The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-11-10
From the Home Magazine.
WV LITTLE boy. ..
BY JESSE MOORE.

the little figure wandering so restlcssly about
the back yard, clad in pair of checkered
trousers a dark gIngham apron, and slouch-
ed wool hat, and seeming on terms of easy
familiarity with free SOIL" ashes and dirty
waters. s.... ... s.... ... .. s..
How restlessly those little bare feet twinkle
through the grass, and how nimbly the
chubby, sun-browned hands fit over the al
engrossing labors which we denomnate
''play," but in the performance of which, day
nfter day, that little mind is racked, and
those muscles wearied to greater extent
than we dream of.
What rough looking little fellow 1t does
not seem possible that the well-developed
f'rm, and healthy complexion, belong to the
same wee being that nestled so heplessly
upon NV bosom four years ago last Christ
mas. What dav was that in our house
hold; only a mothers heart can realize the
mingled emotions of tenderness, gratitude
and awe which pervaded INV soul, as clasp.
ed my first-born in my arms, lifted up my
heart in thankful prayer and praise, and ex-
pcrianced dawning sense of the responsi.
b lity involved in my new-found tie. How
delicate and fragile seemed the thread of that
young life, how often have bent my ear
| close to the tiny lips, and listened, oh I! so
anxiously, for the faint breath of those feeble
lungs. How curious the mechanism of that
! little frame, and with what interest and ad-
mration did sean the wee features. softly
stroking the dark, glossy hair, and daintily
| touching the shell.lke ears, the se-leaf eve
lids, and quivering chin, or examining, with
childish wonder and delight, the cunning
little feet md hands, with their yielding dim
pies and rnsy nails
Oh, those were peaceful, happy days,
when, with subdued and awe thrill. ed spirit,
entered upon the sweet duties and quiet
| joys of a new existence.
Months rolled away, and baby was the
light and life Of our humble home-hand-
some, healthy, and happy; he was a never
failing source Of interest and enjoyment, as
he danced in our arms. growing, laughing,
and making ludicrously awkward attempts
to use his hands in guiding his toys, pulling
Papas whiskers, or scratching Mammals
face in the exuberance of his glee. And now
we no longer count his age in months years
have passed, and when look upon him pam
talooned, and growing out of babyhood,
feel that have not half improved the hours
of his infancy; feeting, precious moments
were those spent with my rapidly chang.
ing babe; | would call them back if could
for did not appreciate them then . I, mortal
like, looked forward, grasping for joys be-
yond, while those within my reach slipped
unnoticed from my hand. 1t is pleasant,
however, to watch him now at his sport. to
mark the rapidly developing intellect, and
catch the expressions of triumph that glow
upon his bright face after the accomplish.
ment of some ingenious scheme with which
his young heart has been swelling He has
great taste for mechanism, and will tue
and toll till nearly wearied ont with his ex-
e-tions, among the rubbish of the shop and
yard, and when his persevering genius con
quers, and he witnesses with pride the sue.
cess of his effort, it is really refreshing to
note the enthusiasm with which he bounds,
all glowing with animation and excitement.
in search of some one to impart his import
ant invention to; and often do drop my
work, and allow him to lead me out to see
his ''thlashing machine or some other queer
imitation of what he has happened to see,
and which is usually propelled by dog DOW
er, ana Carlo gives me a sly wink as he seems
to say, 81 feel little foolish, Mistress, to he
seen in such harness, but it s all to please
the children .,.-- -.. .,,se
Busy, energetic, little boy! He is never
idle, and young as he is, already makes him.
selfuseful in a variety of ways; it is he who
picks up chips for the kitchen fire, feeds the
kittens, drives the chickens from the back
porch, brings bread and butter from the cell
lar, places the chairs at the table, and even
wipes dishes, an lays the tea table when
am unusually busy. He. is always active,
and fancies himself great assistance to his
father, as he shoulders his little hoe, aud
trudges off with the men to the corn field,
potatoe patch, or garden; he considers it as
his peculiar privilege to wait upon Mamma
at table, and to protect little sister from aught
that can harm or frighten her, aud when anv
of us are sick, how genuine is his sympathy:
how softly falls the little feet upon the car
pet; how sothinyly the dear littlt hands press
the throbbing temples, and wander through
the damp hair, and over the burning cheek
OF the sufferer; and full of compassionate
affection are his tones, as he twines his club |
by arms around our necks, and tearfully
whispers, "0h, Iso sorry! want something
for to do to feel you better"
Little darling! How precious are the
little boys to parents hearts, and how sad
is the thought that every rough man we see
rceling and swearing among his vicious CON-
panions was once fondly cherished by some |
body whose eye lighted with unutterable
"a ,,, -,