19 APRIL 1913, Page 16

POETRY.

CATULLUS' HOME-COMING. (Canis. xxxs.) OF all the promontories and isles Salt seas or liquid lakes can show, For all their fresh or salt sea-miles, Fairest far is Sirmio.

With what deep and dear emotion Tread I once again thy strand, Scarcely crediting that ocean And the loathly foreign land Lie behind me, and I know, Safe at last, my Sirmio.

What better boon to man is granted Than thus to cast aside all care, And, though travel-stained, enchanted Hearth and home to welcome, where Only perfect rest is known In that longed-for couch—his own?

This itself repays the labour; Gracious island, greet thy lord! Through the house let sound the tabor, Let the laughing lake, thy neighbour, Answer in a sweet accord.