XVI.
FROM CATULLUS. (III)
TO CAPE SIRMIO.
ιεμενος και καπνον αποθρωσκοντα νοησαι
ης γαιης, θανεειν ιμειρεται . . .
Sirmio, darling of all capes that lie
Isled in either ocean quietly:
Darling of all islands thro' the sea,
With how deep a joy I turn to thee!
So late labouring o'er Bithynia's plain,
Scarce I think I see thee yet again.
—O what sweeter than toils closed—and so,
When the soul lays down the weight and woe
Worn abroad,—and we are home, and blest,
On that oft-remember'd couch at rest!
All we gain from all—enough—and more!—
—Hail, fair Sirmio, hail thy lord ashore—
Smile, sweet lake, through liquid lines of foam;
Laugh, whatever laughters haunt my home!
