The Jugurthine War (Sallust)

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	The Jugurthine War Author: Sallust	Translator: John Selby Watson
64	Igitur ubi Marius haruspicis dicta eodem intendere videt , quo cupido animi hortabatur , ab Metello petendi gratia missionem rogat . Cui quamquam virtus , gloria atque alia optanda bonis superabant , tamen inerat contemptor animus et superbia , commune nobilitatis malum . Itaque primum commotus insolita re mirari eius consilium et quasi per amicitiam monere , ne tam praua inciperet neu super fortunam animum gereret : non omnia omnibus cupienda esse , debere illi res suas satis placere ; postremo caueret id petere a populo Romano , quod illi iure negaretur . Postquam haec atque alia talia dixit neque animus Mari flectitur , respondit , ubi primum potuisset per negotia publica , facturum sese quae peteret . Ac postea saepius eadem postulanti fertur dixisse , ne festinaret abire : satis mature illum cum filio suo consulatum petiturum . Is eo tempore contubernio patris ibidem militabat . Annos natus circiter viginti . Quae res Marium cum pro honore , quem affectabat , tum contra Metellum vehementer accenderat . Ita cupidine atque ira , pessimis consultoribus , grassari ; neque facto ullo neque dicto abstinere , quod modo ambitiosum foret ; milites , quibus in hibernis praeerat , laxiore imperio quam antea habere ; apud negotiatores , quorum magna multitudo Vticae erat , criminose simul et magnifice de bello loqui : dimidia pars exercitus si sibi permitteretur , paucis diebus Iugurtham in catenis habiturum ; ab imperatore consulto trahi , quod homo inanis et regiae superbiae imperio nimis gauderet . Quae omnia illis eo firmiora videbantur , quia diuturnitate belli res familiaris corruperant et animo cupienti nihil satis festinatur .	But when Marius found that the words of the augur pointed in the same direction as his own inclinations prompted him, he requested of Metellus leave of absence, that he might offer himself a candidate for the consulship. Metellus, though eminently distinguished by virtue, honor, and other qualities valued by the good, had yet a haughty and disdainful spirit, the common failing of the nobility. He was at first, therefore, astonished at so extraordinary an application, expressed surprise at Marius's views, and advised him, as if in friendship, "not to indulge such unreasonable expectations, or elevate his thoughts above his station; that all things were not to be coveted by all men; that his present condition ought to satisfy him; and, finally, that he should be cautious of asking from the Roman people what they might justly refuse him." Having made these and similar remarks, and finding that the resolution of Marius was not at all affected by them, he told him "that he would grant what he desired as soon as the public business would allow him." On Marius repeating his request several times afterward, he is reported to have said, "that he need not be in a hurry to go, as he would be soon enough if he became a candidate with his own son." Metellus's son was then on service in the camp with his father, and was about twenty years old. This taunt served only to rouse the feelings of Marius, as well for the honor at which he aimed, as against Metellus. He suffered himself to be actuated, therefore, by ambition and resentment, the worst of counselors. He omitted nothing henceforward, either in deeds or words, that could increase his own popularity. He allowed the soldiers, of whom he had the command in the winter quarters, more relaxation of discipline than he had ever granted them before. He talked of the war among the merchants, of whom there was a great number at Utica, censoriously with respect to Metellus, and vauntingly with regard to himself; saying "that if but half of the army were granted him, he would in a few days have Jugurtha in chains; but that the war was purposely protracted by the consul, because, being a man of vanity and regal pride, he was too fond of the delights of power." All these assertions appeared the more credible to the merchants, as, by the long continuance of the war, they had suffered in their fortunes; and to impatient minds no haste is sufficient.
65	Erat praeterea in exercitu nostro Numida quidam nomine Gauda , Mastanabalis filius , Masinissae nepos , quem Micipsa testamento secundum heredem scripserat , morbis confectus et ob eam causam mente paulum imminuta . Cui Metellus petenti , more regum ut sellam iuxta poneret , item postea custodiae causa turmam equitum Romanorum , utrumque negauerat : honorem , quod eorum modo foret , quos populus Romanus reges appellauisset ; praesidium , quod contumeliosum in eos foret , si equites Romani satellites Numidae traderentur . Hunc Marius anxium aggreditur atque hortatur , ut contumeliarum in imperatorem cum suo auxilio poenas petat . Hominem ob morbos animo parum valido secunda oratione extollit : illum regem , ingentem virum , Masinissae nepotem esse ; si Iugurtha captus aut occisus foret , imperium Numidiae sine mora habiturum ; id adeo mature posse evenire , si ipse consul ad id bellum missus foret . Itaque et illum et equites Romanos , milites et negotiatores , alios ipse , plerosque pacis spes impellit , uti Romam ad suos necessarios aspere in Metellum de bello scribant , Marium imperatorem poscant . Sic illi a multis mortalibus honestissima suffragatione consulatus petebatur . Simul ea tempestate plebs nobilitate fusa per legem Mamiliam nouos extollebat . Ita Mario cuncta procedere .	There was then in our army a Numidian named Gauda, the son of Mastanabal, and grandson of Masinissa, whom Micipsa, in his will, had appointed next heir to his immediate successors. This man had been debilitated by ill-health, and, from the effect of it, was somewhat impaired in his understanding. He had petitioned Metellus to allow him a seat, like a prince, next to himself, and a troop of horse for a bodyguard; but Metellus had refused him both; the seat, because it was granted only to those whom the Roman people had addressed as kings, and the guard, because it would be an indignity to Roman cavalry to act as guards to a Numidian. While Gauda was discontented at these refusals, Marius paid him a visit, and prompted him, with his assistance, to seek revenge for the affronts put upon him by the general; inflating his mind, which was as weak as his body, with flattering speeches, telling him that he was a prince, a great man, and the grandson of Masinissa; that if Jugurtha were taken or killed, he would immediately become king of Numidia; and that this event might soon happen, if he himself were sent as consul to the war. Thus partly the influence of Marius himself, and partly the hope of obtaining peace, induced Gauda, as well as most of the Roman knights, both soldiers and merchants, to write to their friends at Rome, in a style of censure, respecting Metellus's management of the war, and to intimate that Marius should be appointed general. The consulship, accordingly, was solicited for him by numbers of people, with the most honorable demonstrations in his favor. It happened that the people too, at this juncture, having just triumphed over the nobility by the Mamilian law, were eager to raise commoners to office. Hence every thing was favorable to Marius's views.
66	Interim Iugurtha , postquam omissa deditione bellum incipit , cum magna cura parare omnia , festinare : cogere exercitum ; civitatis , quae ab se defecerant , formidine aut ostentando praemia affectare ; communire suos locos , arma tela aliaque , quae spe pacis amiserat , reficere aut commercari ; servitia Romanorum allicere et eos ipsos , qui in praesidiis erant , pecunia temptare ; prorsus nihil intactum neque quietum pati , cuncta agitare . Igitur Vagenses , quo Metellus initio Iugurtha pacificante praesidium imposuerat , fatigati regis suppliciis neque antea voluntate alienati , principes civitatis inter se coniurant . Nam uulgus , uti plerumque solet et maxime Numidarum , ingenio mobili , seditiosum atque discordiosum erat , cupidum novarum rerum , quieti et otio aduersum . Dein compositis inter se rebus in diem tertium constituunt , quod is festus celebratusque per omnem Africam ludum et lasciuiam magis quam formidinem ostentabat . Sed ubi tempus fuit , centuriones tribunosque militaris et ipsum praefectum oppidi T . Turpilium Silanum alius alium domos suas inuitant . Eos omnis praeter Turpilium inter epulas obtruncant , postea milites palantis inermos , quippe in tali die ac sine imperio , aggrediuntur . Idem plebes facit , pars edocti ab nobilitate , alii studio talium rerum incitati , quis acta consiliumque ignorantibus tumultus ipse et res novae satis placebant .	Jugurtha, meantime, who, after relinquishing his intention to surrender, had renewed the war, was now hastening the preparations for it with the utmost diligence. He assembled an army; he endeavored, by threats or promises, to recover the towns that had revolted from him; he fortified advantageous positions; he repaired or purchased arms, weapons, and other necessaries, which he had given up on the prospect of peace; he tried to seduce the slaves of the Romans, and even tempted with bribes the Romans themselves who occupied the garrisons; he, indeed, left nothing untried or neglected, but put every engine in motion. Induced by the entreaties of their king, from whom, indeed, they had never been alienated in affection, the leading inhabitants of Vacca, a city in which Metellus, when Jugurtha began to treat for peace, had placed a garrison, entered into a conspiracy against the Romans. As for the common people of the town, they were, as is generally the case, and especially among the Numidians, of a fickle disposition, factious and turbulent, and therefore already desirous of a change, and adverse to peace and quiet. Having arranged their plans, they fixed upon the third day following for the execution of them, because that day, being a festival, celebrated throughout Africa, would promise merriment and dissipation rather than alarm. When the time came, they invited the centurions and military tribunes, with Titus Turpilius Silanus, the governor of the town, to their several houses, and butchered them all, except Turpilius, at their banquets; and then fell upon the common soldiers, who, as was to be expected on such a day, when discipline was relaxed, were wandering about without their arms. The populace followed the example of their chiefs, some of them having been previously instructed to do so, and others induced by a liking for such disorders, and, though ignorant of what had been done or intended, finding sufficient gratification in tumult and variety.
67	Romani milites , improuiso metu incerti ignarique , quid potissimum facerent , trepidare . Arce oppidi , ubi signa et scuta erant , praesidium hostium , portae ante clausae fuga prohibebant ; ad hoc mulieres puerique pro tectis aedificiorum saxa et alia , quae locus praebebat , certatim mittere . Ita neque caueri anceps malum neque a fortissimis infirmissimo generi resisti posse : iuxta boni malique , strenui et inbelles inulti obtruncari . In ea tanta asperitate saevissimis Numidis et oppido undique clauso Turpilius praefectus unus ex omnibus Italicis intactus profugit . Id misericordiane hospitis an pactione aut casu ita evenerit , parum comperimus , nisi , quia illi in tanto malo turpis vita integra fama potior fuit , improbus intestabilisque videtur .	The Roman soldiers, perplexed with sudden alarm, and not knowing what was best for them to do, were in trepidation. At the citadel, where their standards and shields were, was posted a guard of the enemy; and the city-gates, previously closed, prevented escape. Women and children, too, on the roofs of the houses, hurled down upon them, with great eagerness, stones and whatever else their position furnished. Thus neither could such twofold danger be guarded against, nor could the bravest resist the feeblest; the worthy and the worthless, the valiant and the cowardly, were alike put to death unavenged. In the midst of this slaughter, while the Numidians were exercising every cruelty, and the town was closed on all sides, Turpilius was the only one, of all the Italians, that escaped unhurt. Whether his flight was the consequence of compassion in his entertainer, of compact, or of chance, I have never discovered; but since, in such a general massacre, he preferred inglorious safety to an honorable name, he seems to have been a worthless and infamous character.
68	Metellus postquam de rebus Vagae actis comperit , paulisper maestus ex conspectu abit . Deinde ubi ira et aegritudo permixta sunt , cum maxima cura ultum ire iniurias festinat . legionem , cum qua hiemabat , et quam plurimos potest Numidas equites pariter cum occasu solis expeditos educit et postera die circiter hora tertia pervenit in quandam planitiem locis paulo superioribus circumventam . Ibi milites fessos itineris magnitudine et iam abnuentis omnia docet oppidum Vagam non amplius mille passuum abesse , decere illos relicuum laborem aequo animo pati , dum pro civibus suis , viris fortissimis atque miserrimis , poenas caperent ; praeterea praedam benigne ostentat . Sic animis eorum arrectis equites in primo late , pedites quam artissime ire et signa occultare iubet .	When Metellus heard of what had happened at Vacca, he retired for a time, overpowered with sorrow, from the public gaze; but at length, as indignation mingled with his grief, he hastened, with the utmost spirit, to take vengeance for the outrage. He led forth, at sunset, the legion that was in winter quarters with him, and as many Numidian horse as he could, and arrived, about the third hour on the following day, at a certain plain surrounded by rising grounds. Here he acquainted the soldiers, who were now exhausted with the length of their march, and averse to further exertion, that the town of Vacca was not above a mile distant, and that it became them to bear patiently the toil that remained, with the hope of exacting revenge for their countrymen, the bravest and most unfortunate of men. He likewise generously promised them the whole of the plunder. Their courage being thus revived, he ordered them to resume their march, the cavalry maintaining an extended line in front, and the infantry, with their standards concealed, keeping the closest order behind.
69	Vagenses ubi animum aduertere ad se versum exercitum pergere , primo , uti erat res , Metellum esse rati portas clausere ; deinde ubi neque agros vastari et eos , qui primi aderant , Numidas equites vident , rursum Iugurtham arbitrati cum magno gaudio obvii procedunt . Equites peditesque repente signo dato alii uulgum effusum oppido caedere , alii ad portas festinare , pars turris capere : ira atque praedae spes amplius quam lassitudo posse . Ita Vagenses biduum modo ex perfidia laetati ; civitas magna et opulens cuncta poenae aut praedae fuit . Turpilius , quem praefectum oppidi unum ex omnibus profugisse supra ostendimus , iussus a Metello causam dicere , postquam sese parum expurgat , condemnatus verberatusque capite poenas soluit ; nam is civis ex Latio erat .	The people of Vacca, perceiving an army coming toward them, judged rightly at first that it was Metellus, and shut their gates; but, after a while, when they saw that their fields were not laid waste, and that the front consisted of Numidian cavalry, they imagined that it was Jugurtha, and went out with great joy to meet him. A signal being immediately given, both cavalry and infantry commenced an attack; some cut down the multitude pouring from the town, others hurried to the gates, others secured the towers, revenge and the hope of plunder prevailing over their weariness. Thus Vacca triumphed only two days in its treachery; the whole city, which was great and opulent, was given up to vengeance and spoliation. Turpilius, the governor, whom we mentioned as the only person that escaped, was summoned by Metellus to answer for his conduct, and not being able to clear himself, was condemned, as a native of Latium, to be scourged and put to death.
70	Per idem tempus Bomilcar , cuius impulsu Iugurtha deditionem , quam metu deseruit , inceperat , suspectus regi et eum suspiciens novas res cupere , ad perniciem eius dolum quaerere , die noctuque fatigare animum . Denique omnia temptando socium sibi adiungit Nabdalsam , hominem nobilem , magnis opibus , clarum acceptumque popularibus suis , qui plerumque seorsum ab rege exercitum ductare et omnis res exequi solitus erat , quae Iugurthae fesso aut maioribus asstricto superauerant ; ex quo illi gloria opesque inventae . Igitur utriusque consilio dies insidiis statuitur ; cetera , uti res posceret , ex tempore parari placuit . Nabdalsa ad exercitum profectus , quem inter hiberna Romanorum iussus habebat , ne ager inultis hostibus vastaretur . Is postquam magnitudine facinoris perculsus ad tempus non venit metusque rem impediebat , Bomilcar , simul cupidus incepta patrandi et timore soci anxius , ne omisso uetere consilio nouum quaereret , litteras ad eum per homines fidelis mittit , in quis mollitiam socordiamque viri accusare , testari deos , per quos iurauisset , monere , ne praemia Metelli in pestem conuerteret : Iugurthae exitium adesse , ceterum suane an Metelli virtute periret , id modo agitari ; proinde reputaret cum animo suo , praemia an cruciatum mallet .	About this time, Bomilcar, at whose persuasion Jugurtha had entered upon the capitulation which he had discontinued through fear, being distrusted by the king, and distrusting him in return, grew desirous of a change of government. He accordingly meditated schemes for Jugurtha's destruction, racking his invention night and day. At last, to leave nothing untried, he sought an accomplice in Nabdalsa, a man of noble birth and great wealth, who was in high regard and favor with his countrymen, and who, on most occasions, used to command a body of troops distinct from those of the king, and to transact all business to which Jugurtha, from fatigue, or from being occupied with more important matters, was unable to attend ; employments by which he had gained both honors and wealth. By these two men in concert, a day was fixed for the execution of their treachery; succeeding matters they agreed to settle as the exigences of the moment might require. Nabdalsa then proceeded to join his troops, which he kept in readiness, according to orders, among the winter quarters of the Romans, to prevent the country from being ravaged by the enemy with impunity. But as Nabdalsa, growing alarmed at the magnitude of the undertaking, failed to appear at the appointed time, and allowed his fears to hinder their plans, Bomilcar, eager for their execution, and disquieted at the timidity of his associate, lest he should relinquish his original intentions and adopt some new course, sent him a letter by some confidential person, in which he "reproached him with pusillanimity and irresolution, and conjured him by the gods, by whom he had sworn, not to turn the offers of Metellus to his own destruction;" assuring him " that the fall of Jugurtha was approaching; that the only thing to be considered was whether he should perish by their hand or by that of Metellus; and that, in consequence, he might consider whether to choose rewards, or death by torture."
71	Sed cum eae litterae allatae , forte Nabdalsa exercito corpore fessus in lecto quiescebat , ubi cognitis Bomilcaris verbis primo cura , deinde , uti aegrum animum solet , somnus cepit . Erat ei Numida quidam negotiorum curator , fidus acceptusque et omnium consiliorum nisi novissimi particeps . Qui postquam allatas litteras audivit et ex consuetudine ratus opera aut ingenio suo opus esse in tabernaculum introiit , dormiente illo epistulam super caput in puluino temere positam sumit ac perlegit , dein propere cognitis insidiis ad regem pergit . Nabdalsa paulo post experrectus ubi neque epistulam repperit et rem omnem , uti acta erat , cognovit , primo indicem persequi conatus , postquam id frustra fuit , Iugurtham placandi gratia accedit ; dicit , quae ipse parauisset facere , perfidia clientis sui praeuenta ; lacrimans obtestatur per amicitiam perque sua antea fideliter acta , ne super tali scelere suspectum sese haberet .	It happened that when this letter was brought, Nabdalsa, overcome with fatigue, was reposing on his couch, where, after reading Bomilcar's letter, anxiety at first, and afterward, as is usual with a troubled mind, sleep overpowered him. In his service there was a certain Numidian, the manager of his affairs, a person who possessed his confidence and esteem, and who was acquainted with all his designs except the last. He, hearing that a letter had arrived, and supposing that there would be occasion, as usual, for his assistance or suggestions, went into the tent, and, while his master was asleep, took up the letter thrown carelessly upon the cushion behind his head, and read it; and, having thus discovered the plot, set off in haste to Jugurtha. Nabdalsa, who awoke soon after, missing the letter, and hearing of the whole affair, and how it had happened, at first attempted to pursue the informer, but finding that pursuit was vain, he went himself to Jugurtha to try to appease him; saying that the disclosure which he intended to make, had been anticipated by the perfidy of his servant; and beseeching him with tears, by his friendship, and by his own former proofs of fidelity, not to think that he could be guilty of such treachery.
72	Ad ea rex , aliter atque animo gerebat , placide respondit . Bomilcare aliisque multis , quos socios insidiarum cognoverat , interfectis iram oppresserat , ne qua ex eo negotio seditio oreretur . Neque post id locorum Iugurthae dies aut nox ulla quieta fuit : neque loco neque mortali cuiquam aut tempori satis credere , civis hostisque iuxta metuere , circumspectare omnia et omni strepitu pauescere , alio atque alio loco , saepe contra decus regium , noctu requiescere , interdum somno excitus arreptis armis tumultum facere : ita formidine quasi vecordia exagitari .	To these entreaties the king replied with a mildness far different from his real feelings. After putting to death Bomilcar, and many others whom he knew to be privy to the plot, he refrained from any further manifestation of resentment, lest an insurrection should be the consequence of it. But after this occurrence he had no peace either by day or by night; he thought himself safe neither in any place, nor with any person, nor at any time; he feared his subjects and his enemies alike; he was always on the watch, and was startled at every sound; he passed the night sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another, and often in places little suited to royal dignity; and sometimes, starting from his sleep, he would seize his arms and raise an alarm. He was indeed so agitated by extreme terror, that he appeared under the influence of madness.