Family
‹ 6 · Outline · 8 ›
7.Parental love and the bearing of children
7a.Mother love and the mother's care
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 30–31Eurycleia laments for her beloved only child; Telemachus hides his departure to spare his mother's tears.read · scan
- p. 34–35Telemachus seeks news of his lost father Odysseus and of his death, grieving for his mother's sorrow.read · scan
- p. 64A mother's anguish for her son, who may leave no name on earth.read · scan
- p. 65–66A mother's anxious fasting and fear for her son Telemachus, threatened by the wooers.read · scan
- p. 66–67Penelope grieves for her lost husband and fears more for her inexperienced son, whose safety she prizes above her own sorrow.read · scan
- p. 87–89Nausicaa directs him to supplicate her mother Arete at the hearth, whose kindness will secure his return home.read · scan
- p. 148Anticleia asks whether her son has yet seen his wife; the mother questions her living child.read · scan
- p. 149Anticleia reports Penelope's tears, Laertes's squalid grief and Telemachus's standing; she died of longing for her son.read · scan
- p. 223–224Word of Telemachus' safe return is sent to Penelope lest the queen fear and weep.read · scan
- p. 226Penelope mourns her husband and defends her son against those wasting the household.read · scan
- p. 228Penelope and nurse joyfully embrace Telemachus; his mother's grief and love for her son.read · scan
- p. 229–230Penelope greets Telemachus as a light in the dark, longing for news of her husband.read · scan
Aesop, FablesVol. 17
- p. 42A mother comforts her child after the spilt milk.read · scan
Aeschylus, The Libation-BearersVol. 8
- p. 112Clytemnestra pleads to her son by her breast that nursed him; Orestes answers that she slew his father.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 33–35Ares comes to visit his mother, and the ritual fight recalls it.read · scan
Euripides, HippolytusVol. 8
- p. 321–323She dies for her babes, who will be free men in Athens, and notes how a parent's sin cows children.read · scan
- p. 334–335She acts for her children's sake and out of pride in her Cretan lineage.read · scan
Euripides, The BacchaeVol. 8
- p. 399Young mothers leave babes at home forgotten and nurse wild animals; the herdsmen plan to seize the king's mother Agave.read · scan
- p. 425–427Agave asks for her son Pentheus; Cadmus brings his torn body, grieving for his grandson.read · scan
- p. 427–430Agave presents her trophy to Cadmus; he grieves and gently leads her to recognize her son.read · scan
Plato, PhaedoVol. 2
- p. 47Xanthippe, holding his child, laments that this is the last conversation with friends and is led away crying.read · scan
Buddhist WritingsVol. 45
- p. 607Conception of the son and the king and queen's dealings about the coming child.read · scan
- p. 608–609The queen carries the child ten months, asks to visit her kinsfolk, and the king sends her home in pomp; she dies when the child is seven days old.read · scan
- p. 609–610The birth of the son to Queen Maha-Maya, delivered standing while grasping a sal-tree branch.read · scan
- p. 610–611Mothers question the newborn about medicine and alms, and give money, as in previous births.read · scan
- p. 733The elder goes for alms to the village of his mother, a lay devotee, who feeds him.read · scan
- p. 752–753Mother weeps thinking her son dead, then marvels that he ate three months in her house without declaring himself her son.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 80Aeneas meets his goddess mother in disguise and does not recognize her.read · scan
- p. 85–86Aeneas reproaches his mother for deceiving her son and shunning his embrace.read · scan
- p. 93Venus, an anxious mother, acts to protect her son Aeneas.read · scan
- p. 117Venus reminds Aeneas of his father, wife and son and urges him to save them; a mother's care.read · scan
- p. 137Andromache asks after Ascanius and mourns her lost child, seeing Hector in the boy's face.read · scan
- p. 197Ascanius appeals to the women's own son; Pyrgo is nurse of Priam's race.read · scan
- p. 202Venus, a mother, anxiously entrusts her son Aeneas to Neptune's protection.read · scan
- p. 270Venus pleads as a mother kneeling as suppliant for her son Aeneas.read · scan
- p. 282Venus cares for her son with the omen; Evander weeps in farewell embrace.read · scan
- p. 293The goddess approaches her son Jove with a mother's majesty on behalf of the Trojans.read · scan
- p. 293–300Nisus begs Euryalus to spare his mother; Ascanius pledges to care for the mother, honoring filial love.read · scan
- p. 305Euryalus's mother, seeing his head on a spear, laments the loss of her son and prop of her age.read · scan
- p. 321Venus begs to save her grandson Ascanius from danger as a mother's care.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 356–357Birth and naming of John amid kinsfolk; mother insists on the name against custom.read · scan
- p. 357–358Joseph and Mary, with her firstborn son laid in a manger.read · scan
- p. 371A widow's grief at her only son's death; Jesus, moved with compassion, restores him to her.read · scan
Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12
- p. 35Caesar asks whether women in their country bear children, since they lavish on beasts the natural affection due to kin.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 269His mother weeps as she sees him off to the election; he says he will return High-Priest or an exile.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 240–242A mother hides her son's death from her sick husband, weeping privately and acting cheerfully.read · scan
- p. 288Pliny and his mother share the danger together, waking and sitting together in the courtyard.read · scan
- p. 288Mother urges her son to flee without her; he refuses and drags her along, each willing to sacrifice for the other.read · scan
- p. 288People call for children, parents and husbands; Pliny and mother stay awaiting news of the uncle.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 7–8Infancy: parents and nurses nourish the child with milk, seen as God's gift through them.read · scan
- p. 41–42Monica weeps for her son more than mothers weep for dead children; her dream and prayers comfort her and she lets him live at home.read · scan
- p. 43Monica's persistent tears and prayers for her son; the bishop assures her the son of such tears cannot perish.read · scan
- p. 69Monica's tears and prayers night and day were a sacrifice offered for her son.read · scan
- p. 71Monica's mother-love: she follows her son to the sea and weeps at his departure, and he deceives her.read · scan
- p. 72Monica's anguish in spirit for her son is greater than at his birth, and her tears and prayers beg his salvation.read · scan
- p. 72–73Monica's persistent prayers for her son are heard by God in due order.read · scan
- p. 79His mother Monnica follows him over sea and land, mourning him as dead and praying that he be raised like the widow's son.read · scan
- p. 80Monnica hears calmly that her son has left the Manichees, confident he will become Catholic, and pours out prayers and tears for him.read · scan
- p. 81Ambrose congratulates Augustine on having such a mother, not knowing what a son she has.read · scan
- p. 136Monnica rejoices at her son's conversion; her mourning turned to joy, more than she had prayed for.read · scan
- p. 142His mother stays with him at the villa, with motherly love and masculine faith.read · scan
- p. 151–152Mother and son converse alone and tenderly in a window at Ostia.read · scan
- p. 152–153Monica, her hopes in this world fulfilled by her son's conversion, says she has nothing left to live for.read · scan
- p. 156–157Mother wept for him for years that he might live in God's sight.read · scan
Hymns of the Christian Church: Latin HymnsVol. 45
- p. 552–554Mother weeping over the dying Son she loved.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 953–954Mary asks how she can bear a son without a man having touched her; virgin birth.read · scan
BeowulfVol. 49
- p. 40Grendel's mother avenges her son's death; Hrothgar grieves for his dearest thane.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 197The wife and household grieve at the son's deed; the father mourns and fears for the son while the wife offers her own money.read · scan
- p. 198Father and son are reconciled through the mother's intercession; the father forgives and gives the damsel to his son.read · scan
- p. 355–356The boy swoons with joy on reaching home, and his grieving mother rejoices, revives him and feeds him.read · scan
- p. 359Ala-ed-Din revives his fainting mother and shares the food with her.read · scan
- p. 365His anxious mother questions his silence and offers to fetch a physician.read · scan
- p. 366He asks his mother to make the marriage request; she fears he is mad and reminds him of their poverty.read · scan
- p. 366–367Mother and son plead; she weeps, wishing to see him married but fearing the presumption of the request.read · scan
- p. 368Mother and son negotiate; she fears asking for the Sultan's daughter on his behalf and yields to filial deference.read · scan
- p. 372The mother endures weariness for her son's desire.read · scan
- p. 375The mother dreads breaking the news to her son and shares his grief.read · scan
- p. 377–378Sultan and Queen visit their silent daughter on her wedding morning; she confides to her mother her terrifying night and asks her to excuse her to her father.read · scan
- p. 378The Queen shields her daughter and the Sultan from the strange tale, urging her to forget it and enjoy the wedding festivities.read · scan
- p. 383A mother anxiously reports to her son and fears for his hopes.read · scan
- p. 384A mother amazed at her son's power.read · scan
The Voyages to VinlandVol. 43
- p. 14Gudrid gives birth to Snorri and sits by his cradle when the strange woman enters.read · scan
Songs from the Elder EddaVol. 49
- p. 421–423She mourns her daughter Swanhild, her sons, husbands and brothers, left with no children to give gifts to.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 93Virgil snatches up Dante as a mother snatches her babe from fire, caring more for him than herself.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 183A widow mourns her murdered son and demands vengeance.read · scan
- p. 204Vision of Mary as a mother seeking her lost child.read · scan
- p. 268Virgil called father, Dante a frightened babe fleeing to a mother's breast; Beatrice's stern majesty like a mother to an awe-struck child.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 285Beatrice looks at Dante as a mother on a frenzied child.read · scan
- p. 334–336Dominic's mother and godmother dream portents of his future zeal while he is born and nursedread · scan
- p. 378Simile of a child running to its mother for succour.read · scan
- p. 402Children lose innocence; a child loves his mother, then wishes her in her grave when he can speak.read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35
- p. 63–64The princess mother finds her son the king.read · scan
- p. 71–72The princess mother swoons in terror when the rebels break into her chamber.read · scan
- p. 72Richard comforts his frightened mother.read · scan
- p. 78–79The king's mother, anxious for him, rejoices to see her son safe.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 64–66Annie asks who will care for her child; kin offer shoes, gloves and comb, and God will father her son.read · scan
- p. 80–82A mother's longing for her three sons lost at sea; they return as ghosts and must leave her before dawn.read · scan
- p. 82–84Lady Maisry searches desperately for her missing son, who speaks from the well and asks for his winding sheet.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 134Percivale meets his aunt, the recluse, and learns his mother died of sorrow after he left.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 183Mothers nurse their own children; substitute nurses are honoured and the fostered child regards her as mother; children serve at table.read · scan
Richard Edwardes, Amantium IraeVol. 40
- p. 201–202A weary mother sings her fretful child to rest, rocking and scolding until it smiles.read · scan
Sir Francis Drake, Sir Francis Drake RevivedVol. 33
- p. 178–179Women recently delivered of children shelter in Venta Cruz, since infants born at Nombre de Dios die.read · scan
Balow; The Old Cloak; Jolly Good Ale and OldVol. 40
- p. 186–188In the Old Cloak, husband and wife squabble over a new cloak, with Bell managing the household and thrift.read · scan
A Sweet Lullaby; Preparations; The Unfaithful ShepherdessVol. 40
- p. 197–199A mother laments to her infant, deserted by its false father, hoping he may return and accept the child.read · scan
Christopher Marlowe, Edward the SecondVol. 46
- p. 49Prince Edward promises to serve his father; his mother fears for his short life.read · scan
- p. 56–57Isabella and her son are unfriended in France; Prince Edward vows to stay by his mother.read · scan
- p. 68–72Fears Mortimer's protection of his son; queen's hard heart.read · scan
- p. 75Isabella, Kent and Mortimer contest guardianship of the boy prince; mother's claim ('Edward is my son') against uncle's charge.read · scan
- p. 81–82The boy king pleads for his uncle and is comforted by his mother, who calls Kent a traitor.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 124–126The queen worries about her too much changed son and his old friends.read · scan
Richard Rowlands, Our Blessed Lady's LullabyVol. 40
- p. 256–258Mary sings a mother's lullaby to her infant, nursing him, tender maternal love and devotion.read · scan
- p. 258–259Mother embraces and kisses her infant, rejoicing to be his mother, with Joseph named as her husband.read · scan
John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47
- p. 775The Duchess's secret pregnancy; Bosola's apricot trick exposes it and induces labour.read · scan
- p. 775–778The Duchess falls in labour and Antonio and Delio plan concealment of the birth and a false poisoning story.read · scan
- p. 780–781Antonio must hide the lying-in of the Duchess.read · scan
- p. 789The Duchess has had two more children by Antonio, kept secret.read · scan
- p. 809Farewell of father and children; she curses her children as born accursed.read · scan
- p. 824She asks care for her little boy and that her girl say her prayers.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 373Herbert's lineage, parents and mother of seven sons and three daughters, whom she bade praise God for the blessing.read · scan
Waly, Waly; Helen of Kirconnell; My Love in Her Attire; Love Not MeVol. 40
- p. 323–324Forsaken woman wishes her babe were born and on the nurse's knee, with herself dead.read · scan
John Milton, Poems Written at School and at College, 1624-1632Vol. 4
- p. 20The mother of the dead child is told to curb her sorrow and render to God what he lent.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4
- p. 359His mother perceives his high thoughts and tells him of his divine birth.read · scan
- p. 371Mary's motherly cares and fears for her absent Son, recalling his birth, flight to Egypt and boyhood lossread · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 163A mother tearing her child from robbers illustrates God drawing us from the world.read · scan
- p. 252A mother's compassion for her child is the image of God's unforgetting care; Zion's restored children crowd her.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 183–184She addresses her sons about their father's death and resolves to take them to join him.read · scan
- p. 232–233Christiana's anxiety and guilt as mother over her sick son; Samuel informs on his brother.read · scan
- p. 233–234Christiana urges her son to take the medicine for love of mother and brothers.read · scan
- p. 238Boys' godliness will gladden their mother's heart.read · scan
- p. 292–293Pregnant Mercy longs for the glass; her mother-in-law says such longing is no shame.read · scan
- p. 293–294Christiana intercedes for her pregnant daughter-in-law.read · scan
- p. 311–312She blesses her children, bequeaths to the poor, and entrusts her sons and daughters to Valiant-for-truth's care.read · scan
- p. 312–313Children weep at Christiana's departure; Ready-to-halt bequeaths his crutches to a son who will follow his steps.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 100–101A mother's indulgence with responsibility taught her daughters good nature.read · scan
Jean Racine, PhaedraVol. 26
- p. 140–141Oenone urges Phaedra to live for her children, marriage vows and against the stranger's son taking their place.read · scan
- p. 142–146Phaedra remains submissive to her husband and cherishes their children despite her passion.read · scan
- p. 147–149Oenone urges Phaedra to live for her son's sake, a mother's duty.read · scan
- p. 155–157Phaedra pleads for her fatherless son's protection and fears Hippolytus's vengeance falling on him for her hatred.read · scan
- p. 165–166She fears the heritage of shame a mother's guilt leaves her sons, and her husband's return.read · scan
- p. 189–191Theseus mourns his son; Phaedra alternately clasps and thrusts away her children.read · scan
Voltaire, Letters on the EnglishVol. 34
- p. 69Mothers should nurse own babes rather than mercenary nurses, analogy to priests.read · scan
- p. 93–94Maternal tenderness and interest prompt mothers to inoculate their children.read · scan
- p. 95–96Princess inoculates her own children, saving thousands of children's lives.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, A Discourse upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality among MankindVol. 34
- p. 187Tender maternal care of young appears as an example of natural pity.read · scan
Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to ConquerVol. 18
- p. 262–263Mother offers herself to protect her son, 'my darling', showing a mother's devotion.read · scan
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Minna von Barnhelm, or The Soldier's FortuneVol. 26
- p. 306–307Widow speaks of a mother's love for her child exceeding her own life.read · scan
William Cowper, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 543Recalls mother's constant love and care; proud to be son of parents now in heaven.read · scan
Anne Hunter, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 581Her mother urges her to dress and dance rather than weep.read · scan
John Logan, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 500–501The mother's longing at the window and the sister weeping for the lost brother.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 75–77The student's mother was unwilling to let him go.read · scan
- p. 195–197Margaret longs to suckle her child, taken from her, and is accused of killing it.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, EgmontVol. 19
- p. 265–267Clara's mother sits by, urging songs and defending Brackenburg's true heart.read · scan
- p. 268–269The mother weeps that her daughter is a castaway; Clara pleads for her kindness against neighbours' gossip.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hermann and DorotheaVol. 19
- p. 356–358The mother anxiously searches for her son around the family estate.read · scan
- p. 358–360A mother tenderly finds her son Hermann weeping alone under the pear-tree; he always told her where he went to spare her worry.read · scan
William Blake, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 588–591Parent calling children home at dusk, and God as father with man his child and care.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 40–42Dying Mailie charges her master to care for her lambs and blesses her children, urging kindness to one another.read · scan
- p. 42–44Mailie leaves blessings for her children, bids the young to be kind to one another and remember their mother.read · scan
- p. 182–184A mother's lament for her illegitimate baby and its rantin' father, wanting him beside her.read · scan
- p. 248–250A mother in misery clasps her infant to her breast and fears the blast.read · scan
- p. 254–256A mother's song to her babe, who resembles his soldier father, promises to make him a man like his daddy.read · scan
- p. 259–260Bids woman-haters remember their mothers.read · scan
- p. 287–289Linnet's tender care of her brood parallels parents watching over a young girl's early morning.read · scan
- p. 304–305Woman awaits birth of child and the father's return.read · scan
- p. 314–316A mother laments her dead son, compared to the linnet bewailing her young.read · scan
- p. 339–341A mother hare's anguish for her helpless young, who depend on her for life.read · scan
- p. 396–398Mary prays for her son's fortunes and warns him of his mother's foes.read · scan
- p. 398–399The speaker looks west to the man dear to her and her baby.read · scan
- p. 488–491The lullaby to little Donald and the loss of father, brothers and husband.read · scan
Friedrich Schiller, William TellVol. 26
- p. 428–429Hedwig fears for her husband; parents disagree about training the boys in the bow.read · scan
- p. 429–431Hedwig anxiously tries to keep Tell home; he says he saved a father for his children; sons want to accompany him.read · scan
- p. 431–432Hedwig's anxious foreboding and clinging to her son as all that is left; Walter goes with his father.read · scan
- p. 456–457Hedwig clasps her son and reproaches Tell for aiming at his child; the family is in anguish over Tell's fate.read · scan
- p. 457–458Hedwig laments her husband's loss and the fatherless grandson before the dying baron.read · scan
- p. 481–482Hedwig rejoices at her sons and husband's return, having suffered a mother's pangs twice over for her boy.read · scan
- p. 482–484Hedwig protects her boys from the strange monk, then joyfully greets Tell; the reunion of husband, wife and children.read · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 597The child among his mother's kisses and his father's eyes.read · scan
- p. 643–645A mother's enduring love and anguish for an only son gone seven years without tidings.read · scan
- p. 645–647Mother tells her absent son to come home even if poor and humbled; she waits with infinite love.read · scan
James Hogg, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 756–757Kilmeny's mother and household seek and grieve for her through long absence until she returns.read · scan
Walter Savage Landor, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 900–902Children lean on the mother's knee; the girl appeals to her mother.read · scan
Leigh Hunt, Deaths of Little ChildrenVol. 27
- p. 285Parents should not repress first tears for a lost infant, any more than smiles toward a surviving child.read · scan
- p. 286–287A child's remembered innocence and endearments stand in place of virtues of those who die older; the sorrow is the only one associated with them.read · scan
- p. 287–288Loss of an infant is a necessary bitter in the cup of humanity; bereaved parents keep an ever-young child in mind while others grow up.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 37Agnese, Lucia's mother, comes down suspicious and curious as the wedding is called off.read · scan
- p. 38–39Mother and lover are angered by Lucia's concealment; different kinds of love shown in their reproach.read · scan
- p. 39–40Lucia hid the matter from her mother to spare her and hoped marriage would end the persecution.read · scan
- p. 47–48Mother and daughter consult; Agnese would give everything for her only daughter.read · scan
- p. 51–52Agnese loves her only daughter tenderly and would give all she owned for her.read · scan
- p. 95–96Marriage plans, Agnese's maternal management of Lucia, who is treated like a child to be persuaded.read · scan
- p. 112–113Agnese, mother and author of the design, encourages her daughter; village scene of mothers and children praying at evening.read · scan
- p. 129–130Lucia clings to her mother and is anxious about her betrothal to Renzo.read · scan
- p. 142–143Agnese speaks for her daughter and is rebuked; mother's protectiveness and betrothal to a God-fearing youth mentioned.read · scan
- p. 174–175Lucia confides in her mother, who with experience quiets her daughter's doubts.read · scan
- p. 278–279Agnese, meant as mother-in-law, showed parental solicitude; her homelessness grieves him and his marriage is thwarted.read · scan
- p. 293–294Mother Agnese shelters her daughter's anxiety and speaks calmly for her.read · scan
- p. 294Mother and daughter share suspense and comfort in secret.read · scan
- p. 337–338Lucia cries out for her mother and longs to be taken to her.read · scan
- p. 369–370Lucia's mother is to be brought to comfort her daughter; Abbondio notes her sensitive disposition.read · scan
- p. 382–383Lucia's cry of 'My mother!' and word that her mother will be fetched.read · scan
- p. 392–393Longing to see her mother again shapes Lucia's feeling and vow.read · scan
- p. 393–394Agnese rushes in distress to her daughter and they embrace joyfully after the danger.read · scan
- p. 408–409Lucia and Agnese, mother and daughter, share melancholy affectionate talk and face separation, with Agnese hoping to live with Renzo.read · scan
- p. 410Agnese comforts her suffering daughter; Lucia kisses her mother and weeps.read · scan
- p. 412–413Mother and daughter accept the offer despite their mournful separation, comforted by proximity to their village.read · scan
- p. 426–427Mother hurries to her daughter with news of the windfall, and Lucia resolves to confide in her mother at their last meeting.read · scan
- p. 428–429Mother and daughter, moved by affection and pity, forgive the concealment; Lucia begs forgiveness for hiding the vow.read · scan
- p. 429–430Agnese pledges to do her daughter's wishes with much feeling.read · scan
- p. 430–431Mother and daughter part in tears and embraces, promising to reunite; Agnese regards Renzo as a son.read · scan
- p. 459A dead mother with infant at her breast; compassionate persons fulfil the maternal office.read · scan
- p. 477–478Agnese grieves at losing hope of soon meeting her daughter Lucia, who is far away in Milan.read · scan
- p. 567–568A mother carries her dead nine-year-old daughter, dressed and adorned with tender care, in dignified sorrow.read · scan
- p. 568–569The mother bids farewell to Cecilia, kisses her, and lies down beside her other dying child to die together.read · scan
- p. 580Nurses tend infants; a bereaved mother nurses a stranger's child while thinking of her own who perhaps died at her breast.read · scan
- p. 584–585Lucia restored to her mother and placed with Donna Prassede; Renzo hopes to marry her.read · scan
Thomas De Quincey, Levana and Our Ladies of SorrowVol. 27
- p. 319Father or kinsman lifts the newborn as proxy for the goddess.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 52–53Marriage and motherhood: the king loves his mute wife and the Virgin takes away her newborn sons.read · scan
- p. 53–54The Virgin restores the three children to their mother.read · scan
- p. 54–55The mother goat loves her seven kids and warns them to guard against the wolf.read · scan
- p. 55Mother goat's grief over her devoured kids; the children's trust in a 'dear little mother' and her weeping at the lossread · scan
- p. 56–57Mother rescues her children from the wolf's belly and they rejoice together in embraceread · scan
- p. 73–74The queen returns to nurse her baby by night as a mother.read · scan
- p. 112Grandmother and granddaughter protect each other against danger.read · scan
- p. 119The mother spares the innocent Queen and child, the King grieves, and mother explains her deception.read · scan
- p. 155–156The manikin claims the Queen's first child, and she prefers to give up all riches to keep it.read · scan
- p. 173Hans runs on light-hearted until he reaches his mother at home.read · scan
- p. 173The aged Queen loves her daughter and gives her a dowry and a blood-stained handkerchief; the drops say her mother's heart would break.read · scan
- p. 175–176The horse's head laments that the girl's tender mother would break her heart if she knew her daughter's plight.read · scan
- p. 177The girl again says that if her mother knew her plight, her heart would break.read · scan
- p. 193–194Mother and son together act on misplaced care for the supposedly dead father.read · scan
- p. 201A mother pursues her fleeing daughter and, though angry, gives her three walnuts to help in her greatest need.read · scan
Hugh Miller, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 918Affectionate portrait of a baby with her mother's eyes.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 221–222Mother duck broods over her eggs, is anxious for the odd one, and boasts of her ducklings and their absent father.read · scan
- p. 291–292The singing recalls his dear mother's voice calling 'My child! my beloved child!'read · scan
- p. 303–304The kitchen girl tells of her sick mother; the song moves her as though her mother kissed her.read · scan
- p. 310–311Mother Stork comforts and protects her young ones from the boys' taunts while the father stands guard.read · scan
- p. 338She dares not disturb her sleeping father and mother.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1276–1278Parents mourn a dead child, like Rachel crying for her childrenread · scan
Charles Darwin, The Origin of SpeciesVol. 11
- p. 204–205Maternal love or hatred is alike to natural selection, e.g. queen-bee killing her daughters.read · scan
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 971–972Lullaby of a mother waiting for the father's return to their sleeping child.read · scan
- p. 981–982Imagines her marriage, her baby comforting her and her old age preaching maxims to a daughter.read · scan
- p. 1011–1012Dying mother's grief and devotion for her hanged son Willy; she gathered his bonesread · scan
- p. 1012–1013Mother's devotion: her son's bones are hers, flesh of her flesh; she buries him and joins himread · scan
- p. 1013–1014Mother would rather share hell than be saved without her son; maternal love beyond salvationread · scan
- p. 1036–1037Speaker recalls his mother's decline, vexed by lawyers and debt, and her father's sin; the brother's return disturbs his dream.read · scan
Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln's Letter to Mrs. BixbyVol. 43
- p. 420A mother's bereavement over her sons; Lincoln prays for the cherished memory of the loved and lost.read · scan
William Makepeace Thackeray, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1058–1059Mothers weeping at a child's grave; learning at home to love and pray.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Twenty-Four Years AfterVol. 23
- p. 402A widowed mother seeks help for her dying son George, once meant to be her pride and support.read · scan
John Ruskin, Sesame and LiliesVol. 28
- p. 155–156Mothers must bring children to their fold; daughters' training depends on the mother's care.read · scan
- p. 159The mother with child at her breast has power over child and husband purer than air, wasted on trivial precedence.read · scan
Charles Kingsley, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1060–1062Deserted mother with the baby on her knee.read · scan
Matthew Arnold, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1123–1124Merman and children call for the mother Margaret who left them for the world.read · scan
- p. 1124–1125Mother returns to human family, leaving her sea children; she sighs for the little mermaid.read · scan
George MacDonald, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1118–1119Tender dialogue of parent and baby marveling at the child's coming.read · scan
Sidney Lanier, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1395–1396A mother and father beg for their child's life; the mother's love overrides all else as she urges her husband to submit.read · scan
- p. 1397–1398The mother pleads that a lashing heals but the loss of her child does not; the child is taken from her.read · scan
7b.Father love and anxiety for sons and daughters
See also: Emotion 6c · Old Age 2c
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 10–11Athene will rouse Odysseus' son to seek news of his father.read · scan
- p. 11–12Telemachus sits grieving, dreaming of his father's return to drive out the wooers and regain his house.read · scan
- p. 22Telemachus laments his lost father and the wooers besetting his mother and wasting his household.read · scan
- p. 50Peisistratus says a son has many griefs when his father is away with none to defend him; Telemachus's plight.read · scan
- p. 53–54Telemachus seeks news of his father; his household is devoured by his mother's wooers.read · scan
- p. 62–63The wooers are angered that Telemachus has secretly gone to seek news of his father.read · scan
- p. 68Odysseus was gentle as a father; his son Telemachus seeks him while wooers plot his death.read · scan
- p. 82–83Nausicaa asks her father for a wagon; parental affection and household care, with her shyness about marriage.read · scan
- p. 156–157Achilles longs for news of his son and aged father Peleus and wishes to defend him.read · scan
- p. 157–158Achilles rejoices at hearing his son's renown.read · scan
- p. 209Laertes's grief for his absent son; his wife died of grief; Eumaeus reared with the daughter Ctimene.read · scan
- p. 215–216Eumaeus greets Telemachus like a father welcoming an only son home after long absence; Telemachus asks after his mother and marriage bed.read · scan
- p. 219Telemachus wants word secretly sent to old Laertes, sorrowing for his lost son.read · scan
- p. 219–220Odysseus reveals himself as father after twenty years; father and son embrace and weep.read · scan
- p. 295Telemachus arms himself and stands at his father's side.read · scan
- p. 298Telemachus fights beside his father, fetching him arms and killing Amphinomus.read · scan
- p. 318–319He goes to see his grieving father and charges his wife to stay hidden.read · scan
- p. 325Odysseus, moved by the sight of his aged, grieving father, decides to test him before revealing himself.read · scan
- p. 326Odysseus, disguised, tests his father Laertes by asking after his son.read · scan
- p. 327Laertes grieves for his lost son, unburied and unwept by mother, father or Penelope.read · scan
- p. 328Odysseus reveals himself to his father, proving identity with a boyhood scar and memories of the garden trees.read · scan
- p. 329Father and son reunited; Telemachus marvels at Laertes.read · scan
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 33Each speaks of his son; Confucius's own son Li had only an inner coffin.read · scan
Aesop, FablesVol. 17
Aeschylus, The Libation-BearersVol. 8
- p. 103–104Orestes, disguised, falsely reports his own death and says such news should reach a parent's ear first.read · scan
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 114–115Job recalls the time when his children were about him and God's friendship on his tent.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 270–271God pities those who fear him as a father pities his children.read · scan
Sophocles, Oedipus the KingVol. 8
- p. 251Oedipus pleads to be allowed to touch and weep over his two daughters, for whom he still cares.read · scan
- p. 253Oedipus mourns for his daughters, whose birth shames them; unmarriageable, they will be shunned, and he entrusts them to Creon.read · scan
- p. 253Oedipus pleads not to be parted from his daughters; Creon refuses.read · scan
Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8
- p. 294Eurydice hears of her son; Creon finds Haemon embracing dead Antigone, his bridal chamber a tomb, and pleads with his son.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 64Mykerinos grieves for his only daughter's death and buries her in a gilded wooden cow; a rival tale tells of incest and her suicide.read · scan
- p. 64–66The dying daughter asks of her father that she see the sun once a year.read · scan
Euripides, HippolytusVol. 8
- p. 343–344Hippolytus pleads that a father should not hide sorrow from a son.read · scan
- p. 355–358Theseus feels mixed joy and pity for his own blood, reproached to be gentle to his suffering child.read · scan
- p. 362–365Father and son pity each other; Hippolytus grieves over Theseus's suffering and forgives him.read · scan
- p. 365–367Hippolytus forgives his father and they embrace as he dies; Theseus asks for a true-born heir.read · scan
Plato, The Apology of SocratesVol. 2
- p. 22Socrates has three sons but refuses to parade them in court for sympathy.read · scan
Plato, PhaedoVol. 2
- p. 109–110Crito asks about his children; Socrates says only that they should look to themselves.read · scan
- p. 110–111His sons and the women of his family are brought to him; his friends feel like orphans losing a father.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On Old AgeVol. 9
- p. 75–76Mourns his son Cato, consoled that the separation will not be long, hoping to rejoin him.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 86–89He longs for Terentia, worries over daughter Tullia's marriage and reputation, and wishes his son ever in his arms.read · scan
- p. 90Cicero mourns absence of his brother, daughter and son, praising each, and explains he kept his wife away to guard the children.read · scan
- p. 146Affection of son and nephew; Quintus receives the toga virilis at his father's commission.read · scan
- p. 168The loss of his daughter is his grievous blow, compared with fathers who lost sons and still found comfort.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 93Aeneas's paternal care for Iulus; Dido recalls her father Belus.read · scan
- p. 117Priam sees his son Polites slain before his eyes; Hecuba embraces her husband; Pyrrhus contrasted with Achilles' pity for a father.read · scan
- p. 127Creusa entrusts their son to Aeneas; he vainly tries to embrace her three times.read · scan
- p. 232Funeral flowers are a gift parents owe children.read · scan
- p. 282Evander entrusts his son Pallas to Aeneas to learn war.read · scan
- p. 282–287Evander, a father, prays that he see his son Pallas return, or die before the fatal news.read · scan
- p. 325Grief of Evander for his son; Magus begs to return to his father and children.read · scan
- p. 340The suppliant begs by parent and lineage; Juno pleads to restore Turnus to his aged father.read · scan
- p. 350–353Mezentius fights and dies for his slain son Lausus, asking to be buried beside him.read · scan
- p. 355Aeneas mourns the father's loss of his son and his promise to Evander; Pallas borne home to share Evander's grief.read · scan
- p. 355Evander mourns his son Pallas, the father outliving the child, and remembers his dead wife.read · scan
- p. 366Metabus, exiled father, saves his infant daughter Camilla, fearing for her more than himself, and dedicates her to Diana.read · scan
- p. 389Iapis prefers healing to save his aged father; Ascanius weeps by his wounded father; Venus aids her son.read · scan
- p. 412Turnus pleads for his aged father Daunus, appealing to Aeneas's own father and son.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 358–359Parents bring the child, marvel, and are blessed.read · scan
- p. 376–377Jairus pleads for his only dying daughter; her parents are amazed at her restoration.read · scan
- p. 379A father begs help for his only child and receives him back healed.read · scan
- p. 383An earthly father would not give his son a stone for bread, so God gives more.read · scan
- p. 394–395Father's compassion for a returning son; inheritance divided, son restored with robe, ring and feast.read · scan
- p. 400–401Children brought to Jesus; the kingdom belongs to such, and must be received as a little child.read · scan
Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12
- p. 59–60Pericles's wife, formerly Hipponicus's, bore him two sons.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 238Grief for Spurinna's son and consideration for the father.read · scan
- p. 256Corellius on his deathbed tells his daughter to trust Pliny and Cornutus among the friends he raised up for her.read · scan
- p. 273Father's love for his daughter and her devotion; the wedding planned becomes a funeral.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 195Patricians deficient in paternal affection.read · scan
- p. 195To love my children truly and my kin.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 145Augustine's son Adeodatus, born of sin, brought up in God's discipline, gifted in wit, and early taken by death.read · scan
BeowulfVol. 49
- p. 37–38Wealhtheow speaks of leaving realm to kin, trusts Hrothulf to protect her sons, and the queen is taken back to her land.read · scan
- p. 38Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to counsel and help her sons kindly.read · scan
- p. 70–72A father mourns a son slain by his brother; inheritance to remaining sons.read · scan
The Destruction of Dá Derga's HostelVol. 49
- p. 231–232Fer rogain weeps bloody tears for Conaire's seven-year-old son, the best crown-prince, whose slaughter is sad.read · scan
- p. 247–248Conall returns wounded to his father, who greets and questions him.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 20The father recovers his son and marries him to the herdsman's daughter.read · scan
- p. 87–88A father mourns his daughter, who was worth a hundred men, and builds her a great tomb.read · scan
- p. 91–93The father shelters his son from the predicted danger.read · scan
- p. 333–335Jullanar bears a son; her kin come to name him, and her brother carries the infant off while the King fears for him.read · scan
- p. 337Father honours and embraces his son; maternal kin visit regularly.read · scan
- p. 380Father and daughter: the Sultan's anger and tenderness toward Bedr-el-Budur, who appeals to his love and asks belief.read · scan
- p. 381The Sultan weeps at his daughter's ordeal and pledges protection; the Wezir's son begs release from the marriage.read · scan
- p. 387The Sultan delights in his daughter's returning cheer, and the mother rejoices at her son's coming marriage.read · scan
- p. 405–406The Sultan daily looks for his daughter's palace out of love, and weeps when it has vanished.read · scan
- p. 406–407The Sultan laments the loss of his only child, the kernel of his heart.read · scan
- p. 415The Sultan weeps for his only daughter and their reunion is tearful; she recounts her grief at separation from father and husband.read · scan
- p. 417The Sultan begs pardon, pleading that parents' hearts yearn over children, his only daughter dearer than his kingdom.read · scan
Songs from the Elder EddaVol. 49
- p. 374–377Gudrun's grief; Sigurd speaks of his young heir, of her brothers, and of kin and sons as continuing the lineread · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 41–42Farinata asks Dante's ancestors; Cavalcante rises and anxiously seeks his son Guido, showing kinship and paternal grief.read · scan
- p. 136–137Ugolino watches his sons weep, offer their flesh to feed him, and die one by one.read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35
- p. 29The king's concern for his son and his wish for the prince to win glory show fatherly feeling.read · scan
- p. 31–32Father embraces and kisses his son the prince, praising him.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 116–118Marie laments that her parents never dreamed her fate, and asks them not be told her death.read · scan
- p. 118–120Marie laments her parents' ignorance of her fate; Braikley's wife, brother and young son figure in the defense of the house.read · scan
- p. 127–129The fathers mourn their sons and blame themselves; Bewick's son rebukes his father for the quarrel.read · scan
- p. 133–135He was ruined saving his son, who killed a knight and squire; he is left with wife and children.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 109Launcelot rejoices in his son Galahad; the queen guesses his parentage from likeness and lineage.read · scan
- p. 181Bors wishes Launcelot, Galahad's father, were with them.read · scan
- p. 197Launcelot meets his son Galahad in the ship, who was begotten by him.read · scan
- p. 197–199Father and son Launcelot and Galahad reunite with unspeakable joy, kiss, and exchange news of their adventures.read · scan
- p. 199Galahad takes leave of his father Launcelot with a kiss and each prays for the other, expecting no further meeting.read · scan
- p. 204Arthur asks Launcelot about his son Galahad.read · scan
- p. 209Galahad sends greetings to Launcelot, his father.read · scan
William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36
- p. 91A father's anguish and devotion for his sick daughter.read · scan
- p. 91More would have renounced worldly matters had his daughter died.read · scan
- p. 103His eldest daughter alone is trusted with his penitential secret.read · scan
- p. 114Son-in-law Roper is distressed for More's sake; More speaks tenderly to his daughter Meg.read · scan
- p. 114He parts from his beloved children at the gate, refusing to let them follow him.read · scan
- p. 114He counts his wife and children the chief part of his charge and receives his daughter Meg.read · scan
- p. 114He asks his daughter of the state of his wife and children and house.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 10Grandfather and father act anxiously to save the child.read · scan
- p. 20–21Father writes with tender love and concern for the absent son, urging honesty and family honour.read · scan
- p. 21Father's piteous letters and tearful pleas that his son keep up music; he nurses his sick son and is moved by his playing.read · scan
- p. 30–32His afflicted father kneels before the Eight to plead mercy for his son, and comes to him with friend Pierro.read · scan
- p. 32Father blesses his son, arms him and weeps at parting; joy at his escape.read · scan
- p. 37–39Father writes with tender affection, asking his son to keep up music; Cellini is moved to filial piety and sends money to help him.read · scan
- p. 80Cellini returns to his father, who believed him dead or ruined; their joyful embrace, and the father seeks revenge on the magistrate.read · scan
- p. 81Father begs Cellini not to become a soldier, sends him away from plague, and Cellini leaves money and his father in his sister's care.read · scan
- p. 259He compares his love for the works of his art to a shepherd's preference for his own sons over princes.read · scan
- p. 364He visits his infant natural son, who clings to him in tears.read · scan
- p. 364–365Cellini mourns the death of his only son.read · scan
- p. 434–436The court mourns the Duke's son, and Cellini waits for tears to dry before visiting.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of the Institution and Education of ChildrenVol. 32
- p. 64A loving, careful father devotes tender affection and toil to raising his son.read · scan
- p. 64A father anxiously cares for his son's schooling, fearful of any oversight.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of FriendshipVol. 32
- p. 83–84A man playing with his children asks not to be judged until he is a father.read · scan
Sir Francis Drake, Sir Francis Drake RevivedVol. 33
- p. 194–195Pedro says he loves his wife and children dearly, yet would not trade the scimitar for them; Drake also offers silks for the wives.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 255Dorothea describes her affectionate parents, their only heir, cherished as mirror and staff of their old age and steward of the household.read · scan
- p. 407Her father proudly asserts his daughter is the most beautiful in the kingdom.read · scan
- p. 408The father protectively sends his daughter indoors and later comforts her, misreading her fright.read · scan
- p. 408–409Aguimorato tenderly comforts his daughter, unaware of her design to leave.read · scan
- p. 412Aguimorato sighs at seeing his daughter embraced by the captor; Zoraida would rather drown than see her father carried off captive on her account.read · scan
- p. 413Aguimorato weeps, offering all he has for his daughter, 'the greatest and best part of my soul'; father and daughter lament together.read · scan
- p. 416Father curses then pleads with his runaway daughter, offering pardon and begging her return to comfort him.read · scan
- p. 441Servants seek a runaway young son on his father's behalf.read · scan
- p. 442Don Louis's father grieves at his son's absence; servants urge his return to save his father's life.read · scan
- p. 442–443Servants say Don Louis's father may die of grief unless he returns home.read · scan
- p. 471He grieves for his wife and children, who hoped to see him a governor.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, The Discovery of GuianaVol. 33
- p. 366Topiawari gives his only son to be taken to England, hoping he will be established after his death.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, Preface to the History of the WorldVol. 39
- p. 91–92The comfort of posterity's glory is vain, since the dead know nothing of their children.read · scan
Edmund Spenser, Prefatory Letter to Sir Walter Raleigh on the Faerie QueeneVol. 39
- p. 63–64The lady pleads for her parents, an ancient king and queen imprisoned by a dragon.read · scan
Christopher Marlowe, Edward the SecondVol. 46
- p. 60–62Edward grieves that his little son is misled by the rebels.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 129–131Hamlet warns Polonius not to let his daughter walk in the sun, lest she conceive.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King LearVol. 46
- p. 281Gloucester longs for his abused son Edgar and regrets his wrath.read · scan
- p. 306Lear, captured, tenderly plans a life in prison with Cordelia, asking and giving blessing and forgiveness between father and daughter.read · scan
- p. 315Lear's anguished love for dead Cordelia, whose soft voice he recalls.read · scan
- p. 315Lear's grief for his daughter Cordelia, his never, never, never.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46
- p. 392–393Siward grieves for a son yet consoles himself that his death was honourable.read · scan
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Philaster, or Love Lies A-BleedingVol. 47
- p. 671–677Philaster asks after Dion's daughter, who went on a pilgrimage to atone for a dream.read · scan
- p. 727–731Arethusa appeals to the love a father bears his child.read · scan
- p. 744Bellario reveals herself as Dion's lost daughter Euphrasia, to his shameread · scan
- p. 744Dion recognizes Bellario as his daughter Euphrasia and is ashamed; she explains her father's praises of Philasterread · scan
- p. 744The king offers a dowry and blesses the joined couple, giving the kingdom to Philaster as heir; a father's blessing.read · scan
John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47
- p. 779–780Antonio learns he is father of a son; Delio wishes him a father's joys.read · scan
- p. 849–850Antonio is kindled by news of his duchess and children, and asks that his son flee the courts of princes.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15
- p. 345–346Donne faces helpless children, a narrow fortune and the cares of their education.read · scan
- p. 366He dismisses friends with a spiritual benediction as Jacob did his sons.read · scan
John Milton, Poems Written at Horton, 1632-1638Vol. 4
- p. 69–70The Spirit presents the three children safely to their father and mother, whose friends gather to celebrate.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 331Noah with his sons and their wives enters the ark; Adam grieves as a father.read · scan
John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4
- p. 414His father Manoa comes to comfort him and seeks ransom; Dalila is his wife.read · scan
- p. 415Manoa, an aged father, grieves that the son he prayed for has fallen; marriage to Dalila condemned.read · scan
- p. 415Manoa asserts a father's care to seek his deliverance by ransom.read · scan
- p. 415Manoa pleads with tears and supplication to the lords to ransom his imprisoned son.read · scan
- p. 415Manoa will give his whole inheritance to redeem his son; fathers and sons' reciprocal care, a father's love.read · scan
- p. 415A father mourns his son and wishes to have freed him from captivity.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 53–54Christian has wife and four children who refused to accompany him; he weeps over their unbelief.read · scan
- p. 54–55Christian's tender love for wife and children, whom he urged and prayed for but who would not come.read · scan
- p. 315–316Stand-fast leaves a wife and five children, asks Great-heart to inform them and sends only prayers and tears.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 67–68A father with a perverse son can do little but pray for him.read · scan
- p. 106A wise father prefers a son able and useful as a man over a pretty prattler.read · scan
Ambrose Philips, To Charlotte PulteneyVol. 40
- p. 440–441An infant is the delight of her happy parents and will one day see her own daughter resemble her.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 30–31Franklin's father declines the governor's proposal, judges him too young, and gives consent, counsel and blessing with tokens of parental love.read · scan
Samuel Johnson, Life of Addison, 1672-1719Vol. 27
- p. 187Dennis argues love of offspring is strongest, so Cato's dry eyes at his son's death are unnatural.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 291–292Feels tenderness for the lads as if they were his own children.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hermann and DorotheaVol. 19
- p. 400–401Anxious parents at the Lion await their son's return; mother upbraids the men.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 21–22Poverty-stricken father watches his wife and sleeping babies, aching for their sake and unable to die because they depend on him.read · scan
- p. 54–56Poet welcomes his illegitimate daughter with fatherly affection, promising to educate and provide for her despite gossip.read · scan
- p. 56–58Poet hopes his daughter inherits her mother's grace and promises to be a loving father unashamed of her.read · scan
- p. 186–187He lists his sons and his illegitimate daughter Bess, glad to have no wife and refusing tax on his 'misses'.read · scan
- p. 194–196The promised father's tender name was a pledge of love.read · scan
- p. 222–224Farewell to mother, brother, sister, Jean; the father's love for dependants makes misery keenest.read · scan
- p. 280–283Wish that Athole's little angel band grow up to prop their native land like their fathers.read · scan
- p. 354–356Wife and children move the poet's heart even in his dreaded excise work.read · scan
- p. 365–367Burns provides for wife and two boys; a happy fireside for wife and children is the true pathos of human life.read · scan
- p. 393–394Poem on a child born in family distress, a flower sheltered by parents' love and prayer.read · scan
- p. 394–396Parental hopes for the infant and the mother; parent's heart bereft like woodbine losing its tree.read · scan
- p. 465–467Blessing on M'Murdo that no son stain the father's honour nor daughter pain the mother; Jeanie leaves her mammie's cot.read · scan
Friedrich Schiller, William TellVol. 26
- p. 441–442Gessler asks which son Tell loves most; Tell says both are dear alike.read · scan
- p. 442–443Tell protests that a father cannot aim at his child's head; Gessler, childless, cannot know a father's heart.read · scan
- p. 443–444Furst offers all his property to spare a father the unnatural doom; Walter trusts his father's skill.read · scan
- p. 444–445Tell's agony as a father forced to shoot at his son, who urges him on.read · scan
- p. 445–447Walter trusts his father would not harm him; Tell's shot spares the boy.read · scan
- p. 447–448Tell embraces his son passionately after the shot; the crowd is moved by father and child.read · scan
- p. 448–449Tell aimed the second arrow to avenge his child; his son clings to him in anguish at parting.read · scan
- p. 449–451He is appalled that a father was made to aim at his own child.read · scan
- p. 452–453Bound, Tell despaired of seeing his wife and boys again.read · scan
- p. 464–465Tell resolves to shield his wife and boys from the tyrant's rage.read · scan
- p. 465–467Tell thinks of his children's past joy at his homecoming and kills only to guard their innocence.read · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 600–602Matthew mourns his daughter Emma, dead at nine, and remembers how he loved her more after her death.read · scan
- p. 602–604Matthew grieves for his dead children; the poet's offer to be a son cannot replace them.read · scan
- p. 608–610He speaks of a father's love and children dearer than the sun; marriage vows are plighted in church.read · scan
- p. 617Michael's tender love for his son of old age, nursing him as a babe and training him with staff and correction.read · scan
- p. 620Michael recalls Luke's infancy and their fatherly companionship, moving the boy to tears before parting.read · scan
- p. 620Parents rejoice at Luke's letters, then bear grief at his ruin; the father's love endures to the grave.read · scan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 710–711Christabel's father loves her well; she prays for her betrothed.read · scan
- p. 712–713Christabel brings the stranger into her sleeping household, her father weak in health.read · scan
- p. 719–720Baron embraces his daughter and turns pale at the name of Roland de Vaux.read · scan
- p. 722–723Father's concern for his child; Roland's daughter to be returned to her father.read · scan
- p. 724–725Baron's fatherly affection for Christabel, called his dove.read · scan
- p. 725–726Christabel pleads by her dead mother's soul; the mother's dying prayer for her child is recalled to move the father.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 169The Prince's relief and sincere tenderness after her success; she fears what she would endure in his house.read · scan
Thomas De Quincey, Levana and Our Ladies of SorrowVol. 27
- p. 321–322Parental grief: Rachel weeping for her children, the blind beggar mourning his pious daughter, the Czar bereaved of his daughter.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 57Dying father's anxiety for his young son's upbringing and provision of a foster-fatherread · scan
- p. 124The father refuses money, calling Thumbling the apple of his eye, then sells him because the child asks it.read · scan
- p. 126–127Parents rejoice at the return of their lost child, refuse to sell him again for any riches, and embrace him.read · scan
- p. 131–132The father gladly ransoms his son with all his fowls; the moral says a father loves his child more than chickens.read · scan
- p. 137–138The King tries to protect his beloved child from misfortune.read · scan
- p. 190Parent wrens feed their young and defend their children's reputation.read · scan
George Gordon, Lord Byron, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 799–801Farewell to a wife; he pleads that she teach their child to say Father and think of him.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-SoulVol. 5
- p. 138–139With his child, learning and money avail nothing; only soul does, and the child reveres and loves.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 237–238The father repeats the innocent child's remark, spreading the truth.read · scan
- p. 353The King and Queen guard their daughter's whereabouts.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1267–1269A skipper takes his little daughter to sea with himread · scan
- p. 1269–1271A father wraps and binds his frightened daughter to the mast, protecting her until he diesread · scan
- p. 1271–1273The smith sits with his boys in church and hears his daughter sing, recalling his dead wiferead · scan
- p. 1278–1280Parents keep an unbroken bond with the dead daughter and love children as the world's joyread · scan
- p. 1292–1294The children's hour: the father is happily surprised by his daughters; a mother waits for her son.read · scan
- p. 1294–1296Father delighted as his daughters raid his study with kisses; he vows to keep them forever in his heart.read · scan
- p. 1305–1306Father and daughter sit together by the fire; Evangeline spins beside him and knows her lover's step.read · scan
- p. 1316Evangeline vainly tries to cheer her broken father with food and caresses.read · scan
Charles Tennyson Turner, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 921Parents give their small daughter Letty a globe and delight in her childish joy.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Origin of SpeciesVol. 11
- p. 462Young animal nourished and protected by parents; compares with our own children whose adult features cannot be foretold.read · scan
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1015–1016Narrator's father died after failed speculation; mother's shriek and son's love for himread · scan
- p. 1017–1018Maud is recalled as a child, the delight of the village and darling of her mother and his father.read · scan
- p. 1019–1020Maud's mother is dead and her father absent in London, leaving her to wander unguarded.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the MastVol. 23
- p. 129A shopkeeper father has lost a little daughter and displays her body in a room of white-clad girls.read · scan
7c.Childlessness and the longing for an heir
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 98The wicked shall have neither son nor grandson, his line ending.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 288–289Blessing of mighty offspring; the barren woman made a joyful mother of children.read · scan
- p. 290Blessing invoked on the house of Israel, on you and your children.read · scan
Buddhist WritingsVol. 45
- p. 613Sujata prays for a husband of equal rank and a first-born son, and her prayer succeeds.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 81–84Cicero announces the birth of a baby boy and reports Terentia is doing well.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 152She laments having no child by him, a little Aeneas to console her.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 353Elderly childless couple Zacharias and Elisabeth promised a son; hearts of fathers turned to children.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 908–909Zachariah prays for an heir since his wife is barren; John is pious to his parents; Mary withdraws from her family.read · scan
- p. 952–953Imran's wife vows her unborn child to God and names her Mary; Zachariah prays for a son despite an aged barren wife.read · scan
BeowulfVol. 49
- p. 5An heir is born to Scyld; a youth should serve his father's friends so that they support him later.read · scan
- p. 79–80He laments having no son of his own blood to inherit his war-gear.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 17–18A barren marriage to a cousin, a concubine's son, and the jealous wife's enchantment of the son and his mother.read · scan
- p. 91A jeweller father, long without a son, is troubled by a dream and the astrologers' word about the child.read · scan
- p. 104The long-childless king rears his late-born son and entrusts him to a servant's care.read · scan
- p. 326–327The Persian King grieves that despite a hundred concubines he has no child to inherit the kingdom.read · scan
- p. 328The King longs for a son to inherit his kingdom; the damsel announces she is with child.read · scan
The Story of the Volsungs and NiblungsVol. 49
- p. 259Childless Rerir and his queen long for an heir; Volsung is born and honored as heir and king.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 9Childless married couple longs for children; Cellini is born a boy when a girl was expected, and named Benvenuto.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, Preface to the History of the WorldVol. 39
- p. 77Henry's cast-off wives and the extinction of his line; childlessness as retribution.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 290–291Adam rejects Eve's consolation, and she proposes violent ways to spare their offspring.read · scan
- p. 304Eve proposes remaining childless to spare offspring from death, abstaining from nuptial embraces.read · scan
- p. 304He rejects wilful barrenness and notes childbirth pains are recompensed with joy.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 252Zion, bereaved and desolate, is given children she did not bear, brought up by kings and queens.read · scan
- p. 253–254Abraham and Sarah, childless, are recalled as the ancestors God increased.read · scan
Edmund Burke, A Letter to a Noble LordVol. 24
- p. 405Burke laments having no heir, imagining a son who would have equalled the Duke and been a founder of a family.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 213–215Blessings wished on patron's marriage, children and last ritesread · scan
- p. 334–335Wishes for friends' marriages, parenthood, and household prosperity.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 66A childless couple long for a child; husband risks the enchantress's garden out of love for his wiferead · scan
- p. 124A childless peasant couple long for a child, however small, and cherish the thumb-sized son when he is born.read · scan
- p. 137Royal couple long for a child and rejoice at a daughter's birth.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 313–314Babies fetched from the pond for parents and children who want a brother or sister.read · scan
- p. 314–315Siblings are brought by the storks as gifts or losses to households.read · scan
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1161–1162The king speaks of his wife and newborn heir.read · scan
7d.Parents' partiality and indulgence
See also: Education 3a
Aesop, FablesVol. 17
- p. 28A mother's indulgence of her son's petty thefts leads him to the gallows; he blames her upbringing.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 171–172Cicero is glad of good reports of his son's progress, even willing to be credulous about them.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 143–144Narrator, the only son among nine childless uncles, grows up doted on by them and defers to his father's arrangements.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of the Institution and Education of ChildrenVol. 32
- p. 29A father acknowledges even a deformed son as his own, likened to his own imperfect writings.read · scan
- p. 40Parents' cockering and the household's awe of the house's greatness hinder the young gentleman.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 5Fatherly love blinds a parent to a child's faults; the author calls himself only stepfather to Don Quixote.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3
- p. 19–20Bacon discusses parents' feelings toward children, unequal affection, stinginess, rivalry among brothers, choosing children's vocations, and kinship and inheritance.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 160Polonius notes a mother is partial by nature, so others should overhear.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 330Love of parents, wives and children is inconstant: we forget mothers for wives, and children turn their affection elsewhere.read · scan
Molière, Tartuffe, or The HypocriteVol. 26
- p. 206–208Orgon loves Tartuffe more than mother, son, daughter and wife, letting him rule his household.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 11Fond mothers and fathers fearing censure over-clothe children; parents choose the time of washing; daughters' upbringing differs somewhat.read · scan
- p. 11–12Fond mothers will take it as murdering their tender babes to bathe them in cold water.read · scan
- p. 16Fond mothers and foolish servants cram children, and parents resist plain diet.read · scan
- p. 26–27Parents' natural love easily becomes fondness that cherishes children's faults instead of disciplining them.read · scan
- p. 27Indulgent parents corrupt children's nature, then complain of the wilfulness they themselves fostered.read · scan
- p. 53Fathers wrongly admire pertness in sons as an omen of thriving.read · scan
- p. 70Parents' lavishing on children's show reflects vanity rather than true care for their good.read · scan
- p. 86–87Parents tend to lean to the soft side; they and teachers should aim to make children indifferent to fancies.read · scan
- p. 94Parents' misplaced compassion encourages crying and effeminacy in children.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 331Men care more for the breed of horses than of their children, trusting money.read · scan
- p. 356Partial parents are ill obeyed by children; families cannot subsist comfortably without impartiality.read · scan
- p. 356–357Partiality breeds feuds in families.read · scan
Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to ConquerVol. 18
- p. 205–206Hardcastle and his wife quarrel over her spoiling of her son Tony, and their ages and marriage.read · scan
- p. 206–207A doting mother indulges Tony as sickly, while the father sees him as an idle rascal; Tony defies his mother.read · scan
- p. 214–215Marlow reports the son spoiled at his mother's apron-string, which Tony hears as insult while hiding his identity.read · scan
- p. 230–231Mrs. Hardcastle quarrels with her son Tony over his upbringing, forced dosing and betrothal to cousin Constance.read · scan
- p. 231–232Mrs. Hardcastle laments her undutiful son; Tony disparages the cousin she chose as his bride.read · scan
- p. 239–240Mrs. Hardcastle rails at her son Tony as a brute and blockhead who vexes his mother.read · scan
- p. 250–251Mrs. Hardcastle dotes on her son Tony and pushes his match with Miss Neville to keep the jewels in the family.read · scan
- p. 251–252Mrs. Hardcastle dotes on her son Tony, planning his marriage and postponing his education.read · scan
- p. 261–262Mother and son quarrel over blame for the night journey; Tony's trick is played on his own mother.read · scan
- p. 263–264Mrs. Hardcastle blames her spoiled son, and Hardcastle sees morality in his reply.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 223–224The mother defends her ugly duckling, praising its disposition and strength.read · scan
7e.Children as hostages to fortune and subjects of dread
Aesop, FablesVol. 17
- p. 18The woodman's children are endangered.read · scan
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 72Job's sons and daughters die when the house falls.read · scan
- p. 102–103The wicked's offspring are established and their children dance in safe houses.read · scan
- p. 112The wicked man's children are multiplied only for the sword and his widows do not mourn.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 325Sons like grown plants and daughters like hewn cornerstones as part of a prosperous life.read · scan
Buddhist WritingsVol. 45
- p. 772Visakha's descendants number over eight thousand, sons and daughters multiplying like the waxing moon.read · scan
- p. 773–774Her many children and grandchildren are all healthy and none has died, so she is thought lucky.read · scan
- p. 778–779She walks with her children and grandchildren round the monastery, rejoicing.read · scan
Ecclesiastes; or, The PreacherVol. 44
- p. 341–342A man with a hundred children whose soul is not filled with good is worse off than the stillborn.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 165Loss of a child is an evil, but marriage and children hold little promise in the present state of things.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 178Parents see their own features and motions in their children and feel alternating hopes and fears.read · scan
- p. 207Daedalus's grief for Icarus stops his hands; Athenian parents weep at the lottery of youths.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 414–415Jesus tells women to weep for their children, foreseeing days when the barren are called blessed.read · scan
Plutarch, AntonyVol. 12
- p. 384–385Antony's children meet varied fates; Caesar threatens Cleopatra's children to break her resolve to die.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 162The hero did not lament leaving children orphans, since God is Father of all.read · scan
- p. 167Wife and children are not one's own but God's, to be yielded up.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 248Quotation on gods not caring for me and my children.read · scan
- p. 272Pray not to fear losing one's little son.read · scan
- p. 283Thy children are leaves also.read · scan
- p. 283The wish that one's dear children live is likened to a diseased desire.read · scan
- p. 293To look for one's child when it is no longer allowed is compared to seeking figs in winter.read · scan
- p. 293A father kissing his child is reminded of mortality.read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35
- p. 65The knight's children are held hostage and threatened with death to compel his return.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, That to Philosophise Is to Learne How to DieVol. 32
- p. 18–19Dying men grieve leaving wives, children and daughters unmarried or children's upbringing unfinished.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of the Institution and Education of ChildrenVol. 32
- p. 29Addressed to a lady expecting a son; parents and tutors face constant cares and fears in bringing up children.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3
- p. 19Opens the essay on parents: their joys, griefs and fears are secret.read · scan
- p. 21Wife and children as hostages to fortune, a discipline of humanity; comparison of married and single life; wives and husbands.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The TempestVol. 46
- p. 399Prospero says he acted in care of Miranda; she recalls a dreamlike early childhood and the women who tended her.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 185–186Timorous appeals to her duty to her four children, her own flesh and bones.read · scan
Voltaire, Letters on the EnglishVol. 34
- p. 95Parents' hopes for their children's education and beauty are ruined by smallpox.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, EgmontVol. 19
- p. 267–268Mother laments cares over children and her own indulgence; Clara reminds her that she encouraged Egmont's visits.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 540–543Songs of marriage burdened by wife and children crying for food, and a girl demanding a husband.read · scan
- p. 543–545Song of a husband regretting marriage as wife and children cry for food; wish for domestic peace.read · scan
Friedrich Schiller, William TellVol. 26
- p. 381–384Ruodi refuses to risk his life, citing his own wife and child, as Baumgarten's family is pleaded for.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 455Whole families arrive, parents carrying infants and dragging children, with old people behind.read · scan
- p. 473–474Fleeing villagers burdened with children and household goods; they tell the childless priest he is lucky to have no family.read · scan
William Cullen Bryant, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1215–1217Bobolink poem shows husband and wife, nest, brood and the cares of parenthood sobering the gay young father.read · scan
- p. 1217–1219Bobolink's brood grows up and the father grows humdrum, ending the summer's frolic.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, English TraitsVol. 5
- p. 401A large family is reckoned a misfortune and a child's death consoles as a closed expense.read · scan
John Greenleaf Whittier, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1344–1346Slavery's market value counted on new-born child while the mother cries.read · scan
Oliver Wendell Holmes, The Contagiousness of Puerperal FeverVol. 38
- p. 241Childbirth, including a fifth confinement, brings death to mothers.read · scan
- p. 250–251Mourns mothers, newborns, husbands and orphaned infants destroyed; pregnant women deserve tender care and sympathy.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Twenty-Four Years AfterVol. 23
- p. 382–383Wilson's bride of 1836 is now mother of a large family; children of the dead Noriegos remain.read · scan
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