Lesson:

1. Speak gently; it is better far


To rule by love than fear:


Speak gently; let no harsh words mar


The good we might do here.





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.





3. Speak gently to the aged one;


Grieve not the careworn heart:


The sands of life are nearly run;


Let such in peace depart.





4. Speak gently, kindly, to the poor;


Let no harsh tone be heard;


They have enough they must endure,


Without an unkind word.





5. Speak gently to the erring; know


They must have toiled in vain;


Perhaps unkindness made them so;


Oh, win them back again.





6. Speak gently: 'tis a little thing


Dropped in the heart's deep well;


The good, the joy, which it may bring,


Eternity shall tell.





George Washington Langford.