Classic Poem

Cheerfulness

No, not a gloomy look to-night,
To cloud the pleasant faces here;
Our tapers burn, our walls are bright
With emblematic cheer;
Be every look a sunny smile,
And let it speak of happier days,
When Mason songs did sweetly fill
The Temple that we raise.

No, not a cruel word to-night,
To mar the harmony that fills
And sanctifies this dear retreat,
And every discord stills;
Be every word a note of love,
From that seraphic chorus heard
In the celestial Lodge above,
Whose Master is the Lord.

Oh, not a painful thought to-night
Of war; are not we in God's hand?
Let's humbly follow in the light
He gives the Mystic Band;
Be every thought a ray divine.
Prophetic of the days to come,
When holy peace shall smile again
On each dear Mason's home.

Not often do we meet as now,
Nor shall we all be here again;
To-morrow each his path must go —
To some a path of pain.
Then let to-night be doubly bright;
And when Low XII shall bid us part,
Its memories we will not forget
While life blood warms the heart.English