The first lesson which the infant is taught is to kiss; it is at once the language of infancy and the currency of childhood. The little passionless face as it rests upon its mother’s bosom is moulded into smiles by a kiss, and thus by love’s fruit sweet echo is produced. Who shall tell the mystery, the deep love and earnestness, the quiet joy, the proud hope, of a mother’s kiss? and what brow or cheek of all that have gone forth into the wide, wide world, but wears this heavenly jewel, as imperishable as the glance of a diamond?
Like Dian’s kiss, unasked, unsought,
Love gives itself, but is not bought.
Longfellow.
Pant on thy lip, and to thy heart be pressed;
Give all thou canst—and let me dream the rest.
Pope.