Page talk:Our Nig.djvu/108

The quotation is from a poem called 'A Mother's Love'. I haven't been able to confirm the author's full name or link him to any biographical information available.

I found the poem in 'Godey's Lady's Book and Magazine', Philadelphia, Volume LVIII, July 1859, page 61.

A MOTHER'S LOVE.

By George W. Cook.

Buried deeply in the bosom
 Of the Orient Indian earth,
Game of richest ray are shining—
 Gems of beauty, some of worth!
'Neath the billows of the ocean.
 Hidden treasures wait the hand
That again to light shall raise them,
 With the diver's magic wand!
What to me the wealth of India?
 What the gems beneath the sea?
What the riches of the wealthy?
 What the gold of kings to me?
When besides one only treasure,
 These in gaudy vestments move,
Then, ah then, tho' poor, I'm wealthy—
 Wealthy in a mother's love!

Maiden's smiles are sweet, but fickle;
 Love they seldom have to give,
Like the dreams of Eastern smokers,
 All too short that love doth live!
But the holy, pure affection,
 By a gentle mother given,
Never fadeth with the twilight,
 Dies to live again in heaven!
Often sick and sore with trouble,
 Longing from this world to fly,
How that holy love has cheered me,
 Beaming from a mother's eye!
How those gentle smiles have stifled
 Oft the bitter thoughts that rove;
Oh, a priceless gift of heaven
 Art thou sure, a mother's love!

Chrisguise (talk) 08:58, 22 February 2022 (UTC)