The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-09-18

ToUcuING SKETCH PARENTAL SoRRow.-.i
Lesson for parens-A few months ago, buried my
eldest son, fine, manly boy of eight years of age,
who never had days illness until that which took
him hence to be seen more. His death occurred
under circumstances peculiarly painful to me. A
younger brother, the next in age to him, delicate,
sickly child from baby had been down for nearly
fortnight, it'll epidemic fever. In consequence Of
the nature of the disease, | used every precaution
that prudence sugges cd to guard the other members
OF the family against it. But of this one my eldest
had but little fear he was rugged, and general
ly healthy Still, however kept yIgilant eye upon
him, and especially forbid him going into the pools
and docks, his school, which he was prone tc
visit
One evening came home wearied with long
days hard labor and veSed at some little disappoin-
ments and found also that he had Just into the
house, and that he was wet, and covered with dock
mud. taxed him with dsobedience, and scolded
him severely-more so than ever had beforehand
then harshy ordered him to bed. He opened his lips
for an exculpatory reply as supposed but sterry
checked him when, with mute sorrow full counte-
nance and swelling breast, he turned away and
went slowly to his chamber. Wy heart smote me,
even at that moment though felt conscious Of but
doing fathers duly-how much keener did | feel
the pang, when ! was informed, in the course of the
evening, by neghbor, that my boy bad gone TO tho
dock al the earnest solicitation Of younger aud fayo-
rite playmate, and by the especial permission Of his
scboomaster, IN order to recover cap belonging 10
the former, which had blown of the wharf. Thus |
rity fault but the impulse If generous
ture which, forgetlul Of SELF had hazarded perhaps
life for another Ii was bat the quick prompting OF
that manly spirit which had always endeavored TO
graft upon bis susceptible mind and which, young
NC was, had already tested itself on than
occasion.
How bitterly did | regret my harshness, and re-
solved TO make amends TO his grieved spirit in the
morning Alas that morning never came to him in
health. Before retiring for the night, however, I
nj, and her Ter him tear haI
stolen down his cheek and rested there. kissed it
oil but he slept so swcety and calmly, that did
not venture 10 disturb him. The next day he aw6ke
with raging fever on h brain, and in orty-eight
hours he was no more! lie did not know when
| called to his bedside nor, at any moment al
terward-though | bent him until death and
darkness closed the scene. i vould have given
words 10 have whispered one kind word III his ear,
and have been answer ed, but it was not permitted
Once, indeed, smile Of recognition lighted up h
eye, and leaned eagerly forward. But IT passed
quickly away, and was succeeded by the cold, un-
meaning glare, and the wild tossing of the iesered
limbs, that lasted till death came to his relief.
Every thing | now sec that belonged to him
minds me of the lost one. Yesterday, found som.
rude pencil sketches which it his delight To
make for the amusement OF his younger brother; to-
day, IN rummaging an old closet, came across MS
boots still covered with dock mud, when he last
wore them; and every ornlng aud evening pass
the ground where his voice rang the merTiost among
his playmates All these things speak wildly Of his
active life but cannot, though often try, to recall
any other expression his face than that mute,
mournful ono, with which he turned from me the
night | SO harshly rcpulsed him. Then my heart
bleeds alresh o. how careful should we all be, that
in our daily conduct towards those little beings sent
US by a kind Providence, are not laying up for
ourselves the of many bitter tear! How
cautious, that neither by incons'derae word or look,
we unlusily grievc their generous feelings And how
guardcdly ought TO weigh every action against ITS
motive, lest IN moment OF excitement, we be led
TO TO the yenal of the heart, the pun
ishmcnt due only TO wfu crime Alas perhaps
few persons suspect how often the sudden blow, the
fierce rebuke, answered by their children in tears,
of passion not Of hyscal or mental pain, but OF
a loving, Of grioycd or outraged nature