A FELLOW can't help hearing
Hateful things about another,
But a fellow can be careful
Not to tell them to his brother.

Sit and listen, if you want to,
When the spiteful things are said,
But don't pass on the scandal,
Keep a still tongue in your head.

Spread no little tale of evil,
Whether right or whether wrong,
You may barken unto gossip,
But don't send the tale along.