his own. His slow movements gave time for Cinna to organize
his forces, and for other combatants to appear. Among Cinna's
supporters were Cn. Papirius Carbo, an active and turbulent
partisan, and Q. Sertorius, an officer who had done good service,
particularly under Marius. Above all, Marius himself started
from Africa and landed in Etruria. He had a few ships, and
quickly raised troops among the new citizens, and some planta-
tion-slaves also. What followed may be called the Marian
revolution, for Marius was the chief figure. The advance on
Rome was made in three divisions. A battle between Sertorius
and Pompeius was indecisive, and therefore in favour of the
assailants. The army of Pompeius did not care for the cause of
the old citizens, and discontent spread in the ranks. Marius
took Ostia, and cut off the city's supply of corn. Meanwhile the
Senate was hoping for aid from the South, where there were still
Italians who had been conquered by force of arms, but had not
as yet been allowed to benefit by the franchise-laws. They were
now offered the Roman citizenship. Metellus ( Pius, son of
Numidicus), who commanded an army of observation in those
parts, was ordered to come to terms with the Samnites and march
to the relief of Rome. It seems that the Samnites demanded a
guarantee that enfranchisement should mean perfect equality, and
that Metellus, in heart opposed to the concession, refused to give
it. So the Samnites joined the Marian side. Metellus led a
small force to Rome; but the aid from the South was quite
insufficient, and expected reinforcements from the North were
held in check by detachments of Marians.

416. Within the city there was a lack of cooperation between
the leaders which soon proved fatal. Pompeius was not in
earnest, but his death (perhaps murder) removed a bad adviser.
His men were deserting. Octavius, a refined and scrupulous
patriot, would not resort to desperate measures, such as arming
slaves. Metellus would not take command so as to supersede
the consul. The troops passed over to the enemy, and food was
scarce. Cinna's terms had to be accepted. He was reinstated
in the consulship, and allowed to enter Rome on the faith of a
mere promise to shew all possible mercy. He at once made the
Assembly repeal the outlawries enacted under Sulla. This done,
Marius consented to appear in the city. Octavius as consul
waited for his murderers; Metellus got away safe to Africa. Then

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