The Tongue

You backward little thing---
I hear a curse from all people
Even myself. You backward little thing.
Let my tongue be a blessing
And feed the multitudes.
Let it hide sin, and not be a talebearer.
Let the tongue not spread slander
Or utter witchcraft and cause 
The balance to break.
Let not the tongue utter judgment
Either false or true, nor bring an enemy
To court, save recompense is truly needed.
Let not the tongue say, "I want more
"For my desire, therefore, I will take this thing
"My neighbor did many moons anon
"And get compensation for it,
"When I cheerfully opened my doors to him."
Let not the tongue utter foul speech
And lustful sayings, and ugly thoughts.
Let not the tongue be simple and perverse
But like the honeymead aged, and fine
And brandish the liquor of joy.
Let the tongue encourage in work
And not look for every idle fault.
Let the tongue spring forth judgment
Against the wicked nation that does evil
Not to bring the fires upon it or rebellion
But to cause it to seek shelter and rest.