The primitive Republican. (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-1852, 1852-10-14
From the Olive Branch.
" Kiss me, Mamma, do kiss me, I can't go
to Sleep!"

The child who was so sensitive, so like
that little shrinking plant, that curls at a
breath, and shuts its heart from the light"
The only beauties she possessed, we're an
exceedingly transparent skin, and the most
mournful, large blue eyes.
l had been trained by very stern, strict,
conscientious mother-but I was a hardy
plant, rebounding after every shock. Mis-
fortune could not daunt, though discipline
tanned me. ! fancied, alas that must go
through the same routine with this delicate
creature; so, one day, when she had displeas-
ed me exceedingly, by repeating an offence, l
was determined to punish her severely.
was very serious all day, and upon sending
her to her little couch, l said, now, my
daughter, to punish you and show You how
very, very naughty you have been, shall not
kiss you to night"
She stood looking at me, astonishment
personifed-with her great mournful eyes
wide open. I supposed she had forgotten
her misconduct till then; and l left her, with
the big tears dropping down her cheeks, and
her little red lips quivering.
Presently was sent for.
"Oh! mamma, you lcM kiss me; can't
90 to sleep if you don't" She sObbed-ev-
cry tone of her voice trembling, and she held
out her little hands,
Now came the struggle between love and
what falsely termed duty. My heart said
give her the kiss Of peace; my stern nature
urged to persist in my correction, that I
might impress the fault upon her mind That
was the way had been trained, till was 8
most submissive child; and remember how
often had thanked my mother since, for
her straight forward course.
knelt by her bedside. Mother can't
kiss you, Ellen" whispered, though every
word choked me. Her aand touched mine
it was very hot, but attributed ito her ex-
element. She turned her little grieving face
to the wall. blamed myself as the fragile
form shook with half suppressed sobs, and
saying, mother hopes her little Ellen will
learn tomind her after this, left the room for
the night.
1t might have been about II, when was
awakened by my nurse. Apprehensive, I ran
Eagerly to the child's chamber. had had a
fearful dream.
/ Ellen did not know me; she was sitting up,
crimsoned from the forehead to the throat !;
her eyes so bright that almost drew back
aghast at their chances.
From that night raging fever drank up
her life; and what think you was the inces-
SAINT plant poured into my anguislfed heart?
eOh, kiss me, mother-do kiss mel can t
90 to sleep. / won't be naughty if you'll
only kiss me. Oh! kiss me dear mamma, I
can't go to sleep!"
Holy little angel she did 60 to sleep one
grey morning, and she never woke again
never! Her hand was locked in mine, and
my veins grew icy with Its gradual chill
Family the light faded out in her beautiful
eyes-Whiter and winter grew the tremulous
lips. She never knew me; but with her last
breath she whispered, Il will be good, il
you'll only kiss me"
!, Kiss her! God knows how passionate, but
unavailing, weremy kisses upon her cheek At.
ter that fatal night God knows how wild
J were my prayers that she might know, il
but once, that kissed her. God knows
how would have yielded up my very life,
: could I have asked forgiveness of that sweet
] child.
Well grief is unavailing now. She lie.
: in her little tomb there is a marble urn al
r lher head, and rose bush at her feet; there
] grow sweet flowers; there waves the gentle
: grass there birds sing their mathis and
: yespers; there the blue SKY smiles down to.
1Iday, AID there lies buried the freshness o.
ltmy heart.
: Parents, you should have heard the pathpi
in the voice Of that stricken mother, as Sd,
: said, There ara plants that spring into great
E er vigQr if the heavy pressure Of fooistel
: crush them; out, "a there are others tia
i Eeven the pearls q the night dew bend to tL
esrthw