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 aged one;
Grieve not the careworn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run:
Let such in peace depart,
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, kindly, to the poor;
Let no harsh tones be heard:
They have enough they must endure,
Without an unkind word,
Speak gently to the erring;
Know they may have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so:
Oh, win them back again.
Speak gently: He who gave his life
To bend man's stubborn will,
When elements were in fierce strife,
Said- to them, "Peace, be still!"
Speak gently: 'tis a little thing
Dropp'd in the heart's deep weIl;
The good, the joy, which it may bring
Eternity shall tell.
Lewis J. Bates
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