Nor is it probable that Marius would have turned against his townsmen.

When Sulla's turn came, Cicero, though not absolutely connected with the Dictator, was, so to say, on his side in politics.

In going back even to this period we may use the terms Liberals and Conservatives for describing the two parties.

Marius was for the people; that is to say, he was opposed to the rule of the oligarchy, dispersed the Senate, and loved to feel that his own feet were on the necks of the nobility.

Of liberty, or rights, or popular institutions he recked nothing; but not the less was he supposed to be on the people's side.