HARSH WORDS.


SPEAK not harshly could we scan

The secret, inmost soul of man,

Then his bleeding breast would show

Furrows deep of pain and woe 

How those wounds are warped and wrung,

By an angry, bitter tongue.

Speak not harshly learn to feel 

Another's woes, another's weal; 

Of malice, hate, and guile, instead, 

By friendship's holy bonds be led; 

For sorrow is man's heritage 

From early youth to hoary age.

Speak not harshly Oh! How drear 

Cold unkindness meets the ear; 

When the soul with gloom oppressed, 

Longs for love to cheer the breast, 

Effluent ebbs the gushing flow, 

That warmed our hearts with genial glow.





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