It was from the success, not from the justice, of their enterprises, that they expected the honors of a triumph.

In the use of victory, especially after they were no longer controlled by the commissioners of the senate, they exercised the most unbounded despotism.

When Pompey commanded in the East, he rewarded his soldiers and allies, dethroned princes, divided kingdoms, founded colonies, and distributed the treasures of Mithridates.

On his return to Rome, he obtained, by a single act of the senate and people, the universal ratification of all his proceedings.

[9] Such was the power over the soldiers, and over the enemies of Rome, which was either granted to, or assumed by, the generals of the republic.