The Three Hermits by Leo Tolstoy Summary

A bishop is making a passage on a ship and overhears another passenger telling a group of men about a passing island. Upon the island three old hermits live a life meant to cleanse their souls. The man recalls how the hermits helped him repair his boat once after an accident, and avows that the hermits speak little but are quite willing to help. The bishop asks the captain if he can visit the island. The captain tries to dissuade the bishop, but then anchors and has the bishop rowed ashore. The bishop meets the three hermits who show him respect. They speak about religious things, and the hermits explain that their prayers are simple—while gazing heavenward they join hands and say, "'Three are ye, three are we, have mercy upon...