Ennius, Annals fr. 525

Born at Rudiae in southern Italy in 239 BC, Ennius became a Roman citizen in 184.

nos sumus Romani, qui fuimus ante Rudini.

We, who were Rudians before, are now Romans.

Ennius, Annals 1.102-3

Romulus threatens to kill Remus for mocking him and leaping over his wall.

non pol homo quisquam faciet impune animatus
hoc quod tu: nam mi calido dabis sanguine poenas.

No man alive will do with impunity this thing which you have done. For you will make me recompense with your warm blood.

Ennius, Satires fr. 20 Courtney

numquam poëtor nisi podager.

I never write poetry, except when I’m suffering from gout.

Ennius, Annals 1.103

Another fragmentary poet from the early days of Roman literature, and another much-quoted line. Donatus, for example, gives it as an example of what we would call alliteration, a feature for which Ennius’ work was particularly noted.

o Tite tute Tati tibi tanta, tyranne, tulisti!

O Titus Tatius, you tyrant, you yourself took upon yourself such troubles!