1But the report of so great a crime is soon spread throughout all Africa. 1Fear seizes Adherbal and all who had been under Micipsa's rule. 1The Numidians split into two parties: the greater number follow Adherbal, but the better soldiers the other man. 2So Jugurtha arms the largest forces he can, adds cities to his rule, some by force, others by their consent, and prepares to rule all Numidia. 3Adherbal, although he had sent envoys to Rome to inform the senate of his brother's murder and of his own fortunes, nevertheless, relying on the number of his soldiers, was preparing to contend in arms. 4But when it came to a contest, he was defeated and fled from the battle into the province, and from there hastened to Rome.
5Then Jugurtha, his plans accomplished, once he was master of all Numidia, reflecting at leisure on his crime, began to fear the Roman people and to have no hope anywhere against its anger except in the greed of the nobility and his own money. 6And so a few days later he sends envoys to Rome with much gold and silver, and instructs them first to satisfy his old friends with gifts, then to win new ones, and finally not to hesitate to secure by bribery whatever they could. 7But when the envoys came to Rome and, in accordance with the king's instructions, sent great gifts to his hosts and to others whose influence was strong in the senate at that time, so great a change took place that Jugurtha passed from the greatest unpopularity into the goodwill and favour of the nobility.
8Some of these, induced by hope, others by reward, strove by canvassing the senators one by one to prevent any harsher measure being decided against him. 9Accordingly, when the envoys feel confident enough, on an appointed day a hearing of the senate is given to both sides. 9Then, we are told, Adherbal spoke in this way: