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,
'Tis full of anxious care.

Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the careworn 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 must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so,
Oh! win them back again !

Speak gently ! He who gave His life
To bend men's stubborn will,
When elements were in fierce strife,
Said to them, "Peace, be still !"

Speak gently ! 'tis a little thing
Dropp'd in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy which it may bring
Eternity shall tell.

--DAVID BATES.
Original Textbook did not include author's name.