`` We have seen no such wondrous sight , '' the people would reply ; and very often , taking Cadmus aside , they whispered to him , `` Is this stately and sad-looking woman your mother ? Surely she is not in her right mind ; and you ought to take her home , and make her comfortable , and do your best to get this dream out of her fancy . '' `` It is no dream , '' said Cadmus . `` Everything else is a dream , save that . '' But , one day , Telephassa seemed feebler than usual , and leaned almost her whole weight on the arm of Cadmus , and walked more slowly than ever before . At last they reached a solitary spot , where she told her son that she must needs lie down , and take a good long rest . `` A good long rest ! '' she repeated , looking Cadmus tenderly in the face . `` A good long rest , thou dearest one ! '' `` As long as you please , dear mother , '' answered Cadmus . Telephassa bade him sit down on the turf beside her , and then she took his hand . `` My son , '' said she , fixing her dim eyes most lovingly upon him , `` this rest that I speak of will be very long indeed ! You must not wait till it is finished . Dear Cadmus , you do not comprehend me . You must make a grave here , and lay your mother 's weary frame into it . My pilgrimage is over . '' Cadmus burst into tears , and , for a long time , refused to believe that his dear mother was now to be taken from him . But Telephassa reasoned with him , and kissed him , and at length made him discern that it was better for her spirit to pass away out of the toil , the weariness , and grief , and disappointment which had burdened her on earth , ever since the child was lost . He therefore repressed his sorrow , and listened to her last words . `` Dearest Cadmus , '' said she , `` thou hast been the truest son that ever mother had , and faithful to the very last .
Who else would have borne XXXXX my infirmities as thou hast !
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