Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-12-08

SubJOt ned Is n true story that Will go
right to the heart Of every conscientious
and devoted parent
HARSHNESS TO CHILDREN.
"Kiss me, Mamma, do kiss me, l can't
go to sleep"
The child was so sensitive, like that lit
tie shrinking plant, that curls at a breath,
and shuts its heart from the light
The Only beauties she possessed, were
an exceedingly transparent skin, and the
most mourntnl largo black eyes.
! hed been trained by a very stern, strict
conscientious mother, but | was a hardy
plant rebouuding after every shock; mis-
fortune could not dauut though discipline
tanned mo. l fancied, alas, that | must 10
through the same routine with this delicate
creature so one dry when she had dis
pleased me exceedingly, by repeating an
offence, | was determined to punish her
severely. | was very serious all day, and
upon sending her to her little couch, [
said:
"Now, NY daughter, to punish you, and
show you how very, reJy naughty you have
been, / shall not kiss you to night"
Sue stood looking at me, establishment
persouiied, with her great mouruful eyes
wide open | suppose she had forgotten
her misconduct till then-and | left her
with biz tears dropping down her cheeks,
and her little rcd lips quivering.
Presently | was sent for "Oh NAM
ma, you rU kiss me, | can't 60 to sleep, if
you don't she sobbed, every tone Of her
voice trembling, and she held out her lit
tie hands.
Now came the struggle between love and
what lfalscIyterm d duty. My heart said,
give her the kiss Of peace; my stern ma
ture urged me to persist in my correction,
that | might impress the fault upon her
mind. That was the way | had been train
ell till | was a submissive child, and l re.
memborcd how often | had thanked moth
er since, ioe her straightforward course
Iknolt by the bedside "Mother can't kiss
you, Elem l whispered, though every
word choked me; her hand touched mine
il was very hot, but | attributed it to he
excitement. She turned her little grievinJ
face to the wall l blamed myself as th
fragile form shook with half suppressed
sobs, and saying Mother hopes Ellen vii
learn to mind her after this" left the roOr
for thu night.
Il might have. been about twelve, when
vas awakened by my nurse apprehensiv,
1 ran eagerly to tue child's chamber
had a fearful dream.
Ellen did not know me; she was sittiT
up, crimsoned from the forehead to Il
throat, her eyes so bright that | almC
drew back agnast at their chances. Fro
that night q raging fever drank up her Ii
and what think you was the incessa
plant poured into my anguishod hear
iOh, kiss me, mother-do kiss me, l ca
60 to sleep. You'll kiss your little Ell,
mother, won't you? cant go to slee
1 won't be naughty if you'll only kiss I
dear mama; l can't 90 to sleep"
Holy little angel! She did 60 to sl
one grey morning, and she never awokt
never. Her hand was locked 10 mine, {
all my veins grew icy with its gradual ch
family the light faded out her beaut
eyes, whittier and winter grew the tr
ulous lips, she never knew me, but Y
her last breath she whispered, 81 will
good mother, if you kiss me-"
Kiss ker! God knSws how passion
ly but unayailingly were my kisses u
her check and lip, after that fatal nigh
God knows how wild were my prayers
she might know, if but only once, tt
kissed her. God knows how l would
yielded up my very life, could l hav