He had all along declared for the populace against the senate, and became their most favourite magistrate.29.

This consummate statesman began by offering his services to Pompey, promising to assist him in getting all his acts passed, notwithstanding the senate's opposition.

Pompey, pleased at the acquisition of a person of so much merit, readily granted him his confidence and protection.30.He next applied to Crassus, who, from former connections, was disposed to become still more nearly his friend.31.At length, finding them not averse to an union of interests, he took an opportunity of bringing them together; and, remonstrating with them on the advantages as well as the necessity of a reconciliation, he had art enough to persuade them to forget former animosities.32.A combination was thus formed, by which they agreed that nothing should be done in the commonwealth without their mutual concurrence and approbation.

This was called the first Trium'virate, by which we find the constitution weakened by a new interest which had not hitherto taken place, very different from that of the senate or the people, and yet dependent on both.
_Questions for Examination_.
1.

What followed on the death of Sylla?
2.