Classic Poem

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks, Brothers, thanks — a noble prize,
The promptings of impulses high, —
Upon this altar of your sacrifice
High heaped doth lie!
Earnings of honest, manly toil,
Winnings from your exuberant soil,
All consecrate with willing hand
To shed new light upon the Holy Land.

Thanks, Brothers, thanks! the fame of this
Shall sound throughout the Orient
Where'er Freemasons work their mysteries,
In homage bent.
This flag on many a sacred hill
The tale to every wind shall tell;
And echo gratefully prolong
Thro' holy caves my thankful song.

Aided by this, I cheerful go
To do the work that God ordains;
My life and fate are in His hands, I know, —
O'er all He reigns;
He'll guide me safely on my way,
Perfect my labors, day by day,
Nor leave me till my race is run
And the appointed work is done.

Praying and toiling I depart,
Far eastward, over land and sea;
But let me ask each kind, fraternal heart
To pray for me.
Yes, when within the Lodge you come,
The dear, delightful Mason's home,
One faithful, fervent prayer bestow
On him who'll never cease to pray for you.

Farewell, — farewell, — farewell, — farewell;
My heart and voice would say adieu;
May the Grand M ASTER in great power dwell
With you, and you;
Bright glow the Lodge fires kindled here;
Love to your home groups, fond and dear;
Prosperity your lives attend,
And each at last Heaven's ladder safe ascend.