I know this spirit bridges unknown space...

By Anne Whitney

I know this spirit bridges unknown space
And half-forgotten centuries, that I
May know I am of royal family,
And live to my high birth. The marble face
Of Destiny grows fluent, as I trace
These arteries of broad being. I can wait
More years than earth allots me, for my state
Is not of time: nor binds me any place,
Since on and on the mazy current tends,
That takes my little thread, a breath might sever,
To mingle it with universal ends; --
And tho' I fail and fall, yet am I still
Most strong; since every high, tho' balked endeavor,
God intertwines with his eternal will.