I would say the answer is "harbor". This word is usually used as a noun; but in this case, it is a verb that means to provide shelter to someone or something, to keep someone safe, but also to have something in mind and think about it. This word is purposefully chosen and fits into Whitman's well-intended, philanthropic and inclusive worldview.
It’s the last Christmas they will spend together
"Candide" is a book that was written by Voltaire and in this book, Voltaire is satirizing society’s emphasis on lineage when he explained about Candide's mother not marrying his father because his father could "only prove seventy-one quarterings" and this refers to his family tree.
The nouns in the sentence are Cecil and grass.
