1So Sulla, as was said above, after he came with the cavalry into Africa and into Marius' camp, though before raw and ignorant of war, became the most skilful of all in a short time. 2Besides, he addressed the soldiers kindly, granted favours to many at their request and to others of his own accord, accepted favours unwillingly but repaid them more promptly than a loan, himself asked repayment from no one, but rather worked to have as many as possible in his debt, joked and talked seriously with the humblest, was much present at the works, on the march and on watch, and did not meanwhile, as perverse ambition is wont to do, injure the reputation of the consul or of any good man, but only allowed no one to surpass him in counsel or in action, and outdid most.
4By these deeds and qualities he soon became very dear to Marius and the soldiers.