1So, hampered by that resentment, and because it seemed folly to manage another man's business at his own risk, he sent envoys to Bocchus to demand that he should not become an enemy of the Roman people without cause: he now had a great opportunity of forming an alliance and friendship, which would be better than war, and although he trusted his own resources, he ought not to exchange the certain for the uncertain. 1Every war was easily taken up, but ended only with the greatest difficulty; 1its beginning and its end did not lie in the power of the same man; 1anyone, even a coward, might start one, but it was laid down when the victors wished.
1He should therefore look to the interests of himself and his kingdom, and not mix his own flourishing fortunes with the ruined fortunes of Jugurtha. 2To this the king replied calmly enough: he wanted peace, but he pitied Jugurtha's fortunes; 2if the same opportunity were given to Jugurtha, everything would be agreed. 3The commander in turn sent messengers in answer to Bocchus' demands; 3he accepted some points and rejected others. 3In this way, with messengers often sent and sent back by each side, time went by, and, as Metellus wished, the war was dragged out untouched.