“A SOFT ANSWER TURNETH AWAY WRATH.”
A gentle answer will assuage
The ruthless vehemence of ire,
But petulance opposed to rage
Is adding fuel to the fire.
He who is cautious, calm and cool,
When made the subject of attack,
May smile defiance on the fool,
Whose anger puts him on the rack.
If injury you must repel,
Hard words are not of any use,
The greatest energy as well
Is shown without, as with abuse.
If one should offer you offence,
By being angry with the elf,
Instead of gaining recompense
You are but punishing yourself.
But gentle answers will assuage
The headlong vehemence of ire,
While petulance opposed to rage,
Adds tenfold fuel to the fire.