|
From: Kelleher <ga...@cl...> - 2009-08-20 16:29:29
|
Ard a man of war. When the time arrived, he went into the sitting-room, to take leave of his mother. He found her in tears. He threw his arms about her neck and kissed her, and was about bidding her "farewell;" but seeing her so much afflicted, he suddenly relinquished his purpose. The boat which was taking officers, men, and baggage, from the shore to the ship, went back and forth, in his sight. At length it came ashore for the last time. A signal flag was raised to show that all was ready. George was standing, viewing all these movements. Several of his companions now entered the boat, and as they approached the ship, signal guns were fired; and soon after, the sails rose majestically, one after another. George could no longer bear the sight, but entered the room where his mother sat. Observing that his countenance bore a strong expression of grief, she said, "I fear, my son, that you have repented your determination to stay at home and make me happy." "My dear mother," he replied, placing his arms round her neck, and giving vent to his feelings in a gush of tears, "I did strongly wish to go; but I could not endure being on board the ship, and know that you were unhappy." He was young, ardent, and ambitious, and had doubtless anticipated, with great delight, the pleasure he should have, in sailing to different places, on board a man of war; and, although the expectation of pleasure which boys sometimes indulge, in the prospect of a sea-faring life are delusive; yet, it was a noble generosity to sacrifice all the high hopes he had cherished, to the feelings of his mother. _Obey God rather than man._ As a general thing, it is the duty of children to |
