"While Gentle Ones Are Round Us" (1865)
Ballad
Words by
George Cooper, 1840-1927
Music by
John Rogers Thomas, 1830-1896

Boston: Henry Tolman & Co., 291 Washington St.
New York: William Hall & Son
Chicago: Root & Cady
Burlington: H. L. Story
Plate No. 5121
[Source: @NYPL]

1. While gentle ones are round us, 
O shield and love them well; 
How long their forms may greet us, 
O who of us may tell; 
Then should they fade before us 
And leave us here alone 
How bright will dwell in mem’ry 
Their smiles when they are gone. 

[REFRAIN sung after each verse]
While gentle ones are round us 
O shield and love them well! 
How long their forms may greet us 
O! who of us may tell.

2. What sorrow to remember, 
The joys we might have shared; 
The angry words were spoken, 
And pain we could have spared! 
The fairest flow’rs of mem’ry 
That will for ever bloom, 
Are deeds of love and kindness, 
To dear ones in the tomb!