447. Всеподданнейшее письменное приветствие Государю Императору Александру Николаевичу, при вступлении в Успенский Собор с их Императорскими Высочествами Государем Наследником Цесаревичем Александром Александровичем Государынею Цесаревною Мариею Феодоровною и Великим Князем Владимиром Александровиче

(April 22; published in Soulful Reading and in the Wanderer, 1867) Most pious Sovereign! The Prophet, depicting the happiness of the father of the family with a bright line: “thy sons are like new olive trees,” then pronounced the law according to which this happiness is bestowed by the Providence of God. “Behold, the man who fears the Lord will be blessed” (Ps. 127:4–5). Apparently this blessing is upon You, Most Pious Sovereign! Behold, near You, Your blessed Son and Heir, no longer only blossoming, “like a new planting,” but also ready to bear the fruits of high service to You and Your kingdom, and with him the blossoming branch of another royal family, united with him by a sacred union, in the hope of continuing the blessing bestowed upon You. With You is also Your blessed Son (who precedes others), who has already reached the age of a husband and has recently made a vow of service to You and Your power that is characteristic of him. The capital that meets You sees this brightly; and the voice of the Prophet is reflected solemnly in her heart: “Behold, the King is blessed, fear the Lord!” Introduce a new, beloved couple to You and Russia, into the church of Your royal consecration: and from centuries ago the grace called and dwelling in it, may it overshadow it, together with You, with a new blessing of life and prosperity, may the blessed garden of Your royal house continue and in the coming times bring the desired fruits of piety, virtue, royal wisdom, truth, mercy, and finally, family happiness and nationwide. You might be interested in: