NO earthly friend can fill a mother's place! There is an instinct love, an added sense, Within a mother's breast, that draweth hence Rare quickness of perception, to discern Her offspring's wants. She needeth not to learn By voice or gesture. Swift her footsteps glide, Noiseless as Silence's self; and at the side Of her beloved one, with love's strength inspired, She is content to watch for hours untired-- To move the weary limb, and soft recline The aching head; the language of a sigh, Wishes unshaped in words, by glance or sign, Quick to interpret and to gratify. |