To later Romans Ennius was the personification of the spirit of early Rome; by them he was called "The Father of Roman Poetry." We must remember how truly Greek he was in his point of view. He set the example for later Latin poetry by writing the first epic of Rome in Greek hexameter verses instead of in the old Saturnian verse. He made popular the doctrines of Euhemerus, and he was in general a champion of free thought and rationalism.

Let no one pay me honor with tears, nor celebrate my funeral rites with weeping.

The victor is not victorious if the vanquished does not consider himself so

Here is he laid to whom for daring deed, nor friend nor foe could render worthy meed.

Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men.

He who has two languages has two souls.

A true friend is tested in adversity.