Southern standard., 1852-12-04
Kiss Me. Mamma. do Kiss he.


The child was so sensitive, so like that little
shrinking plant, that curls at breath, and shut
its heart from the light.
The only beauties she possessed, were an exceed
ly transparent skin, and the most mournful blue
eyes.
had been trained by a very stern, strict con-
scientious mother. but was hardy plant reboun-
ding after every shock misfortune could not daunt,
though discipline tanned me. l fancied. also, that
must go through the same routine with this deli
cate creature so one day when she had displeas
ed me exceedingly, by repeating an offence, I was
determined to punish her severely. | was very
serious all day, and sending her to little couch
said, Now, my daughter, to punish you, and
show how very, very naughty you have been,
shall not kiss you tonight"
She stood looking at me, astonishment personi-
fed, with her great mournful eyes wide open.
| suppose 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
will kiss me l can't go to sleep if you don't, -
she sobbed, every tone of her voice trembling, and
she held out her little hands.
Now came the struggle between love and what
falsely termed duty. Ny heart said give her the
sist in my correction that might impress the fault
upon her mind. That was the way I had been
trained, till was most submissive child and
remembered how often had thanked my mother
since, for her straight forward course.
| knelt by the bedside" Mother can't kiss YOU
Ellen," l whispered, though every word choked
me. Her hand touched mine it was very hot,
but attributed it to her excitement. She turned
her little grieving face to the wall.
blamed myself as the fragile form shook with
half suppressed sobs, and saying, ''mother hopes
little Ellen will learn to mind her after this left
the room for the night.
1t might have been about twelve when was
awakened by my nurse. Apprehensive, l ran ca
gerly to the child's chamber. l 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 glances. From that night raging fever
drank up her life-and what think you was heI
incessant plant poured into my agonizing heart
ooh, kiss me, mother-do kiss me, can't go to
sleep. You'll kiss your little Ellen mother, won't
you? l can't go to sleep, l won't be naughty, il
you'll only kiss me. Oh f! kiss me, dear mamma,
can't go to sleep"
Holy little angel she did go to sleep one gray
morning, and she never woke again-never! Hel
hand was locked in mine, aud all my veins grew
icy with its gradual chill Family the light faded
out in the beautiful eyes-whiter and winter grew
the tremulous lips. She never knew me bu
with her last breath she whispered, 81 will he gooC
mother, if you'll only kiss me-"
Kiss her! God knows howpassionate, but un
availing, were my kisses upon her cheek after tha
fatal night. God knows how wild were my pray
ers that she might know, if but only once, that
kissed her. God knows how l would haze yielde,
up my very life, could have asked forgiveness G
that sweet child.
: Well grief is unavailing now. She lies in he
little tomb there is marble urn at her head
and rose bush at her feet; there grows swee
summer flowers there waves the gentle grass
there birds sing their matin and vespers ther
the blue sky smiles down to-day, and there lies bu
red the freshness of my heart.
Parents, you should have heard the pathos
the voice of that stricken mother, as she said
'There are plants that spring into greater vigor
the heavy pressure of footstep crush them bu
oh there are others, that even the pearls of tn
light dew bend to the earth p