 | Shells |  |
59
DON'T TALK WHEN YOU'VE NOTHING TO SAY.
It is well to be free in conversing,
It is well to be able to chat
With a friend on a subject of interest—
With a stranger on this thing or that.
Don't aim to be cold or reticent,
But listen to reason I pray,
And remember this wisest of mottos,
“Don't talk when you've nothing to say.”
It is well to be able to chat
With a friend on a subject of interest—
With a stranger on this thing or that.
Don't aim to be cold or reticent,
But listen to reason I pray,
And remember this wisest of mottos,
“Don't talk when you've nothing to say.”
A gay, lively friend, or companion,
With wits that are ready and quick,
Is better by far, than a stupid,
And unconversational stick.
Yet speech at the best is but silver,
While silence is golden alway.
And remember at all times and places,
Don't talk when you've nothing to say.
With wits that are ready and quick,
Is better by far, than a stupid,
And unconversational stick.
Yet speech at the best is but silver,
While silence is golden alway.
And remember at all times and places,
Don't talk when you've nothing to say.
I like to see well informed people
Who know what to say, how and when.
And a little good nonsense and jesting
Is not out of place, now and then.
But I dread the approach of a Magpie,
Who chatters from grave themes to gay,
Who talks from the morn to the midnight,
And always with nothing to say.
Who know what to say, how and when.
And a little good nonsense and jesting
Is not out of place, now and then.
But I dread the approach of a Magpie,
Who chatters from grave themes to gay,
Who talks from the morn to the midnight,
And always with nothing to say.
1871.
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