30. The poorest rank of soldiers possessed above forty
pounds sterling (Dionys, Halicarn, iv. 17), a very high
qualification, at a time when money was so scarce, that an
ounce of silver was equivalent to seventy pound weight of
brass. The populace, excluded by the ancient constitution,
were indiscriminately admitted by Marius. Sallust. de Bell.
Jugurth. c. 91.