It was a consul whom he thus impeached, and a strong partisan of Sylla's.

His name was Dolabella.

The people were astonished at his daring in thus raising the standard of resistance to Sylla's power, indirectly, it is true, but none the less really on that account.

When the trial came on, and Caesar appeared at the Forum, he gained great applause by the vigor and force of his oratory.

There was, of course, a very strong and general interest felt in the case; the people all seeming to understand that, in this attack on Dolabella, Caesar was appearing as their champion, and their hopes were revived at having at last found a leader capable of succeeding Marius, and building up their cause again.