A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

6. CORNELIUS, a centurion in the army of young Octavianus, was at the head of the embassy sent to Rome in B. C. 43, to demand in the name of the army the consulship for their general. When the senate hesitated to comply with their demands, Cornelius threw back his cloak, and pointing to the hilt of his sword, exclaimed, "This shall make him consul, if you won't." (Suet. Aug. 26.)