The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-04-20

Who loves her son 30 dear. .!ss s-i,
"But friends ohl it Is oruel,
That you 90 silent keep;
You need not fear that I'll give way
As women do. and weep.
I know my SON; I'm proud and glad
To have 80 good boy;
So tell me where he is. good folks, 4.
will not faint from joy.
"l've wandered all this country DER,
Since my dear boy was lost;
I've walked and walked and wept and prayed,
Through heat aud through The frost;
I've asked SO many where he was.
Who only turned and smiled;
AID others looked so sad and grieved
1t drots me almost wild. .t,t
''Somstimes I've had no food for days. 9 &
And I've dept out in the air. ! .'il-s
And have searched 30 long. SO long
That grief has blesched my hair.
Please tell me where he is. my friends,
Ny strength is almost spent, .,a
I must find Charlie, my dear SON. !.
Oh, tell me where he went"
Twas woman. old and worn and pale. rs
In faded, ragged clothes;
Who held her claw-like hands outstretched.
In helpless prayer to those
Who gathered idly in the street,
And stood in silence there.
While this poor mother, crazed with grief,
Made this pathetic prayer.
No answer came to heal her heart,
No hand outstretched in aid;
Too comnon was her misery.
The boy for whom she prayed.
Why, what was be? A hundred boys
Were lost, and mothers tears
Flowed on in silence down pale oheeks.
And so had flowed for years.
And so the people one BY one.
Began to turn and go;
Some were careless, some were touched,
By that old womsn's woe;
But still she moaned and wrung her hands
And uttered still her prayer:
Oh where is hep I $ant my boy.
Ny boy, 50 young and fair"
From out the crowd an unkempt tramp.
Shsmbled with shameful pace;
His clothes were rags, his eyes were bleared.
The beard upon his face
Hid net the purple. bloated skin,
The sodden mouth. the low degree
To whore he'd fallen. He neared' her side,
'"Mether, look at mel
She stood stock still. She looked ct hiu,
Her lids moved yet were dumb.
.Mother. 'tisI I. I've sinned too great,
I did not mean to como. SECS !
Mother forgive me. oh. forgivel
And take me to your heart. iaa
I'll break the bonds Of slavery, es
I'll act manly part.
II did not know You loved mo 90. :.
I've been so weak, 90 wild;
Mother have pity. speak to me,
Pm Charlie. your own child.
Lost! Lost was, but nov I'm found. .
Oh, God. I praise thee nowl
Look down upon me plying Christ.
Listen and hear my vow.
II swear to be q man again.
Hers On my bended knees;
I've done with rum. accursod staf,
Mother. oh. hear mo. pleased
Do not look so strange and white,
For us has dswned the day;
I'll work for you, I'll die for you,
Ali do net turn away"
you are not my handsome ron.
Does anybody think
That such change could come to pass
Even BY help Of drinkf
You are mistaken. my poor man"
She said. and sadly smiled.
.'Greatly mistaken. I am not
Your mother. nor you my child.
But, oh, young man, II 30 1t he
That your mother is alive,
As you see the grief bear in vain,
And you would truly strive,
Go back to her and at her knees
Make that same holy vow,
And she will be SO glad. know
And take my blessing now"
"But, ,lmothcr! oh. my Godl my Godl
She does not know me more,
Her grief has crazed her, she but secs
Her boy, as he was before
Before the curse of rum absorbed
Ny manhood, honor. all,
Before l grew to beastly guise
Through this debasing thrall.
"Ah. God in heavenl have pity once,
Oh, onoe look kindly down.
Long have groveled in the dirt
While she, a martyrs crown has won.
Oh. mother, once again
lprsy You look on me.
Am not Charlie! Oh look, look!''
"No, no. you are not he.
Il told you before; drink makes men mad,
Perhaps you have gons mad.
Perhaps your name is Charles, and
Look like your mother. lad"
"Mother, oh, listen, let me tell