1So Jugurtha, contrary to royal dignity, came to Rome with Cassius in the most pitiable dress possible. 2And although there was great strength of spirit in the man himself, encouraged by all those through whose power or criminality he had done all the things we have described above, he secured Gaius Baebius, a tribune of the plebs, at a great price, so that by his shamelessness he might be protected against the law and against all harm. 3But Gaius Memmius called a public meeting, and although the plebs was hostile to the king and some were demanding that he be led off in chains, others that, unless he revealed the partners in his crime, he should be punished as an enemy in the manner of their ancestors, he, considering dignity rather than anger, calmed their agitation and soothed their minds, and finally assured them that the public pledge would, as far as he was concerned, be inviolate.
4Then, when silence fell, he brought Jugurtha forward and spoke, recounting his deeds at Rome and in Numidia and setting out his crimes against his father and brothers. 4With whose help and through whose agency he had done these things, although the Roman people understood, still they wished to have it more clearly from him. 4If he revealed the truth, great hope lay for him in the good faith and clemency of the Roman people; 4but if he kept silent, he would not save his accomplices, but would ruin himself and his hopes.