Young folks' centennial rhymes | ||
II.
MOTHER.For out on the broad blue ocean the good ship waits to go.
When Washington was fourteen years of age, he had a great desire to enter the British navy. It was necessary, however, to first get the consent of his mother, his father having died when he was eleven years old. After a great deal of urging, she consented to let him go; and his brother obtained for him the position of midshipman on a vessel of war, which, at that time, was anchored in the Potomac River, just below Mount Vernon. His baggage was all on board the ship, and he came to his mother to bid her good-bye; but at the last moment her heart failed her, and she took back her words of consent, and begged of him not to go. Rather than grieve her so sadly, he gave up his plan, had his baggage brought back to the house, and staid at home. Had he entered upon a sailor's life, he might never have become the leading general of the American Revolution.
Many a love-made token is safe for you on board.
Soon on the wide, free ocean your gallant ship will sail.
Do not let your courage be cowed by my rising tears;
Only a loving mother can speak a mother's word.
Long I my soul have flattered this cup would pass from me.
Manhood's bravery sparkles in the heart of a healthy boy.
As tossed in the rude gale's dangers, as drenched by the savage deep,
Comes to my lips a yearning to plead you still to stay!
SON.
And sure there are some death-gales, and one may come to me;
And boys soon grow to manhood, and men were made to dare.
Your love would melt to pity were I not strong and brave;
I would have you love me, mother, and proud of me besides.
MOTHER.
A glory of love and honor that shines for the brave and true.
You by maids and matrons with laurel wreaths were crowned.
Where to your brave endeavors was victory denied;
Maids and matrons waited with laurel wreaths for you.
Heart-born blessings hovered about your noble name.
Still in my heart is a yearning to plead you still to stay!
SON.
But there are ports of honor that sailors enter in.
If for my brow a chaplet awaiting there may be,
Why can I not go find it upon the merry sea?
Upon both land and water true courage burns the same.
And that is something noble for any one to do.
MOTHER.
Who can reject the logic with which you pave your way?
Then is my cause defeated, and your decision made.
E'en when the brain speaks loudest, the heart will have its word.
And as the hour approaches, I will not let you go!
SON.
I e'er have had a longing to live upon the main;
And it is quite another to break a mother's heart.
I will not leave you grieving; I still will tarry here.
To sail across the ocean a solid ship of gold.
Young folks' centennial rhymes | ||