Be Gentle With Thy Wife

BE gentle! for you little know
How many trials rise;
Although to thee they may be small,
To her, of giant size.

Be gentle! though perchance that lip
May speak a murmuring tone,
The heart may beat with kindness yet,
And joy to be thine own.

Be gentle! weary hours of pain
'Tis woman's lot to bear;
Then yield her what support thou canst,
And all her sorrows share.

Be gentle! for the noblest hearts
At times may have some grief,
And even in a pettish word
May seek to find relief.

Be gentle! none are perfect here--
Thou'rt dearer far than life,
Then husband, bear and still forbear--
Be gentle to thy wife.