Nay--he dared even to offer consolation to the beautiful mourner.
'The philosopher,' he said, 'will hardly lament the loss of a mere outward idolatry.

For if, as you seem to think, there were a root of spiritual truth in the symbolism of nature, that cannot die.

And thus the lotus-flower must still retain its meaning, as long as its species exists on earth.' 'Idolatry!' answered she, with a smile.

'My pupil must not repeat to me that worn-out Christian calumny.

Into whatsoever low superstitions the pious vulgar may have fallen, it is the Christians now, and not the heathens, who are idolaters.