Speak Gently

 David Bates

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 young, for they

Will have enough to bear --

Pass through this life as best they 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 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! -- 't is a little thing

Dropped in the heart's deep well;

The good, the joy, which it may bring,

Eternity shall tell.