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VPon this, he himselfe within some few dayes after, marched in∣to Numidia with a well appointed and spleenefull Army: where contrary to the apparance of warre, the Cottages were full of Inhabitants: Cattell and Husband-men were fre∣quent in the fields: out of the townes, and Country houses, the Kings Officers came forth to meet him:
being ready to puruey Corne, to bring victuals, and finally, to doe what∣soeuer they were com∣manded. Neuerthelesse, Metellus, no otherwise then if the enemy had bin present, aduanceth with his Army strongly guar∣ded, he discouereth all places farre and nigh, he beleeueth those shewes of surrender to be ostenta∣tiue, and deuised to be∣tray him.
Therefore he himselfe with the light-armed Co∣horts, and a selected com∣pany of Slingers, and Ar∣chers, marched in the head of the Vanguard: in the Reare C. Martus his Lieutenāt had the charge
with the Cauallery: vpon both flankes he distribu∣ted the auxiliary Horse-men, to the Tribunes of Legions, and the Cap∣taines of Cohorts: pur∣posely, that the skirmi∣shers being mixt with these, wheresoeuer they aduanced, they might repulse the Enemies Horsemen: for in Iugurth there was so much cun∣ning, and such exact knowledge of places and souldiery, that whether he were more dangerous ab∣sent, or present, whether mannaging war or peace, it was held a thing doubtfull.
Seated there was not far from the way, where Metellus iourneyed, a town
of the Numidians, na∣med Vacca: the most fa∣mous Marte of all the Kingdome for commo∣dities, which were to bee sold, whereas many of the Italian Nation were wont both to inhabite & trade. Here the Consull as well for tryals sake, as also for that the accom∣modations of the place would well beare it, im∣posed a Garrison: besides, he gaue orders for the im∣porting of graine, and other prouisions vsefull in warre: supposing that which the occasiō did pre∣monish, that the conflu∣ence of marchants and vi∣ctuals would be a meanes to releeue his Army, and
that now being prouided of things necessary, it would serue for a place of defence.
During these occur∣rences, Iugurth in a more serious manner sendeth his suppliant Ambassa∣dours, to intreate for peace: besides his owne and his childrens life, he submitteth all things else to Metellus: whom temp∣ted alike, as the former, to disloyalty, the Consull dismissed: the peace, which the King requested, hee neither denyed nor gran∣ted; and betweene these delayes hee expected the issue of the Ambassadours promises.
Iugurth, as soone as hee
ballanced Metellus words and deedes together, and saw himselfe assayled with his owne sleights; as vnto whom a peace was verball, and promised, but indeed a most cruell warre was meant: a great Citty be∣ing alienated; the Coun∣try discouered by the ene∣mies, and the affections of his Confederates soun∣ded: hee resolued to try his fortune by Armes, be∣ing inforced thereunto, through the necessity of his affaires.
Thereupon the enemies passage being discouered, he growing hopefull from the opportunity of the place, raiseth as great Forces, as he could, of all
sortes, and through vn∣known bywayes ouermar∣ched Metellus Army.