Speak not harshly when re­prov­ing
Those from duty’s path who stray;
If we would reclaim the err­ing
Kindness must each action sway.

Speak not harshly to the way­ward—
Win their confidence—their love;
They will feel how pure the mo­tive
That hath led us to re­prove.

Speak not harshly to the stran­ger,
Thou he come in humble guise;
Think how slight a thing would kin­dle
Gladness in a stranger’s eyes.

Speak not harshly to the fel­on,
Though like adamant his heart;
Touch one chord of fond af­fec­tion,
And the scalding tear may start.

Speak not harshly to the or­phan,
They have borne of grief their share;
Add not to their heavy bur­den,
Add not to corroding care.

Speak not harshly, was the pre­cept
Which to man the Sav­ior taught—
May that precept ever guide us—
Gentle words will cost us naught.