In the first list eighty persons were proscribed, and for a moment Rome dreamed that there would be no more dread uncertainty, that the end of the death sentences had at least come in sight. But the horror in the city was but heightened by the proscriptions, when the first list was followed by another, and yet another. Moreover, an edict was published, saying that if any one dared to give shelter or food to a proscribed person he would be punished with death. While, if any one killed a person whose name was on the list of the condemned, he would be rewarded. The property of those who perished was forfeited, and in this way Sulla and his friends soon grew rich. These cruel proscriptions remain for ever a blot on Sulla’s fame. For one hundred and twenty years there had been no Dictator. But now Sulla determined to become the ruler of Rome under that name. In other times a Dictator was elected only for six months, but Sulla had no intention of abdicating in so short a time. He meant to remain Dictator as long as he wished. The tyrant was of course elected, for no one dared to resist his will. He took the title toward the end of 82 B.C., and held it for about three years. But there was one man in Rome whose influence was fast increasing, and he was not afraid of Sulla. This was Pompey. Pompey had been sent to Africa by Sulla, and in forty days had defeated the enemies of Rome, and restored the King of Numidia to his throne. When the successful general returned Sulla went out to meet him at the head of a great procession, and welcomed him as Magnus, or the Great. And the name clung to him, for from that time he was known as Pompey the Great. But when Pompey claimed a triumph, Sulla was not pleased, and refused to grant it. Pompey knew that he was liked by the people, while Sulla ruled only because he had inspired them with terror. It would not be long in the Dictator’s power to refuse his claim. ‘More worship the rising than the setting sun,’ he murmured, and those around him who heard these bold words were startled. Sulla, seeing their amazement, demanded what Pompey had said. On being told, he cried out testily: ‘Let him triumph, let him triumph.’ In 79 B.C. Sulla, to the surprise and relief of Rome, laid down his Dictatorship, and retired to a beautiful villa he had built near Cumæ. Here he employed his time in entertaining men of letters and artists, and in writing his memoirs. He died in 78 B.C., while his memoirs were still unfinished. [Illustration: Lists of those who were doomed were hung up in the Forum.] CHAPTER C THE GLADIATORS’ REVOLT Six years after the death of Sulla, while Pompey was in Spain, putting down an insurrection, the gladiators revolted.