Classic Poem

Friends ever dear, begin the opening lay;
Chant ye of joys that none but Masons know;
Heart answering heart, love's secret power display,
Gain from our rites a blessing ere you go.
Love reigneth here, — Love reigneth here;
Hate has the rule without,
But love reigneth here.

Bleak blows the wind; the sky with angry storms
Glares on the traveler as he flits along;
Here genial fire, the fire of Friendship warms;
Here gleams the eye, here tunes the jocund song;
Love reigneth here, — Love reigneth here;
Bleak storms may blow without,
But Love reigneth here.

Sadness and care, — our life is full of these;
'Tis but a strife, a turmoil, at the best;
Here all is calm; our walls we build in peace;
Here one short hour the weary heart may rest.
Love reigneth here, — Love reigneth here;
Sadness and care without,
But Love reigneth here.