Preparations were made to deposit the coffin in the earth. There
was that bustling stir, which breaks so harshly on the feelings
of grief and affection; directions given in the cold tones of
business; the striking of spades into sand and gravel; which, at
the grave of those we love, is, of all sounds, the most
withering. The bustle around seemed to waken the mother from a
wretched revery. She raised her glazed eyes, and looked about
with a faint wildness. As the men approached with cords to lower
the coffin into the grave, she wrung her hands, and broke into an
agony of grief. The poor woman who attended her took her by the
arm endeavoring to raise her from the earth, and to whisper
something like consolation: "Nay, now--nay, now--don't take it so
sorely to heart." She could only shake her head, and wring her
hands, as one not to be comforted.
As they lowered the body into the earth, the creaking of the
cords seemed to agonize her; but when, on some accidental
obstruction, there was a jostling of the coffin, all the
tenderness of the mother burst forth, as if any harm could come
to him who was far beyond the reach of worldly suffering.
I could see no more--my heart swelled into my throat--my eyes
filled with tears; I felt as if I were acting a barbarous part in
standing by and gazing idly on this scene of maternal anguish.
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