Object Number: TA334

Collection: Applied Art

Object Name: sampler

Description: 'Mother what is death' sampler. Coloured silks on wool, blue-stripe selvedges at sides, top and bottom hemmed. Cross stitch. Signed and dated across bottom. Verse: 'Mother what is Death "Mother, how still the baby lies! I cannot hear his breath; I cannot see his laughing eyes - They tell me this is death. My little work I thought to bring, And sat down by his bed And pleasantly I tried to sing - they hushed me - he is dead. They say that he will rise again, more beautiful than now; That god will bless him in the skies - O, mother, tell me how!" "Daughter, do you remember, dear, The cold, dark thing you brought, And laid upon the casement here, - A withered worm you thought I told you that Almighty power could break that wither'd shell, And show you, in a future hour, something would please you well Look at the chrysalis, my love, - An empty shell it lies;- Now raise your wandering glance above, To where yon insect flies!" "O, yes, mama: how very gay Its wings of starry gold! And see, it lightly flies away beyond my gentle hold. O, mother, now I know full well, if God that worm can change, And draw it from its broken cell, on golden wings to range. - How beautiful will brother be, when God shall give him wings, Above this dying world to flee, And live with heavenly things!" ' [between vase and flower basket]: 'Sweet The pleasures of Religion. 'Tis religion that can give Sweetest pleasures while we live; 'Tis religion must supply Solid comfort when we die. After death, its joys will be Lasting as eternity! Be the living God my friend, Then my bliss shall never end.' Wide maple frame.