The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-12-30
4 BEREAVEdENT.

Little Edward, who had been playing with
Carlo upon the floor, now came and laid his
head in the lap of his mother She took him in
her arms, caressing him gently; for she observed
his flesh seemed quite hot.
Mary brought a sponge and bowl of water
and Mrs. G. bathed his little limbs: and he soon
fell asleep.
The scarlet fever had begun to prevail in the
village, and had been very mortal in the neigh
boring towns. Many mother had been called
TO lay her cherished one in the cold chamber of
death; and Mrs. c. could not but feel anxious
at the appearance Of illness in one SO Beloved
She watched the restless slumbers of Edward
with moistened eye; and when he awoke, she
presented the cooling drought with mothers
! tenderness. The little boy looked earnestly al
her sober face, presented his hot lips for kiss
| and sank again to disturbed sleep.
On the return of Mr.. Clsaveland, at night, the
symptoms had advanced so rapidly, that George
was sent for the physician.
There could be no mistake; the scarlet fever
had exhibited itself in its most alarming FORM
George and Mary forgot everything in their at.
tendance upon the little sufferer. The choicest
blossoms were taken from the most beautiful
plants, and presented to his notice. Edward
tue, even in sickness, in the ele ant taste that
had become part OF his little being-would hold
them i'll his tevered fingers, and look upon them,
as if they sent an emotion OF happiness through
his whole frame
Nothing could exceed the gentleness and pa
thence of the dear sufferer. The most nauseous
medicines were taken, only to be rewarded with
a sweet kiss from mother-and that, too without
a word of complaint No deception was prac-
tised. He was not told the bitter drug was
'goody,' in order to induce him to swallow 1t;
for IN the family of our story, the truth was
never tempered with.
When tossing with the restlessness of fever
he would turn his sweet, patient smile upon his
mother, and lisp, Sing, mamma-sing:' -and
the soft, trcmulous tones of her gentle voice
broke with sad melody the silence of the sick
room.
On the fifth day of his attack, he appeared
quite free from pain, returned the carusses OF
poor Carlo, who whned necessarily b. him, and
reached his little hands out for blossom of the
rose tree Mr.. c. took him in his arms, and car
ried him about the room. Every familiar OBJ
iect claimed a share of his notice
George and Mary could scarcely restrain
their happiness Mary brought her choicest trea-
sures, and gave him to play with; for now sure
l., she thought he viii get well-and he seemed
ten times dearer than ever, from the danger he
appeared to have escaped. She was surprised
and incredulous when the doctor told her he was
no better.
Edward smiled languidly, as all gathered
around him; and put up his lips and kissed each
one. He then reached his arms TO his mother,
toldad them about her neck and again and again
kissed her pale face. Soon after, he sank into a
quiet Sleep The anxious mother almost with
held her breathing, that nothing might disturb
him. But the shrinking features, the heavmg
chest told plainly that death was there!
Mr. Cleaveland took him from his mothers
bosom, and laid him gently upon the pillow
His breath grew more and more faint, till it
ceased altogether; and the little family stood In
silent tears, over the lifeess form of one love-
ly, and so beloved.
MANY had been the bereavements of Mrs. |
Cleaveland, but she was now called to feel the
far more bitter grief of a mothers sorrow. Mo-
Tiers alone can tell how her heart yearned to
meet once more the dove-lilse beaming of those
ewes now closed in death; to feel the little arms
about her neck, and the soft lips pressed 20 hers
in gentle caressing. An unnatural stiffness rest
ed upon the dwelling: for the cheelfn Prattle of
little Edward, and the sound of bis busy feet
upon the floor, were hushed forever
Mrs. Cleavelsnd had felt the full depths OF
maternal tenderness; but she lad too OF the
fountain of living waters-and she now found
it well Of life, pouring out ths fulness OF hope
and consolation; and she laid Ter hand upon the
brow of her dead child, and uttered calmly
sThe cup which ms heavenly Father hath given
me- shall not drink it3
She severed curl fromhis fair brow, and laid
it away, TO behold in after years with chasten-
ed sorrow, With her own hand she arranged
the small white robe. and brushed for the last
time the glossy hair, every fibre of which was
dear 10 her heart. Choice flowers were spread
upnn his breast, met eublems of his purity and
early decsy.
u hen tie SHOWS Of viutcr disappeared, and
he meek ilowers Of spring smiled upol the
earth, George and Mary twiael blossoms for the .
crave Of Eiwart Tor sorrow had ioy the first
Sine, entered deeply into their young hearts !.
The memory Of edward was hencelorh 70 BE- /
associated Wit all that WIS pare ai'l beaatd1l;