VERRES had been a follower of Sulla, and during the proscriptions had
amassed some property. Afterwards he held official positions in Greece
and Asia, where he became notorious for his greediness and cruelty.
With the money thus acquired, he had bought his election to the
praetorship, became Senator, and was sent by his colleagues to govern
Sicily. His government there may have been no worse than that of many
other proconsuls in the different provinces, but we have a fuller
account of it owing to the prosecution of Cicero, whose speeches
against Verres are preserved.

Verres was Governor of Sicily for three years. In his official
position, he was judge of all civil and criminal cases. Every suit
brought before him he gave to the party that could pay him best.
Property was confiscated on false charges, and works of art of great
value were stolen. By such a course Verres collected, it is said,
property to the value of $4,000,000. Two thirds of this he expected to
spend in silencing accusations. The rest he hoped to enjoy in peace,
but Cicero's eloquence forced him to abandon his defence and retire
into exile.

It was about this time that Caesar finished his rhetorical studies
abroad, and returned home. He was elected Military Tribune as a reward
for what he had accomplished in Caria. Two years later, in 68, he was
elected Quaestor, thereby acquiring a seat in the Senate. At this time
his aunt Julia died, and, as one of her nearest relatives, he
delivered the funeral oration.

Caesar was now beginning to know Pompey, and saw that their interests
were common. The latter, although but six years older, was already a
great man and a distinguished soldier. Cornelia, Caesar's wife, died,