The “Name Unknown”: In Imitation of Klopstock

Prophetic pencil! wilt thou trace
A faithful image of the face,
Or wilt thou write the “Name Unknown,”
Ordained to bless my charmèd soul,
And all my future fate control,
Unrivalled and alone?

Delicious Idol of my thought!
Though sylph or spirit hath not taught
My boding heart thy precious name;
Yet musing on my distant fate,
To charms unseen I consecrate
A visionary flame

Thy rosy blush, thy meaning eye,
Thy virgin voice of melody,
Are ever present to my heart;
Thy murmured vows shall yet be mine,
My thrilling hand shall meet with thine,
And never, never part!

Then fly, my days, on rapid wing,
Till Love the viewless treasure bring;
While I, like conscious Athens, own
A power in mystic silence sealed,
A guardian angel unrevealed,
And bless the “Name Unknown!”