The Mother

It has been said,"that the first being that rushes to the recollection of a soldier, or sailor, in his heart's difficulty, is his mother." She clings to his memory and affection amidst all the forgetfulness and hardihood induced by a roving life. The last message he leaves is for her, his last whisper breathes her name. The mother, as she instils the lessons of piety and filial obligation into the heart of her infant son, should always feel that her "labour is not in vain." She may drop into the grave, but she has left behind her influence that will work for her. " The bow is broken, but the arrow is sped, and will do its office."--Anon