A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

11. Cn.CorneliusLentulus, L. F. L. N. (Fasti Cap. A. U. 552); perhaps son of No. 8, since we find him designated as L. f. L. n.; though, on the other hand, his praenomen Cneius, and the absence of the agnomen Caudinus, are opposed to this connection. He was quaestor in B. C. 212; curule aedile with his brother (No. 12) in 204; consul in 201 (Liv. 25.17, 29.11, 30.40, 44). He wished for the province of Africa, that he might conclude the war with Carthage; but this wellearned glory was reserved for Scipio by the senate. Lentulus had the command of the fleet on the coast of Sicily, with orders to pass over to Africa if necessary. Scipio used to say, that but for Lentulus's greediness he should have destroyed Carthage. (Liv. 30.40-44.) Cn. Lentulus was proconsul in Hither Spain in B. C. 199, and had an ovation for his services. (Id. 31.50, 33.27.)