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.
