"Love Me Dearest" [1869]
(Inscribed to Mrs. Gen. [Samuel] Fallows, of Milwaukee[,WI])
Words by Mrs. Rev. Pancoast
Music by T[homas]. Martin Towne [1835-1912]

Chigago, IL: ROOT & CADY, 67 Washington St.
[Source: pages 168-9 from "The Pacific Glee Book"]

1. Love me dearest, when no more
The garb of spring I wear,
Love me still as thou didst when
I was so young and fair;
Love me dearest when those eyes
Grow dim from watchful hours,
When no more for thee I cull
The last and first sweet flowers.

CHORUS [sung twice after each VERSE]
Love me dearest, let thy heart
Still fondly cling to me,
Like a shelt’ring vine around,
A young and tender tree.

2. Love me dearest, when old time
Hath stole  my riglets  fair,
And left naught to deck my brow,
But snowy lock of hair;
Love me dearest, when for thee
I can no longer sing,
When my harp shall be unstrung
Like some forsaken thing.

3. Love me dearest, love me more
Than when I was thy bride,
Till my pilgrimage is o¦er,
And I have quit thy side;
Love me dearest, when I steal
Beyond that mystic sea,
O’er its deep I’ll whisper back
Undying love to thee.