1'I never thought it would come about that I, the greatest king in this land and of all whom I know, should owe gratitude to a private man. 2And by Hercules, Sulla, before I knew you, I gave help to many at their request and to others of my own accord, needing no one's help myself. 3That this is diminished, a thing which others usually lament, I rejoice. 3Let my having been in need for once be the price of your friendship, than which nothing is dearer to my heart. 3This indeed you may put to the test. 4Arms, men, money, in short whatever you please, take it, use it, and as long as you live, never think that my gratitude has been repaid: it will always remain undiminished with me; 4in short, nothing you wish for, if I know of it, will you wish for in vain.
5For, as I judge, it is less disgraceful for a king to be outdone in arms than in generosity. 6But hear in a few words about your commonwealth, whose agent you have been sent here. 6I neither made war on the Roman people nor ever wished it to be made; 6but I defended my borders with arms against armed men. 7This I let pass, since such is your wish. 7Wage what war you will with Jugurtha. 8I shall not cross the river Muluccha, which was the boundary between me and Micipsa, nor shall I allow Jugurtha to enter. 8Besides, if you ask for anything worthy of me and of you, you will not go away refused.'