quote · Legacy record
If we but knew the secret of that power That opes the bud in early days of spring, If we but knew what makes the robin sing His wondrous song just at the matin hour, If we but knew the priceless boon and dower Of human life when man is truly king. If we but understood the little thing That vexes us just at the present hour, If we but knew—ah, well, 'tis vain to sigh And speculate on things beyond our ken! We know that earth is fair and life is sweet, And something tells us that we cannot die. And if we live and love the good, ah! then We face to face with truth some day must meet.
If we but knew the secret of that power That opes the bud in early days of spring, If we but knew what makes the robin sing His wondrous song just at the matin hour, If we but knew the priceless boon and dower Of human life when man is truly king. If we but understood the little thing That vexes us just at the present hour, If we but knew—ah, well, 'tis vain to sigh And speculate on things beyond our ken! We know that earth is fair and life is sweet, And something tells us that we cannot die. And if we live and love the good, ah! then We face to face with truth some day must meet.
In print by 1911 AD · modern
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
An individual explanation has not yet been added. We do not substitute a generic description for an interpretation of these particular words.
Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Clarence Hawkes
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1911 AD · modern
In print by 1911: recorded in The Optimist’s Good Morning (1911). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- The Optimist’s Good Morning (1911) (1911 AD)
Complete signed selection 110; printed byline: Clarence Hawkes; Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1911; printed copyright 1907
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.