At length he was hemmed in on the eastern coast of Italy by three separate armies, which were gradually advancing against him, with a certainty, as they thought, of effecting his destruction.

Sylla, hearing of Pompey's danger, made great efforts to march to his rescue.

Before he reached the place, however, Pompey had met and defeated one after another of the armies of his enemies, so that, when Sylla approached, Pompey marched out to meet him with his army drawn up in magnificent array, trumpets sounding and banners flying, and with large bodies of disarmed troops, the prisoners that he had taken, in the rear.

Sylla was struck with surprise and admiration; and when Pompey saluted him with the title of _Imperator_, which was the highest title known to the Roman constitution, and the one which Sylla's lofty rank and unbounded power might properly claim, Sylla returned the compliment by conferring this great mark of distinction on him.
[Sidenote: His rising fame.] [Sidenote: Pompey's modesty.] Pompey proceeded to Rome, and the fame of his exploits, the singular fascination of his person and manners, and the great favor with Sylla that he enjoyed, raised him to a high degree of distinction.

He was not, however, elated with the pride and vanity which so young a man would be naturally expected to exhibit under such circumstances.