Dulce Domum Poem by Helen Maria Williams

AN OLD LATIN ODE.
SUNG ANNUALLY BY THE WlNCHESTER 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!


CHORUS.-Now, sweet Home, &c.

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


CHORUS.-Now, sweet Home, &c.

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


CHORUS.-Now, sweet Home, &c.

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!


CHORUS.-Now, sweet Home, &c.

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


CHORUS.-Now, sweet Home, &c.