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.