_Don'T Talk When You'Ve Nothing To Say_

It is well to be free in conversing, It is well to be able to chat With a friend on a subject of interest-- With a stranger on this thing or that. Don't aim to be cold or reticent, But listen to reason I pray, And remember this wisest of mottos, "Don't talk when you've nothing to say."

A gay, lively friend, or companion, With wits that are ready and quick, Is better by far, than a stupid, And unconversational stick. Yet speech at the best is but silver, While silence is golden alway. And remember at all times and places, Don't talk when you've nothing to say.

I like to see well informed people Who know what to say, how and when. And a little good nonsense and jesting Is not out of place, now and then. But I dread the approach of a Magpie, Who chatters from grave themes to gay, Who talks from the morn to the midnight, And always with nothing to say.

1871.