Speak Gently

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.
 
Speak gently to the erring - know
     They may have toil’d in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;
     Oh, win them back again.
 
Speak gently: ’tis a little thing
     Dropped in the heart’s deep well;
The good, the joy, which it may bring,
     Eternity shall tell.
 
by Author Unknown