a celebrated consul and Roman captain; had great wit, but a difficulty in expressing himself, which induced Manlius Imperiosus, his father, to keep him almost by force in the country. Pompey, tribune of the people, enraged at this instance of severity, formed a design of accusing Manlius the father before the judges; but Torquatus being informed of it, went to that tribune, and, with a poniard in his hand, made him swear, that he would not proceed in that accusation against him to whom he owed his life. At length Torquatus was made military tribune, and killed a soldier of the Gauls in single combat, from whom he took a gold chain that he wore about his neck. From this action he obtained the name of Torquatus. He was consul in the war against the Latins; when he ordered his own son to be beheaded for fighting contrary to his orders, though he had gained the victory. He conquered the enemies of the republic, and was several times made consul; but at last refused the consulship, saying, That it was no more possible for him to bear with the vices of the people, than it was for the people to bear with his ferocity.