CAIUS GRACCHUS. 533 burden ; the senate found their request reasonable, and ordered the general to find some other way of new cloth- ing the army. While he was at a loss what course to take in this affair, the soldiers were reduced to great dis- tress ; but Caius went from one city to another, and by his mere representations, he prevailed with them, that of their own accord they clothed the Roman army. This again being reported to Rome, and seeming to be only an intimation of what was to be expected of him as a popular leader hereafter, raised new jealousies amongst the senators. And, besides, there came ambassadors out of Africa from king Micipsa, to acquaint the senate, that their master, out of respect to Caius Gracchus, had sent a considerable quantity of corn to the general in Sardinia ; at which the senators were so much offended, that they turned the ambassadors out of the senate house, and made an order that the soldiers should be relieved by sending others in their room ; but that Orestes should continue at his post, with whom Caius, also, as they presumed, being his qusestor, would remain. But he, finding how things were carried, immediately in anger took ship for Rome, where his unexpected appearance obtained him the censure not only of his enemies, but also of the people ; who thought it strange that a quaestor should leave before his com- mander. Nevertheless, when some accusation Upon this ground was made against him to the censors, he desired leave to defend himself, and did it so effectually, that, when he ended, he was regarded as one who had been very much injured. He made it then appear, that, he had served twelve years in the army, whereas others are obliged to serve only ten ; that he had continued quaestor to the general three years,* whereas he might by law
- Two years is the correct the original words as quoted by
amount, if not the true reading. Aulus Gellius, Noctes Attics, xv. " Biemiium fui in provincia," are 12, where there are some remark-
