Translations From Catullus. Carm. 29.

Author: Thomas Moore

peninsularum Sirmio, insularumque ocelle.


    Sweet Sirmio! thou, the very eye
        Of all peninsulas and isles,
    That in our lakes of silver lie,
        Or sleep enwreathed by Neptune's smiles--

    How gladly back to thee I fly!
        Still doubting, asking--can it be
    That I have left Bithynia's sky,
        And gaze in safety upon thee?

    Oh! what is happier than to find
        Our hearts at ease, our perils past;
    When, anxious long, the lightened mind
        Lays down its load of care at last:

    When tired with toil o'er land and deep,
        Again we tread the welcome floor
    Of our own home, and sink to sleep
        On the long-wished-for bed once more.

    This, this it is that pays alone
        The ills of all life's former track.--
    Shine out, my beautiful, my own
        Sweet Sirmio, greet thy master back.

    And thou, fair Lake, whose water quaffs
        The light of heaven like Lydia's sea,
    Rejoice, rejoice--let all that laughs
        Abroad, at home, laugh out for me!
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a heartfelt ode to the beauty and joy of homecoming. The speaker, long absent from his beloved home of Sirmio, unveils his ecstasy upon returning, painting a vivid picture of the locale's stunning beauty. The poem is framed as an address, first to Sirmio, then to the lake surrounding it, effectively personifying these geographic entities and imbuing them with a sense of shared joy in the speaker's return.

The theme of homecoming is explored through a reflective tone, which is both joyous and introspective. The speaker's return is not simply a physical journey but a psychological one, marked by relief and a sense of peace. The poem conveys a profound appreciation for the tranquility and solace that home offers after life's tumultuous journey, underscored by the repeated motif of safe arrival after perilous travels.

The poem’s structure enhances its message, using a regular rhyme scheme to evoke a rhythmic, soothing quality that mirrors the comfort of home. The use of vivid imagery, particularly in describing Sirmio and the surrounding lake, serves to evoke a sense of place that is palpable to the reader. This, along with the use of emotive language and personification, helps the reader to connect deeply with the speaker's profound attachment to home.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.