25. After a lapse of two years, this war having continued to rage with doubtful success, the senate began to reflect that, whether conquered or conquerors, the power of the Romans was in danger of being destroyed. 26. To soften, therefore, their compliance by degrees, they began by giving the freedom of the city to such of the Italian states as had not revolted. They then offered it to such as would lay down their arms. 27. This unexpected bounty had its effect; the allies, with mutual distrust, offered each a separate treaty; the senate took them one by one into favour, but gave the freedom of the city in such a manner, that, not being empowered to vote until all the other tribes had given their suffrages, they had very little weight in the constitution. 28. This destructive war being concluded, the senate began to think of turning their arms against Mithrida'tes, the most powerful and warlike monarch of the east.[4] 29. For this expedition Ma'rius had long been preparing, but Sylla had interest enough to get himself appointed to the expedition. Ma'rius, however, tried all his arts with the people to get his appointment reversed; and the command of the army, intended to oppose Mithrida'tes, was ordered to be transferred from Sylla to Ma'rius. 30. In consequence of this, Ma'rius immediately sent officers from Rome, to take the command in his name. But instead of being obeyed, the officers were slain, and Sylla was entreated by the army to lead them directly to take signal vengeance upon all his enemies at Rome. 31. Accordingly, his soldiers entered the city sword in hand, as a place taken by storm. Ma'rius and Sulpi'cius, at the head of a tumultuary body of their partisans, attempted to oppose their entrance; and the citizens themselves, who feared the sackage of the place, threw down stones and tiles from the houses upon the intruders. 32. So unequal a conflict lasted longer than could have been expected; at length Ma'rius and his party were obliged to seek safety by flight, after having vainly offered liberty to the slaves who would assist them. _Questions for Examination._ 1. Was this internal degeneracy of the Roman people accompanied by ill success abroad? 2. What signal victory did they obtain, and who was Jugurtha? 3. By what means did he obtain the crown? 4. How did he propitiate the Romans? 5. How did these commissoners? discharge their trust? 6. Was Jugurtha satisfied with this allotment? 7. Did this answer his purpose? 8. Did the Romans suffer this treachery to pass unpunished? 9. Did Jugurtha obey this summons? 10. Were hostilities commenced against him, and what was the result? 11. What was the condition of the army when Metellus assumed the command? 12. Did this deplorable state continue? 13. Did Metellus enjoy the fruits of his victories? 14. Who was Caius Marius? 15. What resolution did he adopt? 16. By what artifices did he succeed in his design? 17. What was the conduct of Marius in his new command?