Neither chose to begin; so that the most fatal consequences were likely to arise from their dissension.

At length Crassus, stifling his resentment, laid down his command; and the other followed his example immediately after.

3.
The next trial between them was, who should be foremost in obtaining the favour of the people.

Crassus entertained the populace at a thousand tables, distributed corn to the families of the poor, and fed the greatest part of the citizens for nearly three months.

Pompey, on the other hand, laboured to abrogate the laws made against the authority of the people by Sylla; restored to the knights the power of judging, which had been formerly granted them by Gracchus; and gave back to the tribunes all their former privileges.4.Thus each gave his private aims an appearance of zeal for the public good; so that what was in reality ambition in both, took with one the name of liberality; with the other, that of a love of freedom.
5.