Quintus Ennius
Quintus Ennius
Quintus Enniuswas a writer during the period of the Roman Republic, and is often considered the father of Roman poetry. He was an Oscanfrom Calabria. Although only fragments of his works survive, his influence in Latin literature was significant, particularly in his use of Greek literary models...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionPoet
apes beast
The ape, vilest of beasts, how like to us.
hate men hatred
Whom men fear they hate, and whom they hate, they wish dead
sweet home indulge-in
O friend unseen, unborn, unknown, Student of our sweet English tongue, I never indulge in poetics - Unless I am down with rheumatics.
deeds worthy daring
Here is he laid to whom for daring deed, nor friend nor foe could render worthy meed.
wise helping being-wise
He whose wisdom cannot help him, gets no good from being wise.
freedom liberty bears
That is true liberty, which bears a pure and firm breast.
true-friend adversity true-friend-is
A true friend is tested in adversity.
true-friend difficulty true-friend-is
A true friend is a friend when in difficulty
heart compassion clean
He hath freedom whoso beareth a clean and constant heart within.
men safety delay
One man by delay restored the state, for he preferred the public safety to idle report. [Lat., Unus homo nobis cunctando restituit rem, Non ponebat enim rumores ante salutem.]
men states saved
One man by delaying saved the state for us.
light giving way
He who civilly shows the way to one who has missed it, is as one who has lighted another's lamp from his own lamp; it none the less gives light to himself when it burns for the other.
real self joy
How can life be worth living, if devoid Of the calm trust reposed by friend in friend? What sweeter joy than in the kindred soul, Whose converse differs not from self-communion?
wise wisdom men
The wise man is wise in vain who cannot be wise to his own advantage. [Lat., Nequicquam sapere sapientem, qui ipse sibi prodesse non quiret.]