Page:The Message and Ministrations of Dewan Bahadur R. Venkata Ratnam, volume 2.djvu/137

 the mother': When I think of my mother, I must necessarily think of the whole sex affectionately epitomised into my mother. The mother is the mother, not merely because she has nursed me at her bosom, fed me with her hand and fondled me with her caresses, but also—and more so— because she is the symbol of all that is pure, all that is chaste, all that is tender, all that is affectionate, all that is patient, all that is persevering, all that is forbearing, all that is long-suffering, all that is self-denying and—what not? When you realise this, then features that are plain and commonplace will be enlivened into fresh beauty, and voices that are stale and familiar will acquire a new music and a new harmony. Learn to be the 'son.' You are the son, not merely unto her who is the bodily mother of your corporeal existence, but unto every one in whom is concentrated all that is chaste and noble. Likewise the sister, likewise the daughter. Such soul-relation constitutes a quickening suggestion, a holy call