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 leave enough to bear:
Pass through this life as best we may,
'T is full of anxious care.
Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the care-worn 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 must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;—
O! win them back again.
Speak gently! He who gave His life
To bend man's stubborn will,
When elements were fierce with strife,
Said to them, "Peace! be still."
Speak gently: 't is a little thing
Dropped in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy which it may bring,
Eternity shall tell.
Anonymous.