Classic Poem

In gladsome mood again we're met, —
How swiftly passed the year!
Begin the feast, and Brothers, drink
To Masons everywhere!
A Mason's love is unrestrained;
Each other's woes we share;
Then lift the cup, and, Brothers, drink
To Masons everywhere!

What would our Mystic Tie be worth, —
How little should we care
For Masonry, did not its links
Encircle everywhere?
With Masons' love so unrestrained,
Each other's woes to share,
Well may we fill the cup, and drink
To Masons everywhere!

Though some we loved have fallen on
The weary path of care,
What then? in Heaven they're yet our own!
To Masons everywhere!
For Masons' love, so unrestrained,
Eternity may dare!
Then, Brothers, fill, and fondly drink
To Masons everywhere!

And so, when death shall claim us, too,
And other forms be here,
May we in memory's heart be held
By Masons everywhere!
For Masons' love is unrestrained,
Nor death the chain may tear;
O'erflow the cup, and, Brothers, drink
To Masons everywhere!