'Tis a strange mystery, the power of words! 
Life is in them, and death. A word can send 
The crimson colour hurrying to the cheek. 
Hurrying with many meanings; or can turn 
The current cold and deadly to the heart. 
Anger and fear are in them; grief and joy 
Are on their sound; yet slight, impalpable:-- 
A word is but a breath of passing air.