Speak Gently

(Lewis J. Bates)

Speak gently; it is better far to rule by love than fear,
Speak gently; let no harsh word mar the good we may do.

Speak gently to the little child, it's 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 careworn 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 they must have toiled in vain,
Perchance unkindness made them so, win them back again.

Speak gently, love doth whisper low, the hearts that true love bind
And gently friendships accents flow, affections 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.

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