Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—D

Dulce Domum

The holiday song of Winchester school. Mr. Brandon says it was composed by a boy of St. Mary's College, Winchester, who was confined for misconduct during the Whitsun holidays, “as report says, tied to a pillar.” On the evening preceding the Whitsun holidays, “the master, scholars, and choristers of the above college walk in procession round the `pillar,' chanting the six stanzas of the song.” In the March number of the Gentleman's Magazine, 1796, a translation, signed “J.R.,” was given of the song; and Dr. Milner thinks the original is not more than a century old. It is rather remarkable that the author has made “domum” a neuter noun. (See Adeste Fideles.)

CHORUS:

Domum, domum, dulce domum!
Domum, domum, dulce domum;
Dulce, dulce dulce domum!
Dulce domum resonemus.

Home, home, joyous home!

Home, home, joyous home!

Joyous, joyous, joyous home!

Hurrah for joyous home! E.C.B.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Dulce est Desipere in Loco
Dulcarnon
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