The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1845-02-26

WIDOW AND HER SON
BY WASHINGTON IRVING.

approached the grave. The coffin was pla-
ccd on the ground. On it was inscribed the
name and age Of the deceased. GEORGE So
MERs, aged 26 years" The poor mother had
been assisted to kneel down at the head of it.
Her withcred hands were clasped, as if in pray
|cr; but could perceive, by a feeble rocking OF
the body, and a colivulsive motion of the lips,
that she was gazing on the last relics of hel
son, with the yearnings of a mothers heart.
Preparations were made to deposit the coffin
in the earth. There was that busting stir.
which breaks so harshly on the feelings of grief
and affection; directions were given in the cold
tones Of business; and there was the striking Of
spades into the sand and gravel; which at the
grave of those we love, is of all sounds the
most writing. The hustle around seemed TO
awaken the mother from a wretched %reverio.
She raised her glazed eyes, and looked about
with a faint wildnesS.
As the men approached with cords, TO lower
the coffin into the grave, she wrung her hands,
and broke into an agony of grief. The woman
who attended her took her by the arm, endeavor-
ed 10 raise her from the earth, and to whisper
something like consolation.
"Nay, now; nay, nov--don't take it so sorcly
to heart"
But the mother could only shake her head
and wiring her hands, as one not to be comfort
ed.
As they lowered the body into the earth, the
creaking of the cords seemed TO agonize her;
but when, on some accidental obstruction, there
was a jostling of the coffin, all the tenderness oil
the mother burst forth; as if any harm could
come 10 him who was far beyond the reach of
worldly suffering.
| could see no more--my heart swelled into
my throat-my eyes filled with %tears--I felt as
if were acting a barbarous part in standing by
and gazing idly on the scenes of maternal an.
Iguish. wandered to another part ofthe church.
yard, where | remained until the funeral train
had dispersed.
1t was some time before ] left the place. On
my way homoward, | met with the woman who
had acted as comforter. She was just returning
from accompanying the mother TO her lonely
habitation, and | drew from her some particu.
lars connected with the affecting scene | had
Witnessed.
The parents of the deceased had resided in
the village from childhood. They had inhabi
led one of the neatest cottages, and by various
rura! occupations, and the assistance Of a small
garden, had supported themselves creditably and
comfortably, and led a happy and blameless life
They had one son, who had grown up TO be the
staff and pride of their age.
But, unfortunately, this son was tempted, du.
ring a year of scarcity and agricultural hardship
10 enter into the service of one of the small
craft that piled on a neighboring river. He had
not been long in this employ. when he was EN-
trapped by a press gang, and carried off to sea
His parents received tidings Of his seizure, bui
beyond that they could learn nothing. 1t was
the loss of their main prop. The father, who
was already infrm, grew heartless and melan-
cboly, and sunk into his grave. The widow
left lonely in her age and feebleness, could nc
longer support herself, and came upon the par.
isb.
Time passed on, till one day she heard the
cottage door, which faced the garden, suddenly
open. A stranger came out, and seemed TO b.
looking eagerly and wildly around. He wa
dressed in seaman's clothes, was emaciated ant
ghastly pale, and bore the air Of one broken b.