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Speak Gently.

Speak gently!—it is better far
To rule by love than fear.
Speak gently—let not harsh words mar
The good we might do here!

Speak gently—love doth whisper low
The vows that true hearts bind;
And gently friendship's accents flow—
Affection's voice is kind.

Speak gently to the little child!
Its love be sure to gain!
Teach it in accents soft and mild—
It may not long remain.

Speak gently to the young, for they
Will have enough to bear:
Pass through this life as best they may,
'Tis full of anxious care.

Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the careworn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run,
Let such in peace depart.

Speak gently, kindly to the poor—
Let no harsh tone be heard;
They have enough they must endure,
Without an unkind word.

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Speak gently to the erring—know
They may have toil'd in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;
Oh, win them back again.

Anon.