THE TONE OF VOICE.

Tone Of Voice


IT is not so much what you say,

As the manner in which you say it;

It is not so much the language you use.

As the manner in which you convey it.

"Come here!" I sharply said,

And the baby cowered and wept;

"Come here!" I cooed, and he looked and smiled,

And straight to my lap he crept.

The words may be mild and fair,

And the tones may pierce like a dart;

The tones may be soft as the summer air,

And the tones may break the heart.

For words but come from the mind,

And grow by study and art;

But the tones leap forth from the inner self,

And reveal the state of the heart.

Whether you know it or not,

Whether you mean or care,

Gentleness, kindness, love, and hate,

Envy, and anger, are there.

Then would you quarrels avoid,

And in peace and love rejoice,

Keep anger not only out of your word,

But keep it out of your voice.




—Youth's Companion.