38 For after the
powers of the tribunes, in the consulate of Cneius Pompey and Marcus Crassus,
had been fully restored, certain young men, of an ardent age and temper, having
obtained that high office, began to stir up the populace by inveighing against
the senate, and proceeded, in course of time, by means of largesses and
promises, to inflame them more and more; by which methods they became popular
and powerful. On the other hand, the most of the nobility opposed their
proceedings to the utmost; under pretence, indeed, of supporting the senate,
but in reality for their own aggrandizement. For, to state the truth in few
words whatever parties, during that period, disturbed the republic under
plausible pretexts, some, as if to defend the rights of the people, others, to
make the authority of the senate as great as possible, all, though affecting
concern for the public good, contended everyone for his own interest. In such
contests there was neither moderation nor limit; each party made a merciless
use of its successes.
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