Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
ivhich was supported by allegorical figures , was a radiating star of seven points , in centre of which , in royal purple , were the initials V . R . most beautifully emblazoned , and presenting a complete chefd'ceuvre of art . To describe the effect produced on entering this spacious apartment , would , indeed , be a hopeless task . The tables covered with costly luxuries , chosen wines , and occupied by the charmant beau scve ,
" Redolent of joy and health . shining like constellations amid a galaxy of brilliant stars . Pendant from the cornices and pilasters , hung flags and banners , on which were inscribed every emblem of Masonic Mystery , every symbol and memorial connected with the history of our simple yet sublime and impressive ceremonies ; the entire illuminated by upwards of 800 jets of light , disposed in the numbers 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , and 11 , as sacredly appertaining to Masonry , and surrounded by the foliage of
" . ' -hrubs and llowers , Charming the sense with aromatic powers . " Iii the centre table was a marble bust of the Queen , canopied with exotics , and surrounded by Mythological aud Masonic devices , arches of confectionary , and pieces montees of burnished gold . The entire of the preparations were arranged by Phillips of the Theatre Royal , Hawkens Street , under the surveillance of the "Ball Committee , " consisting of Past Masters Baldwin , Tenison , Ellis , Greene . Fitton , Hazlett , ancl Stritch , who had
" llonowed from each muse and every gr .-lee , " to assist in embody ing their tasteful conceptions . On the right of the Master was seated his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant , the Lady Mayoress , Lady Blakeney , and the Earl of Howth , & c , and on his left the Countess of Mulgrave , the Lord Mayor , General Blakeney , and the Earl of Ossory , & c . AVhen supper was over , the AVardens advanced to the head of the
room , and having informed the Master that refreshments had been provided , & c . requested to know his will and pleasure . He then commanded them to retire and prepare the Brethren and guests to drink the health of Queen Victoria ; which command liaving been obeyed , and the attention of the vast assembly liaving been arrested by the sounding of a trumpet from behind the throne , the AVorship ful Master rose and said :
" I rise to propose the health of our young and lovely Queen—the niece of two Royal Grand Patrons , ancl the daughter of an illustrious Grand Master of our Order—unsatisfied with the hereditary sceptre , this Royal Lady aspires to sit enthroned in our souls . The mighty powers of the British monarchy have been wielded by her to make a conquest of the affections of Britons , and so complete has been her victory , that she is now not more truly the rightful Queen of England
than the undisputed sovereign of her people ' s hearts ; in this double subjection she holds us bound , not only by the strong ties of duty , hut also by that powerful chain , whose golden links are formed of youth and beauty , and the graces , so as to leave it doubtful whether the fire which burns within our hearts at the breathing of our Sovereign ' s name , be kindled by the brig ht flame of loyalty , or by the purple light of love ( cheers ) . " With feelings of devotion and of loyalty , strong and deep as that ocean over which her meteor flag rides triumphant , do ( now propose
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
ivhich was supported by allegorical figures , was a radiating star of seven points , in centre of which , in royal purple , were the initials V . R . most beautifully emblazoned , and presenting a complete chefd'ceuvre of art . To describe the effect produced on entering this spacious apartment , would , indeed , be a hopeless task . The tables covered with costly luxuries , chosen wines , and occupied by the charmant beau scve ,
" Redolent of joy and health . shining like constellations amid a galaxy of brilliant stars . Pendant from the cornices and pilasters , hung flags and banners , on which were inscribed every emblem of Masonic Mystery , every symbol and memorial connected with the history of our simple yet sublime and impressive ceremonies ; the entire illuminated by upwards of 800 jets of light , disposed in the numbers 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , and 11 , as sacredly appertaining to Masonry , and surrounded by the foliage of
" . ' -hrubs and llowers , Charming the sense with aromatic powers . " Iii the centre table was a marble bust of the Queen , canopied with exotics , and surrounded by Mythological aud Masonic devices , arches of confectionary , and pieces montees of burnished gold . The entire of the preparations were arranged by Phillips of the Theatre Royal , Hawkens Street , under the surveillance of the "Ball Committee , " consisting of Past Masters Baldwin , Tenison , Ellis , Greene . Fitton , Hazlett , ancl Stritch , who had
" llonowed from each muse and every gr .-lee , " to assist in embody ing their tasteful conceptions . On the right of the Master was seated his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant , the Lady Mayoress , Lady Blakeney , and the Earl of Howth , & c , and on his left the Countess of Mulgrave , the Lord Mayor , General Blakeney , and the Earl of Ossory , & c . AVhen supper was over , the AVardens advanced to the head of the
room , and having informed the Master that refreshments had been provided , & c . requested to know his will and pleasure . He then commanded them to retire and prepare the Brethren and guests to drink the health of Queen Victoria ; which command liaving been obeyed , and the attention of the vast assembly liaving been arrested by the sounding of a trumpet from behind the throne , the AVorship ful Master rose and said :
" I rise to propose the health of our young and lovely Queen—the niece of two Royal Grand Patrons , ancl the daughter of an illustrious Grand Master of our Order—unsatisfied with the hereditary sceptre , this Royal Lady aspires to sit enthroned in our souls . The mighty powers of the British monarchy have been wielded by her to make a conquest of the affections of Britons , and so complete has been her victory , that she is now not more truly the rightful Queen of England
than the undisputed sovereign of her people ' s hearts ; in this double subjection she holds us bound , not only by the strong ties of duty , hut also by that powerful chain , whose golden links are formed of youth and beauty , and the graces , so as to leave it doubtful whether the fire which burns within our hearts at the breathing of our Sovereign ' s name , be kindled by the brig ht flame of loyalty , or by the purple light of love ( cheers ) . " With feelings of devotion and of loyalty , strong and deep as that ocean over which her meteor flag rides triumphant , do ( now propose