Dolabella was ably defended by orators on the other side, and was, of course, acquitted, for the power of Sylla's party was still supreme.

All Rome, however, was aroused and excited by the boldness of Caesar's attack, and by the extraordinary ability which he evinced in his mode of conducting it.

He became, in fact, at once one of the most conspicuous and prominent men in the city.
[Sidenote: Caesar's increasing power.] Encouraged by his success, and the applauses which he received, and feeling every day a greater and greater consciousness of power, he began to assume more and more openly the character of the leader of the popular party.

He devoted himself to public speaking in the Forum, both before popular assemblies and in the courts of justice, where he was employed a great deal as an advocate to defend those who were accused of political crimes.

The people, considering him as their rising champion, were predisposed to regard every thing that he did with favor, and there was really a great intellectual power displayed in his orations and harangues.