rise and fall, increase and decay. But the mind, incorruptible and eternal, the ruler of the human race, actuates and has power over all things, yet is itself free from control. The depravity of those, therefore, is the more surprising, who, devoted to corporeal gratifications, spend their lives in luxury and indolence, but suffer the mind, than which nothing is better or greater in man, to languish in neglect and inactivity; especially when there are so many and various mental employments by which the highest renown may be attained.
3	Verum ex iis magistratus et imperia , postremo omnis cura rerum publicarum minime mihi hac tempestate cupienda videntur , quoniam neque virtuti honor datur neque illi , quibus per fraudem iis fuit uti , tuti aut eo magis honesti sunt . Nam vi quidem regere patriam aut parentis , quamquam et possis et delicta corrigas , tamen importunum est , cum praesertim omnes rerum mutationes caedem , fugam aliaque hostilia portendant . Frustra autem niti neque aliud se fatigando nisi odium quaerere extremae dementiae est ; nisi forte quem inhonesta et perniciosa libido tenet potentiae paucorum decus atque libertatem suam gratificari .	Of these occupation us, however, civil and military offices, and all administration of public affairs, seem to me at the present time, by no means to be desired; for neither is honor conferred on merit, nor are those, who have gained power by unlawful means, the more secure or respected for it. To rule our country or subjects by force, though we may have the ability, and may correct what is wrong, is yet an ungrateful undertaking; especially as all changes in the state lead to bloodshed, exile, and other evils of discord; while to struggle in ineffectual attempts, and to gain nothing, by wearisome exertions, but public hatred, is the extreme of madness; unless when a base and pernicious spirit, perchance, may prompt a man to sacrifice his honor and liberty to the power of a party.
4	Ceterum ex aliis negotiis , quae ingenio exercentur , in primis magno usui est memoria rerum gestarum . Cuius de virtute quia multi dixere , praetereundum puto , simul ne per insolentiam quis existimet memet studium meum laudando extollere . Atque ego credo fore qui , quia decrevi procul a re publica aetatem agere , tanto tamque utili labori meo nomen inertiae imponant , certe quibus maxima industria videtur salutare plebem et conviviis gratiam quaerere . Qui si reputauerint , et quibus ego temporibus magistratus adeptus sum quales viri idem assequi nequiverint et postea quae genera hominum in senatum pervenerint , profecto existimabunt me magis merito quam ignavia iudicium animi mei mutavisse maiusque commodum ex otio meo quam ex aliorum negotiis rei publicae venturum . Nam saepe ego audivi Q . Maximum , P . Scipionem , praeterea civitatis nostrae praeclaros viros solitos ita dicere , cum maiorum imagines intuerentur , vehementissime sibi animum ad virtutem accendi . Scilicet non ceram illam neque figuram tantam vim in sese habere , sed memoria rerum gestarum eam flammam egregiis viris in pectore crescere neque prius sedari , quam virtus eorum famam atque gloriam adaequauerit . At contra quis est omnium his moribus , quin divitiis et sumptibus , non probitate neque industria cum maioribus suis contendat ? Etiam homines novi , qui antea per virtutem soliti erant nobilitatem antevenire , furtim et per latrocinia potius quam bonis artibus ad imperia et honores nituntur ; proinde quasi praetura et consulatus atque alia omnia huiusce modi per se ipsa clara et magnifica sint ac non perinde habeantur , ut eorum qui ea sustinent virtus est . Verum ego liberius altiusque processi , dum me civitatis morum piget taedetque . Nunc ad inceptum redeo .	Among other employments which are pursued by the intellect, the recording of past events is of pre-eminent utility; but of its merits I may, I think, be silent, since many have spoken of them, and since, if I were to praise my own occupation, I might be considered as presumptuously praising myself. I believe, too, that there will be some, who, because I have resolved to live unconnected with political affairs, will apply to my arduous and useful labors the name of idleness; especially those who think it an important pursuit to court the people, and gain popularity by entertainments. But if such persons will consider at what periods I obtained office, what sort of men were then unable to obtain it, and what description of persons have subsequently entered the senate, they will think, assuredly, that I have altered my sentiments rather from prudence than from indolence, and that more good will arise to the state from my retirement, than from the busy efforts of others. I have often heard that Quintus Maximus, Publius Scipio, and many other illustrious men of our country, were accustomed to observe, that, when they looked on the images of their ancestors, they felt their minds irresistibly excited to the pursuit of honor. Not, certainly, that the wax, or the shape, had any such influence; but, as they called to mind their forefathers' achievements, such a flame was kindled in the breasts of those eminent persons, as could not be extinguished till their own merit had equaled the fame and glory of their ancestors. But, in the present state of manners, who is there, on the contrary, that does not rather emulate his forefathers in riches and extravagance, than in virtue and labor? Even men of humble birth, who formerly used to surpass the nobility in merit, pursue power and honor rather by intrigue and dishonesty, than by honorable qualifications; as if the prætorship, consulate, and all other offices of the kind, were noble and dignified in themselves, and not to be estimated according to the worth of those who fill them. But, in expressing my concern and regret at the manners of the state, I have proceeded with too great freedom, and at too great length. I now return to my subject.
5	Bellum scripturus sum , quod populus Romanus cum Iugurtha rege Numidarum gessit , primum quia magnum et atrox variaque victoria fuit , dein quia tunc primum superbiae nobilitatis obviam itum est ; quae contentio divina et humana cuncta permiscuit eoque vecordiae processit , ut studiis civilibus bellum atque vastitas Italiae finem faceret . Sed prius quam huiusce modi rei initium expedio , pauca supra repetam , quo ad cognoscendum omnia illustria magis magisque in aperto sint . Bello Punico secundo , quo dux Carthaginiensium Hannibal post magnitudinem nominis Romani Italiae opes maxime attriuerat , Masinissa rex Numidarum in amicitiam receptus a P . Scipione , cui postea Africano cognomen ex virtute fuit , multa et praeclara rei militaris facinora fecerat . Ob quae victis Carthaginiensibus et capto Syphace , cuius in Africa magnum atque late imperium valuit , populus Romanus , quascumque urbis et agros manu ceperat , regi dono dedit . Igitur amicitia Masinissae bona atque honesta nobis permansit . Sed imperi vitaeque eius finis idem fuit . Dein Micipsa filius regnum solus obtinuit Mastanabale et Gulussa fratribus morbo absumptis . Is Adherbalem et Hiempsalem ex sese genuit Iugurthamque filium Mastanabalis fratris , quem Masinissa , quod ortus ex concubina erat , privatum dereliquerat , eodem cultu quo liberos suos domi habuit .	I am about to relate the war which the Roman people carried on with Jugurtha, King of the Numidians; first, because it was great, sanguinary, and of varied fortune; and secondly, because then, for the first time, opposition was offered to the power of the nobility; a contest which threw every thing, religious and civil, into confusion, and was carried to such a height of madness, that nothing but war, and the devastation of Italy, could put an end to civil dissensions. But before I fairly commence my narrative, I will take a review of a few preceding particulars, in order that the whole subject may be more clearly and distinctly understood. In the second Punic war, in which Hannibal, the leader of the Carthaginians, had weakened the power of Italy more than any other enemy since the Roman name became great, Masinissa, King of the Numidians, being received into alliance by Publius Scipio, who, from his merits was afterward surnamed Africanus, had performed for us many eminent exploits in the field. In return for which services, after the Carthaginians were subdued, and after Syphax, whose power in Italy was great and extensive, was taken prisoner, the Roman people presented to Masinissa, as a free gift, all the cities and lands that they had captured. Masinissa's friendship for us, accordingly, remained faithful and inviolate; his reign and his life ended together. His son, Micipsa, alone succeeded to his kingdom; Mastanabal and Gulussa, his two brothers, having been carried off by disease. Micipsa had two sons, Adherbal and Hiempsal, and had brought up in his house, with the same care as his own children, a son of his brother Mastanabal, named Jugurtha, whom Masinissa, as being the son of a concubine, had left in a private station.
6	Qui ubi primum adolevit , pollens viribus , decora facie , sed multo maxime ingenio validus , non se luxu neque inertiae corrumpendum dedit , sed , uti mos gentis illius est , equitare , iaculari ; cursu cum aequalibus certare et , cum omnis gloria anteiret , omnibus tamen carus esse ; ad hoc pleraque tempora in venando agere , leonem atque alias feras primus aut in primis ferire : plurimum facere , minimum ipse de se loqui . Quibus rebus Micipsa tametsi initio laetus fuerat , existimans virtutem Iugurthae regno suo gloriae fore , tamen , postquam hominem adulescentem exacta sua aetate et parvis liberis magis magisque crescere intellegit , vehementer eo negotio permotus multa cum animo suo voluebat . Terrebat eum natura mortalium auida imperi et praeceps ad explendam animi cupidinem , praeterea opportunitas suae liberorumque aetatis , quae etiam mediocris viros spe praedae transversos agit , ad hoc studia Numidarum in Iugurtham accensa , ex quibus , si talem virum dolis interfecisset , ne qua seditio aut bellum oriretur , anxius erat .	Jugurtha, as he grew up, being strong in frame, graceful in person, but, above all, vigorous in understanding, did not allow himself to be enervated by pleasure and indolence, but, as is the usage of his country, exercised himself in riding, throwing the javelin, and contending in the race with his equals in age; and, though he excelled them all in reputation, he was yet beloved by all. He also passed much of his time in hunting; he was first, or among the first, to wound the lion and other beasts; he performed very much, but spoke very little of himself. Micipsa, though he was at first gratified with these circumstances, considering that the merit of Jugurtha would be an honor to his kingdom, yet, when he reflected that the youth was daily increasing in popularity, while he himself was advanced in age, and his children but young, he was extremely disturbed at the state of things, and revolved it frequently in his mind. The very nature of man, ambitious of power, and eager to gratify its desires, gave him reason for apprehension, as well as the opportunity afforded by his own age and that of his children, which was sufficient, from the prospect of such a prize, to lead astray even men of moderate desires. The affection of the Numidians, too, which was strong toward Jugurtha, was another cause for alarm; among whom, if he should cut off such a man, he feared that some insurrection or war might arise.
7	His difficultatibus circumventus ubi videt neque per vim neque insidiis opprimi posse hominem tam acceptum popularibus , quod erat Iugurtha manu promptus et appetens gloriae militaris , statuit eum obiectare periculis et eo modo fortunam temptare . Igitur bello Numantino Micipsa , cum populo Romano equitum atque peditum auxilia mitteret , sperans vel ostentando virtutem vel hostium saevitia facile eum occasurum , praefecit Numidis , quos in Hispaniam mittebat . Sed ea res longe aliter , ac ratus erat , evenit . Nam Iugurtha , ut erat impigro atque acri ingenio , ubi naturam P . Scipionis , qui tum Romanis imperator erat , et morem hostium cognovit , multo labore multaque cura , praeterea modestissime parendo et saepe obviam eundo periculis in tantam claritudinem brevi pervenerat , ut nostris vehementer carus , Numantinis maximo terrori esset . Ac sane , quod difficillimum in primis est , et proelio strenuos erat et bonus consilio , quorum alterum ex providentia timorem , alterum ex audacia temeritatem afferre plerumque solet . Igitur imperator omnis fere res asperas per Iugurtham agere , in amicis habere , magis magisque eum in dies amplecti , quippe cuius neque consilium neque inceptum ullum frustra erat . Hoc accedebat munificentia animi atque ingeni sollertia , quibus rebus sibi multos ex Romanis familiari amicitia coniunxerat .	Surrounded by such difficulties, and seeing that a man, so popular among his countrymen, was not to be destroyed either by force or by fraud, he resolved, as Jugurtha was of an active disposition, and eager for military reputation, to expose him to dangers in the field, and thus make trial of fortune. During the Numantine war, therefore, when he was sending supplies of horse and foot to the Romans, he gave him the command of the Numidians, whom he dispatched into Spain, hoping that he would certainly perish, either by an ostentatious display of his bravery, or by the merciless hand of the enemy. But this project had a very different result from that which he had expected. For when Jugurtha, who was of an active and penetrating intellect, had learned the disposition of Publius Scipio, the Roman general, and the character of the enemy, he quickly rose, by great exertion and vigilance, by modestly submitting to orders, and frequently exposing himself to dangers, to such a degree of reputation, that he was greatly beloved by our men, and extremely dreaded by the Numantines. He was indeed, what is peculiarly difficult, both brave in action, and wise in counsel; qualities, of which the one, from forethought, generally produces fear, and the other, from confidence, rashness. The general, accordingly, managed almost every difficult matter by the aid of Jugurtha, numbered him among his friends, and grew daily more and more attached to him, as a man whose advice and whose efforts were never useless. With such merits were joined generosity of disposition, and readiness of wit, by which he united to himself many of the Romans in intimate friendship.
8	Ea tempestate in exercitu nostro fuere complures novi atque nobiles , quibus divitiae bono honestoque potiores erant , factiosi domi , potentes apud socios , clari magis quam honesti , qui Iugurthae non mediocrem animum pollicitando accendebant , si Micipsa rex occidisset , fore uti solus imperi Numidiae potiretur : in ipso maximam virtutem , Romae omnia venalia esse . Sed postquam Numantia deleta P . Scipio dimittere auxilia et ipse reverti domum decrevit , donatum atque laudatum magnifice pro contione Iugurtham in praetorium abduxit ibique secreto monuit , ut potius publice quam privatim amicitiam populi Romani coleret neu quibus largiri insuesceret : periculose a paucis emi quod multorum esset . Si permanere vellet in suis artibus , ultro illi et gloriam et regnum venturum ; sin properantius pergeret , suamet ipsum pecunia praecipitem casurum .	There were at that time, in our army, a number of officers, some of low, and some of high birth, to whom wealth was more attractive than virtue or honor; men who were attached to certain parties, and of consequence in their own country; but, among the allies, rather distinguished than respected. These persons inflamed the mind of Jugurtha, of itself sufficiently aspiring, by assuring him, "that if Micipsa should die, he might have the kingdom of Numidia to himself; for that he was possessed of eminent merit, and that any thing might be purchased at Rome." When Numantia, however, was destroyed, and Scipio had determined to dismiss the auxiliary troops, and to return to Rome, he led Jugurtha, after having honored him, in a public assembly, with the noblest presents and applauses, into his own tent; where he privately admonished him "to court the friendship of the Romans rather by attention to them as a body, than by practicing on individuals; to bribe no one, as what belonged to many could not without danger be bought from a few; and adding that, if he would but trust to his own merits, glory and regal power would spontaneously fall to his lot; but, should he proceed too rashly, he would only, by the influence of his money, hasten his own ruin."
9	Sic locutus cum litteris eum , quas Micipsae redderet , dimisit . Earum sententia haec erat : " Iugurthae tui in bello Numantino longe maxima virtus fuit , quam rem tibi certo scio gaudio esse . Nobis ob merita sua carus est ; ut idem senatui et populo Romano sit , summa ope nitemur . Tibi quidem pro nostra amicitia gratulor . Habes virum dignum te atque auo suo Masinissa ." Igitur rex , ubi ea quae fama acceperat ex litteris imperatoris ita esse cognovit , cum virtute tum gratia viri permotus flexit animum suum et Iugurtham beneficiis vincere aggressus est statimque eum adoptauit et testamento pariter cum filiis heredem instituit . Sed ipse paucos post annos morbo atque aetate confectus cum sibi finem vitae adesse intellegeret , coram amicis et cognatis itemque Adherbale et Hiempsale filiis dicitur huiusce modi verba cum Iugurtha habuisse :	Having thus spoken, he took leave of him, giving him a letter, which he was to present to Micipsa, and of which the following was the purport: "The merit of your nephew Jugurtha, in the war against Numantia, has been eminently distinguished; a fact which I am sure will afford you pleasure. He is dear to us for his services, and we shall strive, with our utmost efforts, to make him equally dear to the senate and people of Rome. As a friend, I sincerely congratulate you; you have a kinsman worthy of yourself, and of his grandfather Masinissa." Micipsa, when he found, from the letter of the general, that what he had already heard reported was true, being moved, both by the merit of the youth and by the interest felt for him by Scipio, altered his purpose, and endeavored to win Jugurtha by kindness. He accordingly, in a short time, adopted him as his son, and made him, by his will, joint-heir with his own children. A few years afterward, when, being debilitated by age and disease, he perceived that the end of his life was at hand, he is said, in the presence of his friends and relations, and of Adherbal and Hiempsal his sons, to have spoken with Jugurtha in the following manner: