quote · Legacy record
The future’s gain Is certain as God’s truth; but, meanwhile, pain Is bitter, and tears are salt: our voices take A sober tone; our very household songs Are heavy with a nation’s griefs and wrongs; And innocent mirth is chastened for the sake Of the brave hearts that nevermore shall beat. The eyes that smile no more, the unreturning feet!
The future’s gain Is certain as God’s truth; but, meanwhile, pain Is bitter, and tears are salt: our voices take A sober tone; our very household songs Are heavy with a nation’s griefs and wrongs; And innocent mirth is chastened for the sake Of the brave hearts that nevermore shall beat. The eyes that smile no more, the unreturning feet!
Approximate author period: c. 1807 AD · industrial
Meaning not yet available
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Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- John G. Whittier
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
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- Approximate author period: c. 1807 AD · industrial
documented author birth year (1807)
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- My Commonplace Book (third English edition,1921) (1921 AD)
Page 3 · printed citation: J. G. Whittier (In War Time). · compiler notes excluded
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