Catullus's Return Home to the Peninsula of Sirmio

O best of all the scatter'd spots that lie
In sea or lake, — apple of landscape's eye, —
How gladly do I drop within thy nest,
With what a sight of full contented rest,
Scarce able to believe my journey o'er.
And that these eyes behold thee safe once more !
Oh where's the luxury like the smile at heart.
When the mind, breathing, lays its load apart, —
When we come home again, tir'd out, and spread
The loosen'd limbs o'er all the wish'd-for bed
This, this alone is worth an age of toil.
Hail, lovely Sirmio ! Hail, paternal soil !
Joy, my bright waters, joy ; your master's come !
Laugh, every dimple on the cheek of home !