Speak gently; it is better far
     To rule by love than fear;
Speak gently; let no harsh word mar
     The good we may do here.
Speak gently to the little child;
     Its love is 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 to the erring; know
     They must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;
     Oh, win them back again!
Speak gently; ‘tis a little thing
     Dropped in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy, that it may bring,
     Eternity shall tell.