University of Virginia Library

A TENDER MOTHER.

A French lady had an only child, a handsome young man, much addicted to gaming. He lost at one sitting £40,000, and being destitute of other resources, he joined a company of strolling players. They chanced some time afterwards to pass a short time at Worcester, near which his mother, who was considerably advanced in years, resided. The lady, though highly displeased with her son's life,

yet, hearing of his performance, could not resist a wish to see him; and for this purpose she went thither incog. He supported the principal character in `The Gamester.'

The feelings of the mother were so excited at the passages which closely applied to her son's conduct, that she exclaimed aloud, `Ay, there he is — the — the beggar — the scoundrel! Always the same — no change in him!' The delusion so increased at the fifth act, when Beverley lifts his hand to kill the child, that the lady in a most distressing tone cried out — `Wretch that thou art, don't kill the child — I'll take it home with me!'