τῶν γὰρ μετρίων πρῶτα μὲν εἰπεῖν τοὔνομα νικᾷ → the first mention of the word moderation wins the game (Euripides, Medea 125f.)
gently: P. and V. ἠπίως, P. πράως, φιλανθρώπως, V. εὐφρόνως, πρευμενῶς; see gently.
softly: Ar. and P. μαλακῶς, Ar. and V. μαλθακῶς.
moderately: P. and V. μετρίως.