Gentleness.

Gentleness. [No. 80]

Never speak harshly when a kindly word
Will answer the same end. We little know
The potent power of Gentleness. No blow
Struck by Thor’s Hammer, (Thor, the mighty Lord
Our Scandinavian Ancestors adored,) 5
No vile abuse, no curses deep or loud,
No speech or act of men in evil mood,
Ever unto the heights of Manhood soar’d.
All Masons should be men of gentle mind,—
Brave as the lion, harmless as the dove— 10
Their hearts imbued with Justice, Mercy, Love;
And then through life they will be sure to find
The Gentleness is from all Weakness free,—
That it is Strength and Power through all eternity.

by George Markham Tweddell 1st published c 1887