Classic Poem

A welcome and a greeting now,
To gentle friends and sisters true,
Around the place where Masons bow,
And pay their homage due;
On Checkered F LOOR , neath S TARRY S KY ,
Welcome, kind friends of Masonry!

To her who finds a F ATHER here;
Or B ROTHER'S strong and trusty hand;
To her who mourns the lost and dear,
Once cherished in our band;
To her who H USBAND'S love doth own,
Greeting and welcome, every one!

Welcome the light our emblems shed;
Welcome the hopes yon Volume gives, —
Welcome the love our Covenants spread,
The wages each receives;
And when is past life's toilsome week,
Welcome the H OME that Masons seek.

In the bonds of Mason's duty ,
Seek ye now the Mason's light ,
Forms of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty
Teach us what is good and right;
Far be every sinful passion,
Near be every gentle grace;
And so at last this holy mission
Shall reveal our M ASTER'S face.