“Sulla in 82 B. C. ,. he withdrew from active politics for several years. By 70 B. C. , however, he had become a favorite of the people, and one of its most influential leaders. He rose rapidly through the various grades of office, being made in succession quaestor, aedile, pontifex maximus (a life-office), praetor, and finally consul in 59 B. C.”