O, SPEAK IT NOT.

O, speak not hastily the word

Thine ear from idle tongues has heard.

If false the tale thou couldst recall,

How hard, and cruel must it fall?

If true, why, helping it along

Will never, never right the wrong.

O, speak it not, not speak the word

That wounds, though but in jest‘ tis heard;

Keep back the thrust, the look askance,

The petty doubt, the sneering glance;

Keep back the taunts and jeers,

Life has enough of breaking hearts,

Of pointed barbs and venomed darts —

Enough of pain and tears.