1 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.

2 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.

3 Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the careworn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run,
Let them in peace depart.

4 Speak gently to the erring ones;
They must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so:
O, win them back again!

5 Speak gently; 'tis a little thing,
Dropped in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy, that it may bring,
Eternity shall tell.

6 'Tis ours to sow the kindly seed,
'Tis His to bid it grow;
Our every word and every deed
The harvest time will show.