Louis Untermeyer, ed. (1885–1977). Modern American Poetry. 1919.
Richard Hovey18641900Unmanifest Destiny
T
And unforeseen of foe or friend,
Beneath what unexpected star
Compelled to what unchosen end.
The Admiral of Nations guides
Thy blind obedient keels to reach
The harbor where thy future rides!
Knew not that God was planning then
The trumpet word of Jefferson
To bugle forth the rights of men.
What was it but despair and shame?
Who saw behind the cloud the sun?
Who knew that God was in the flame?
Disaster on disaster come,
The slave’s emancipated feet
Had never marched behind the drum.
To mightier issues than we planned;
Each son that triumphs, each that bleeds,
My country, serves It’s dark command.
Nor on what seas shall be thy fate;
I only know it shall he high,
I only know it shall be great.