1. When o’er the fame of friend or foe,
The shadow of disgrace shall fall; instead
Of words of blame, or fatal blow—
Let something good be said.

Refrain
And so I charge ye by the thorny crown,
And by the cross on which the Savior bled,
And by your own soul’s hope of fair renown:
Let something be good said.

2. Forget not grace, no sinner yet
May fall so low but Christ can lift his head,
While cheeks of shame with tears are wet;
Let something be good said. [Refrain]

3. No generous heart may turn aside
To deeds of love—if they in sin be dead,
But may awaken glorified,
If something good be said. [Refrain]

4. If cruel words embitter thee,
Turn to the cross on Calvary, where said
The Savior: O forgive, and see
That something good be said. [Refrain]