Dulce Domum, An Old Latin Ode.

DULCE DOMUM,

AN OLD LATIN ODE.

SUNG ANNUALLY BY THE WINCHESTER BOYS UPON LEAVING COLLEGE AT THE VACATION.

[Translated at the Request of DR. JOSEPH WARTON.]

LOV'D Companions, let us sing! Wake the dear according string — Come, with gladness fill the dome, Pour the happy song of Home.

CHORUS.

Now, sweet Home! our steps are free; Now, sweet Home! we fly to thee! Let the vaulted roofs resound Sacred Home, with blessings crown'd!

Learning, thorny are thy ways, Thought is weary of the maze; Let us seek awhile the goal Where affection rests her soul!

Now, O toiling Muse, repose; Muse! the classic volume close: — Bid the cares of study cease, Give the vacant hours to peace!

Joyful with the smiling year, We will smile, for Home is near! — Strangers will our song repeat — Strangers feel that Home is sweet!

Bring, O bring th' impatient steed, Let us to the threshold speed, Where we shed the tear of bliss, Where we meet a mother's kiss!

Home of childhood! swell the strain, While we hail thy gates again! Why, Aurora, thus delay? Slothful goddess, give the day!