GO CAIUS MARIUS.

one that was absent, or that had not waited a certain time after his first consulship, to be again created. But the people rejected all opposers ; for they considered this was not the first time that the law gave place to the common interest; nor the present occasion less urgent than that when, contrary to law, they made Scipio consul, not in fear for the destruction of their own city, but de- siring the ruin of that of the Carthaginians. Thus it was decided ; and Marius, bringing over his legions out of Africa on the very first day of January, which the Romans count the beginning of the year, re- ceived the consulship, and then, also, entered in triumph, showing Jugurtha a prisoner to the people, a sight they had despaired of ever beholding, nor could any, so long as he lived, hope to reduce the enemy in Africa ; so fer- tile in expedients was he to adapt himself to every turn of fortune, and so bold as well as subtle. When, how- ever, he was led in triumph, it is said that he fell dis- tracted, and when he was afterwards thrown into prison, where some tore off his clothes by force, and others, whilst they struggled for his golden ear-ring, with it pulled off the tip of his ear, and when he was, after this, cast naked into the dungeon, in his amazement and confusion, with a ghastly laugh, he cried out, " Hercules ! how cold your bath is ! " Here for six days struggling with hunger, and to the very last minute desirous of life, he was over- taken by the just reward of his villanies. In this triumph was brought, as is stated, of gold three thousand and seven pounds weight, of silver bullion five thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, of money in gold and silver coin two hundred and eighty-seven thousand drachmas. After the solemnity, Marius called together the senate in the capitol, and entered, whether through inadvertency or unbecoming exultation with his good fortune, in his triumphal habit; but presently observing the senate