Speak Gently

Speak Gently

Speak gently! it is better far

To rule by love than fear

Speak gently; let no harsh word mar

The good we may 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 young, for they

Will have enough to bear;

Pass through this life as best they may,

‘Tis full of anxious care!

Speak gently to the aged one,

Grieve not the care-worn heart;

Whose 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

The must have toiled in vain;

Pechance unkindness made them so;

Oh, win them back again.

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; ’tis a little thing

Dropped in the heart’s deep well;

The good, the joy, that it may bring,

Eternity shall tell.

G.W. Langford