Kind Words ‎#9

9. Speak gently, it is better far

1 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.

2 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 thro' this life as best they may,
'Tis full of anxious care.

3 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 to the erring, know,
They may have toiled in vain,
Perhaps unkindness made them so;
Oh win them back again.

4 Speak gently, kindly to the poor,
Let no harsh tone be heard;
They have enough they must endure,
Without an unkind word.
Speak gently, 'tis a little thing
Dropped in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy which it may bring,
Eternity shall tell.

Text Information

• First Line: Speak gently, it is better far
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1871

Tune Information

• Name: SPEAK GENTLY
• Composer: G. W. Linton (arr.)
• Meter: C. M.
• Key: D Major