Greenfield Hill By Timoth Dwight

Timothy Dwight, a New Englander from Yale University wrote these lines. Is this the origin of US foreign policy today? The Bush Doctrine? The export of the 'American Way' to the benighted Muslims in the Middle East (cf Kathryn Bigelow or Steven Spielberg)? He wrote it in 1794.

All hail, thou western world! by heaven designed

Th' example bright, to renovate mankind. 

Soon shall thy sons across the mainland roam; 

And claim, on far Pacific shores, their home; 

Their rule, religion, manners, arts, convey, 

And spread their freedom to the Asian sea.