SET A GUARD. BEFORE THY TONGUE.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1560, 4 July 1882, Page 4

SET A GUARD. BEFORE THY TONGUE.

Tongues unguarded throw 'disaster Right and leftjor words run wild. CutflMdeep; dividing* f</hd hearts, ' i . Turning parents from a child. Eftsaflirifc Minnot stay their mUcliiofe, „ l*cars cannot assauce each'wonnd ; % Sorrow hovers o'er the places ' ' * Where unguarded tongues .ire found. I have seen the laugh of childhood . Checked by some forbidding tone, , For harsh words of constant chiding Wcac ljkc drippings on a stone. Fed by'frdwlts, the child >of nature . Don» q. niijpdy, sullen air, „ Innocence give* place to boldness, ( Joyfulncss to grim despair. I have seen the cheek of girlhood. nianch r bericath 'a thoughtless word,' While a rush of bicter anguish, AH'unsdughb'tho young,heait stirred. Visions of a faithless lover, Trusted, while the trust proved vain— Tboso.'fcoftl words of caroldsi meaning, Quick aroused to fresh, deep pain. I have sletv the eye of old age . „ Under tears grow dim and blurredTears that gathered fast by tauntings, ' Or'by some unfeeling word. Sad' indeed to see the aged > Hurried to their graves by woe 1 But they whisper very often : " We are bWdens, well we know." Oh, how keen a wedge is driven In fond hearts by words that sting— Words that never stand out boldly, Though years pass and changes ring ! Unkind words were better banished From tho life* of old and young ; Each should learn and heed the motto, " Set a guard before thy tongue."