Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Poetry.
POETRY .
MASONIC VERSES , Written on the occasion of the celebrating Saint John the Evangelist ' s Day , by the Craft , in JVassau , New Providence , Bahamas . INVOCATION . OTHAT some spark of that poetic fire
, Which ancient bards , of old , did once inspire , AVould kindle forth a sweeter , happier muse Than mine to sing the subject that I choose ! Ye sacred Nine , assist my humble lay , Nor scOrn the feeble song , that would display In all its glories—a Masonic day ! Oh , hear not , nor let thy vot ' ry plead in vain ,
But with Poaonian powers assist my strain ; And thou , Reflection ' s sister , Wisdom ' s nurse , * Forbid me things mysterious to rehearse ; Nor let Imagination ' s wand'ring thought Exceed the bounds by cautious Prudence fraught ; Nor break the awful spell , which shuts from sight Truths to be known to none but Sons of Light !
PROCESSION . Behold ! the portals open wide , And from the Lodge the Breth'ren glide Beneath the Craftsmen ' s arch . They move-How strong a band of Christian love ! Enliv ' ning music fills the air
, To tell that Harmony is there . Distinction knows no other bound Than what in Virtue may be found ; And , brightest of the heav ' nly Three , Sweet , lovely , boundless Charity ! f Through gath'ring crowds they pass along , Obedient to the cheering song .
The token of their noble trade , Of lamb-skins finest texture made , . Border'd with lively green or blue , % Proclaims their calling just and true . Each in his rank and order placed , And with the jewell'd signet graced , The gift of Virtue , not pretence , For worth alone gives precedence .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Poetry.
POETRY .
MASONIC VERSES , Written on the occasion of the celebrating Saint John the Evangelist ' s Day , by the Craft , in JVassau , New Providence , Bahamas . INVOCATION . OTHAT some spark of that poetic fire
, Which ancient bards , of old , did once inspire , AVould kindle forth a sweeter , happier muse Than mine to sing the subject that I choose ! Ye sacred Nine , assist my humble lay , Nor scOrn the feeble song , that would display In all its glories—a Masonic day ! Oh , hear not , nor let thy vot ' ry plead in vain ,
But with Poaonian powers assist my strain ; And thou , Reflection ' s sister , Wisdom ' s nurse , * Forbid me things mysterious to rehearse ; Nor let Imagination ' s wand'ring thought Exceed the bounds by cautious Prudence fraught ; Nor break the awful spell , which shuts from sight Truths to be known to none but Sons of Light !
PROCESSION . Behold ! the portals open wide , And from the Lodge the Breth'ren glide Beneath the Craftsmen ' s arch . They move-How strong a band of Christian love ! Enliv ' ning music fills the air
, To tell that Harmony is there . Distinction knows no other bound Than what in Virtue may be found ; And , brightest of the heav ' nly Three , Sweet , lovely , boundless Charity ! f Through gath'ring crowds they pass along , Obedient to the cheering song .
The token of their noble trade , Of lamb-skins finest texture made , . Border'd with lively green or blue , % Proclaims their calling just and true . Each in his rank and order placed , And with the jewell'd signet graced , The gift of Virtue , not pretence , For worth alone gives precedence .