And hold to your heart their bosoms’ silver sheen.

But cherish more my sister-dove and me:

Carry within your heart, and all the way,

Our souls to the true Temple. Offered so,

They cannot perish—no, nor parted be:

For He whom you presented on this day

Whom you present His own must ever know.

Feast of the Purification, 1876.


CHRISTIANITY AS AN HISTORICAL RELIGION.