No matter: the Princeps stood pre-eminent, in virtue of prestige and authority tremendous and not to be defined. […] Yet two men stood out in this year of another’s consulate and public glory, shaming the mediocrity of their elders. […] The Optimates stood sorely in need of a leader. […] Now, in the summer of the year, Caesar stood for the consulate backed by Crassus’ wealth, and in concert with L. […] The memory of Sulla was loathed even by those who stood by the order he had established.