Speak Gently

Speak gently; it is better far To rule by love than fear: Speak gently; let no harsh words mar The good we might do here.

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 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; Perhaps 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.

--DAVID BATES.