The Cyber Hymnal ‎#9078

9078. Speak Gently

1 Speak gently! it is better far
To rule by love than fear;
Speak gently! let not harsh words mar
The good we might do here.

2 Speak gently! Love doth whisper low
The vows that true hearts bind;
And gently friendship’s accents flow;
Affection’s voice is kind.

3 Speak gently to the little child;
Its love be sure to gain.
Teach it in accents soft and mild;
It may not long remain.

4 Speak gently to the young, for they
Will have enough to bear;
Pass through this world as best they may,
’Tis full of anxious care.

5 Speak gently to the agèd one,
Grieve not the care-worn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run;
Let such in peace depart.

6 Speak gently, kindly to the poor;
Let no harsh tone be heard;
They have enough they must endure,
Without an unkind word.

7 Speak gently to the erring; know
They must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;
Oh! win them back again.

8 Speak gently: He who gave His life
To bend man’s stubborn will,
When elements were fierce in strife,
Said to them, "Peace, be still!"

9Speak gently: ’tis a little thing
Dropped in the heart’s deep well;
The good, the joy which it may bring,
Eternity shall tell.

Text Information

• First Line: Speak gently! it is better far
• Title: Speak Gently
• Author: George W. Hangford (1847)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Source: Sharpe's London Magazine, Vol. V, p. 256, 1847-48
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: EVAN by William H. Havergal; SPOHR by Ludwig Spohr; VALENTIA by George Kingsley

Tune Information

• Name: SAWLEY
• Composer: James Walch (1860)
• Meter: CM
• Key: B♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain