1The envoys came hurrying to Africa, all the more because at Rome, while they were preparing to set out, news was heard of the battle that had been fought and of the siege of Cirta; 1but the rumour was a mild one. 2When he had heard their address, Jugurtha replied that nothing was greater or dearer to him than the authority of the senate. 2From his youth he had striven to win the approval of all the best men; 2it was by merit, not by wickedness, that he had pleased Publius Scipio, a very great man; 2it was for the same qualities, not for want of children, that he had been adopted by Micipsa into the kingship.
3But the more he had done well and vigorously, the less his spirit could bear an injury. 4Adherbal had plotted treacherously against his life; 4when he had discovered this, he had moved to counter his crime. 4The Roman people would act neither rightly nor properly if they kept him from the law of nations. 4Finally, he would soon send envoys to Rome about the whole matter. 5So the two parties separated. 5There was no opportunity of addressing Adherbal.