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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