Martinsburgh Gazette

POETRY.

MASONIC.

When a Lodge of Freemasons are clothed in
their aprons,
In order to make a new Brother;
With firm hearts and clean hands, they repair
to their stands.
And justly support one another.
Trusty Brother, take care: of eavesdroppers beware,
'Tis a just and a solemn occasion;
Give the word and the blow, that the workmen
may know,
One asks to be made a Freemason.

*The Master stands true, and his officers too,
While the craftsmen are plying their station;
The apprentices stand, right for the command
Of a Free and Accepted Mason.
Now traverse your ground, as in duty you're bound
And revere the authentic oration,
That leads to the way, and proves the first ray
Of the Light of an Accepted Mason.

Here's words, and here's signs, here's problems and lines,
And here's room too for deep speculation;
Here virtue and truth are taught to the youth,
When first he's called up as a Mason.

Hieroglyphics shine bright: and here light reflects light,
On the rules and the tools of vocation;
With high sounding lays the Craft we will praise:
'Tis both duty and choice in a Mason.
What is said or is done, is here truly laid down,
In this form of our high installation;
Yet I challenge all men, to know what I mean,
Unless he's an Accepted Mason.

The Ladies claim right to come to our light.
Since the apron, they say, is their bearing,
Can they subject their will? can they keep their
tongue still,
And let their talking be changed into hearing
This difficult task is the least we can ask.
To secure us on sundry occasions;
When with this they comply, our utmost we'll try
To raise Lodges for Lady Freemasons.
Till this can be done, must each Brother be mum,
Though the fair ones should wheedle or tease on,
Be just, true, and kind: but still bear in mind,
At all times you are a Freemason.