By the word, "palms," Emerson is referring to the palm leaf or laurel branch, which in ancient times was used by people to celebrate a victory or occasion for rejoicing. One example of this usage well known to Emerson's contemporary readers was the palm-waving welcome that Jesus received when he entered Jerusalem on what is now celebrated as Palm Sunday. This is a reference with religious overtones. A person who sets out to "gather immortal...
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