(Lucius Cornelius), was descended from the illustrious family of the Scipios. His behaviour in his younger years by no means corresponded with the excellent education which he had received. But debauchery, instead of bringing along with it infamy and ruin, its usual attendants, served only to increase the wealth of this fortunate Roman; for Nocopolis, a rich courtezan, whose affections he had gained, left him heir to her great estate.—He learned the art of war under Marius, whom he attended to Numidia in quality of quæstor. Though hitherto unaccustomed to arms, he became in a short time the most skilful soldier in the army, while by his polite and obliging behaviour he gained the love and esteem of everybody. His courage and dexterity contributed a great deal towards the success of the war; it was his eloquence in particular that prevailed Bocchus to deliver up Jugurtha. He served afterwards in the social war, where his actions entirely eclipsed those of every other commander. As a reward for this conduct he was raised to the praetorship. It is pretended by some that Sylla purchased this dignity; and that when he threatened one day to make use of the powers of his office against Strabo the father of Pompey, that Roman replied with a smile, "You are in the right to say so; your office is certainly yours, since you purchased it." Be this as it may,

Vol. XVIII. Part I.