Lucius Papirius Cursor

"A soldier must rely on his sword and his courage, and not waste time adorning himself with gold and silver. ... A soldier must adorn himself with his valour."

Lucius Papirius Cursor 

(Livius, The History of Rome, Book IX, 40)

Lucius Papirius Cursor was a 4th century BC Roman general and politician who was Roman consul five times and dictator twice. He was a member of the patrician gens Papiria of ancient Rome. Considered the best general of the Second Samnite War (326 BC - 304 BC), Cursor was noted for his strict discipline, immense bodily strength and undisputed bravery. He was given the cognomen Cursor, meaning "The Runner", because he was able to walk over 50 Roman miles a day in full marching order and demanded the same from his soldiers. According to Livius, in his day no one was able to outrun him. During his consulship he issued the Lex Poetelia-Papiria abolishing debt bondage for Roman citizens. His son of the same name was also a distinguished general; he completed the subjection of Samnium in 272 BC.