s in reading, he would
go to the theater and to balls. He soon learned to play cards,
and of course to play for money. He lost more than he could
pay.
6. "He wrote to his poor mother, and told her his losses.
She sent him money to pay his debts, and told him to come
home.

112 ECLECTIC SERIES.
7. "He did come home. After all, he might still have been
useful and happy, for his friends were willing to forgive the
past. For a time, things went on well. He married a lovely
woman, gave up his bad habits, and was doing well.
8. "But one thing, boys, ruined him forever. In the city, he
had learned to take strong drink, and he said to me once, that
when a man begins to drink, he never knows where it will
end. 'Therefore,' said Tom, 'beware of the first drink!'
9. "It was not long before he began to follow his old habit.
He knew the danger, but it seemed as if he could not resist
his desire to drink. His poor mother soon died of grief and
shame. His lovely wife followed her to the grave.
10. "He lost the respect of all, went on from bad to worse,
and has long been a perfect sot. Last night, I had a letter
from the city, stating that Tom Smith had been found guilty
of stealing, and sent to the state prison for ten years.
11. "There I suppose he will die, for he is now old. It is
dreadful to think to what an end he has come. I could not but
think,

THIRD READER. 113
as I read the letter, of what he said to me years ago, 'Beware
of the first drink!'
12. "Ah, my dear boys, when old Uncle Philip is gone,
remember that he told you

the story of Tom Smith, and said to you, 'Beware of the first
drink!' The man who does this will never be a drunkard."

114 ECLECTIC SERIES.

LESSON XLIII.

SPEAK GENTLY.

1. Speak gently; it is better far
To rule by love than fear:
Speak gently; let no harsh words mar
The good we might do here.

2. Speak gently to the little child;
Its love be sure to gain;
Teach it in accents soft and mild;
It may not long remain.

3. Speak gently to the aged one;
Grieve not the careworn heart:
The sands of life are nearly run;
Let such in peace depart.

4. Speak gently, kindly, to the poor;
Let no harsh tone be heard;
They have enough they must endure,
Without an unkind word.

5. Speak gently to the erring; know
They must have toiled in vain;
Perhaps unkindness made them so;
Oh, win them back again.

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6. Speak gently: 'tis a little thing
Dropped in the hear