The Aeneid

The Aeneid is an epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil that told the story of the Trojan Aeneas who traveled to Italy to become the forefather of the Roman people.

In the mid-22nd century, a quote from The Aeneid, "audentes fortuna juvat" (Book 10, line 284), appeared on the 's dedication plaque. Translated into the English language as "Fortune favors the bold," this quote became an Earth proverb. ( set artwork)

Prior to traveling back in time to the 20th century aboard the HMS Bounty, James T. Kirk cited a variation of this quote to himself, stating "May fortune favor the foolish," moments before giving the order to engage the slingshot effect. 

The saying was also cited by Benjamin Sisko when he launched his assault to recapture Deep Space 9 in early 2374. 

Leonard McCoy paraphrased The Aeneid when he brought birthday presents (including Romulan ale) to Kirk, announcing "beware Romulans bearing gifts."