"O! many a shaft, at random sent, Finds mark the archer little meant! And many a word, at random spoken, May soothe or wound a heart that's broken!"

This quote by Walter Scott speaks with the power of words and how they can have unintended repercussions. It suggests that words, like arrows, can be sent into the world without understanding where they will land or what impact they will have. Even if the speaker does not mean to hurt somebody, their words can still trigger discomfort. Likewise, words that are spoken without much idea can have a positive impact, providing convenience to somebody who is hurting. This quote acts as a pointer to be mindful of the words we use and to think before we speak. It is a tip that words can have a lasting effect, which we should beware with the words we pick.