Tell her that he did his duty, as in life he ever tried;
Treat her kindly, boys, a friend be to her when I’m dead and gone.
Break the news to mother gently, do not let her weep or mourn.”
There in her home she rests, that mother old and gray,
She lost a son, but others—they took his place that day;
And nobly do they care for her and honor her gray head,
In mem’ry of their comrade and the last words that he said:
“Break the news to mother gently, tell her how her brave son died,
Tell her that he did his duty, as in life he ever tried;
Treat her kindly, boys, a friend be to her when I’m dead and gone.