SPEAK NOT TO HIM A BITTER WORD.
WOULDST thou a wanderer reclaim,
A wild and restless spirit tame,
Check the warm flow of youthful blood,
And lead a lost one back to God?
Pause, if thy spirit's wrath be stirred,
Speak not to him a bitter word,
Speak not, that bitter word may be
The stamp that seals his destiny.
If widely he hath gone astray,
And dark excess has marked his way,
'T is pitiful, but yet beware,
Reform must come from kindly care.
Forbid thy parting lips to move
But in the gentle tones of love.
Though sadly his young heart hath erred,
Speak not to him a bitter word.
The lowering frown he will not bear;
The venomed chiding, will not hear;
The ardent spirit will not brook
The stinging tooth of sharp rebuke;
Thou wouldst not goad the restless steed,
To calm his fire or check his speed,
Then let no angry tones be heard,
Speak not to him a bitter word.
Go kindly to him, make him feel
Your heart yearns deeply for his weal;
Tell him the perils of the way
Wherein his devious footsteps stray,
So shalt thou win him call him back
From pleasure's smooth, seductive track;
And warnings thou hast mildly given,
May guide the wanderer to Heaven.