First Line: Speak kindly ! for our days are all too few ,

Speak kindly ! for our days are all too few
For angry strife ;
There is deep meaning, if we only knew,
In our brief life.
No nobler mission can be ours, if we knew,
A pang can stay ;
Or if, amidst the rush of tears we see,
Wipe one away.

2 Speak kindly ! gracious words God-sent, God-given,
Are never lost ;
They come all fragrant with the breath of Heaven,
Yet nothing cost,
Kind words are like kind acts----they steal along
Life's hidden springs ;
Then, in the darkest storm, some little song
The sad heart sings.

3 Speak kindly, graciously; for all around
Are pains and smarts ;
The very air is full of moans and sound
Of breaking hearts.
Oh, seek to bind them up at once, as did
Thy gracious Lord ;
Then surely will His hand bestow on thee
A bright reward.