Ennius

Quintus Ennius was a writer during the period of the Roman Republic, and is often considered the father of Roman poetry. Although only fragments of his works survive, his influence in Latin literature was significant.

Sourced

• On the tradtions and heros of ancient times stands firm the Roman state
  • Latin: "Moribus antiquis res stat Romana virisque"
  • "Annals", Book 18

• Fortune favours the bold.
  • Latin: Fortibus est fortuna viris data.
  • Annals, Book 7

• No sooner said than done - so acts your man of worth.
  • Annals, Book 9

• By delaying he preserved the state.
  • Quoted in Cicero's De Senectute, Book IV

• Let no one pay me honor with tears, nor celebrate my funeral rites with weeping.
  • Quoted in Cicero's De Senectute, Book XX

• The ape, vilest of beasts, how like to us.
  • Quoted in Cicero's De Natura Deorum, Book I, Ch. 35

• No one regards what is before his feet; we all gaze at the stars.
  • Iphigenia, from Cicero's De Divinatione, Book II, Ch. 13

• The idle mind knows not what it is it wants.
  • Iphigenia, from Cicero's De Divinatione, Book II, Ch. 13