Speak Gently

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.