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Speak gently; it is better far To rule by love than fear; Speak gently; let no harsh word mar The good that we do here. 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 through this life as best they may, 'Tis full of anxious care. Speak gently to the aged one, Grieve not the care-worn 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. |