From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 54
The writer just quoted continues:
"The European strangers gazed long in wondering amazement upon the sublime and touching spectacle.
Accustomed to the meretricious display of European courts, they regarded with astonishment her unadorned
attire, and the mingled simplicity and majesty for which the language and manners of the mother of
Washington were so remarkable."
When the clock struck nine, the venerable lady arose, and said:
"Come, George, it is time for old people to be at home."
Then expressing her gratification at being able to be present on so extraordinary an occasion, and wishing the
company much joy, she retired, as she came, leaning on the arm of her son.
This picture of beautiful simplicity and absence of pride, in the midst of distinguished honors, contrasts finely
with a scene in the life of another great general, Napoleon. On one occasion, when Napoleon gave audience to
famous guests, together with several members of his family, his mother advanced towards him. According to
a royal custom, the emperor extended his hand to her to kiss, as he had done when his brothers and sisters
approached him.
"No," responded his mother; "you are the king, the emperor of all the rest, but you are my son."
Mrs. Washington was always actuated by a similar sense of propriety; and her demeanor towards the general
seemed to say, "You are my son." And the general accepted that exhibition of maternal dignity and love as
proper and honorable.
At the close of the Revolution, Lafayette, before leaving the country, visited Mrs. Washington at her home.
One of her grandsons accompanied him to the house. As they approached, the grandson said, pointing to an
old lady in the garden:
"There is my grandmother in the garden."
"Indeed!" answered Lafayette. "I am happy to find her able to be out."
Lafayette saluted her in his cordial way on coming up to her, when she replied:
"Ah, Marquis, you see an old woman; but come, I can make you welcome to my poor dwelling without the
parade of changing my dress."
"I come to bid you adieu before leaving the country," remarked Lafayette, when they were seated in the
house. "I desired to see you once more."
"I assure you that nothing could afford me more real pleasure than to welcome once more to my home so
distinguished a friend of my son and my country," Mrs. Washington answered.
"I congratulate you upon having such a son and such a country," continued Lafayette.
"I trust that I am grateful for both," Mrs. Washington replied.
"I rejoice with you in your son's well-earned fame," continued the distinguished Frenchman, "and I am glad
that you have lived to see this day."