Lives through all life, extends through all extent,
Spreads undivided, operates unspent.”
Ennius, however, whose compositions thus appear to have been formed entirely on Greek originals, has not more availed himself of these writings than Virgil has profited by the works of Ennius. The prince of Latin Poets has often imitated long passages, and sometimes copied whole lines, from the Father of Roman Song. This has been shown, in a close comparison, by Macrobius, in his Saturnalia[211].
Ennius, Book 1.
“Qui cœlum versat stellis fulgentibus aptum.”
Virgil, Book 6.
“Axem humero torquet stellis ardentibus aptum.”
Ennius, 1.
“Est locus Hesperiam quam mortales perhibebant.”
Virgil, 1.