1So Metellus, when he learned from deserters of the fate of Bomilcar and of the plot's disclosure, again prepared and hastened everything as if for a war begun afresh. 2Marius, who kept pressing him about leaving, he sent home, thinking him of little use, since he was both unwilling and at odds with him. 3And at Rome the commons, on learning of the letters that had been sent about Metellus and Marius, had received what was said about both willingly. 4For the commander his noble birth, which before had been an honour, was a source of ill will; 4but to the other his humble origin had added favour. 4However, in the case of each man party feeling rather than his own good or bad qualities was decisive.
5Besides, factious magistrates stirred up the mob, accused Metellus of capital crimes at every public meeting, and praised Marius' merits beyond the truth. 6At last the commons were so inflamed that all the craftsmen and countrymen, whose fortunes and credit rested on their hands, left their work and thronged around Marius and put their own necessities after his advancement. 7So, with the nobility routed, after many years the consulship was entrusted to a new man. 7And afterwards the people, asked by the tribune of the commons Titus Manlius Mancinus whom they wished to wage war with Jugurtha, in great numbers voted for Marius. 7But a little ... 7had decreed: that measure came to nothing.