Break the news to mother gently, do not let her weep or mourn.”
There on the wall it hangs, within the engine-room,
The picture of the bravest lad that ever faced his doom;
And, as they point it out and speak the virtues of the dead,
They tell about that awful night 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.
Break the news to mother gently, do not let her weep or mourn.”
