The low ‘Amen!’ died on the silent air, And Meina’s heart was ready. The young boy Sprang joyously away, as if her arms Had prisoned him too long; and, as he saw The painted boat heave lightly to the swell Upon the reedy shore, and caught the breath Of her wreathed helm of flowers, he gave a shout, In his impatient gladness, and away, Like a warm vision of aerial birth, He bounded to implore that she would come. Calmly and steadily came Meina on, Led by her victim boy. The boat was there Among the tall wet reeds, and she went in And scanned its light frame over, and arranged Its mimic ornaments; and then again, When she had seen it all, and he had grown Impatient, she began to note once more The frailties in its lightly plaited reeds, As if she did not know that it was meant To kill. It is a wonderful effect Of nature in the heart, that in the strength Of a mistaken duty, it will turn, And almost trifle with its tenderness, As if it half misgave that all was wrong. ‘Come!’ and he sprang into his mother’s arms With a light leap, and, scarcely faltering In his gay laugh, he looked into her face, And in a tone of fondness whispered her, ‘Will the boat bear, dear mother?’ She had quelled Her feelings until now; had nerved herself To the light grace with which he bounded by; Had heard his voice, and looked upon his hair In its light, breezy floatings, and had shut Her heart up, with an iron thought, to all. But this one doubt, half sadness as it came From his delighted lips, and with his look Of childlike and appealing confidence, Was keener than a mother’s heart could bear! She bowed her head, and struggled, as if life Were bursting from its seal; and, as the thought Rushed over her to take her idol back, And keep him for her God, he murmured low, ‘And are you sure, my mother?’--‘No! my son!’ And the strong tide of nature gathered back With a resistless energy. She clasped Her boy convulsively, and he had lived To quicken, in its gifted elements, The radiant spirit written on his brow, But a high strengthening she knew not of, Awakened her, and pressing down her lips In a long fervent kiss upon his cheek, She hushed him into peace, and lifting up Her face to heaven, she breathed the name of God, And laid him down--for ever!