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Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
THE ILLUMINATI . There is in Bro . Hogg ' s third edition of Bro . How's Manual a good general sketch of the Illuminati , though it is quite clear that th < i writer has not gone very deeply into the question , or studied many available sources of information . He is quite correct in saying that thc Illuminati and Freemasons have nothing in common , and that Weishaupt ,
a Roman Catholic professor , and probably a Jesuit , was not a Alason when he founded it . He was a Alason afterwards , but soon left Freemasonry . The Illuminati was a distinct society , which had but a short career , and though they were in Paris for a short time , they had nothing to do with Freemasonry . This is one of the many delusions of Robeson and modern Ultramontane accusers of Freemasonry . AI . S .
THE CHEVALIER RAAISAY . Bro . Mackenzie , in his "Royal Alasonic Cyclopaedia , " says that Ramsay published his "Travels of Cyrus " in 1 S 27 . "Kenning ' s Encyclopaedia" gives no date of publication , whilst Dr . Mackey says that the travels were published at Paris in 1727 . In a copy of what appears to be an original edition , in two volumes , small octavo , which
has just fallen into my hands , I find that it was published at Dublin , " Printed by S . Powell , for George Risk , at Shakespear's Head , George Ewing , at the Angel and Bible , and William Smith , at the liercules , Booksellers' in Dame's-street , 172 S . " The book is dedicated to Lord Lansdown , and is embellished with very quaint woodcuts . Taken in connection with the tradition that the Chevalier
had some hand in the invention or arrangement of the Royal Arch Degree , the latter portion ofthe travels possesses some interest . Docs not the fact of the book being published in Dublin point to the probability of Ramsay having been there in 172 S , and might he not then have held Masonic communication with Dermott , and so have had something to do with thc subsequent appearance of the Arch Degree ?
T . B . WHYTEHEAD
LODGE LISTS . I am much obliged to " Alasonic Student" for the loan of "Solomon in all his Glory , " 2 nd edition . The list of lodges shown therein , I have been enabled to collate with a similar copy of the engraved list for 17 GS , kindly lent me by Bro . Hughan . These copies settle the point that No . 324 , on the 1756-Gg numeration—present "Old Concord , " No . 172—had no
date of constitution shown until 17 G 9 , when the year 176 S , in lieu of 176 4 , its proper date , was placed opposite its description in the engraved list . 1 have further to thank " Alasonic Student " for entrusting a short time to my care his impression of the engraved list for 1763 . These relics are rarely to be met with . The '" British Museum , " and " Golden-square" libraries only possess one copy each . The " Bodleian " has none , and
the fine collection of these treasures at Freemasons' Hall , which is simply invaluable , as it could never be replaced , will , some day no doubt , be enshrined in a glass case for the reverent admiration of visitors to our museum of the future . As illustrative of the difficulties with which students of
the engraved series have to contend , it may be briefly noted , that No . 305 on the list for 1753 , and therein described as at the " Bear at Havant Hams ; " in later editions of the same work , and during the then current numeration ( 1756-6 g ) , appears as " the Lodge at ye Hall , Burnley in Lancashire . " It was carried forward throughout the various renumberings , and its present description is " , No . 12 G , Silent Temple , Burnley .
R . F . GOULD
THE FREEAIASONS' CALENDAR . As the Editor of the Freemason has never objected to notices of Masonic works , not issued or published by Bro . George Kenning , and as I know well that the latter quite shares the opinion of the former on the subject , I desire to say a few words about the Freemasons' Calendar for 1 SS 1 . In many respects , it is far in advance of any of the kind
issued from 1 S 15 , which was the first of the Pocket Series ; and I most cordially endorse the favourable review of thc Editor of the Freemason . 1 . The table of Grand Masters from 1717 to 1 SS 0 ( includng "Ancients" 1753 to 1 S 13 ) is a valuable addition , and certainly is most useful to all subscribers . The wonder is that such a list has never been given before , as it formerly
was in the Calendars 1777-1 S 14 . The fact that no Grand Alaster for the " Ancients " was elected , installed , or in existence during 17 S 2 is carefully noted for the first time , and it will be news to many . Under the remarkable occurrences in Masonry several apocryphal statements have been inserted for many years past , such as the formation of a Grand Lodge in 926 .
I hese are all now quoted as from the Constitutions of 1738 , by which I presume it is to be inferred , that they might be true . The chronicle of public works , and grants by Grand Lodge , though not new this year , are additions to the Calendar of late years of special value and importance , and are most interesting compilations . The special features , however , of the Calendar for 1 SS 1
are the list of Centenary Lodges , and the dates of origin of the A ncients . In the "Cosmopolitan Calendar" are dates of the "Ancients , " from my "Alasonic Register , " many of which do not agree with the foregoing . The difference however is mainly nominal . The Freemasons' Calendar furnishes the original date of the constitution of each of
the " Ancient ' Lodges , but the Cosmo gives simply the dates of the present warrants . Both are useful and necessaryto the Masonic Student , for frequently they arc of very different years . One I may mention given in the former as 1765 , and the other is dated 1 S 13 . The first year is when the number was originally filled , the second when it was last filled , the date of the present warrant beinir
1 S 13 , the lodge having lapsed before then . A "dagger " bem jg placed before thc date of each " Athol" Lodge serves to distinguish them very clearly , and is a capital plan . The list of Centenary Lodges does not appear to be complete . I do not refer to the omission of No . 31 , Industrious , " Canterbury , evidently a typographical error , as it was granted in 187 S , but to many granted before registration was adopted of centenary warrants , and when probabl y no charge was made . Of this class is the " Royal
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Cumberland , " No . 41 , Bath , of which the following is a copy of the warrant : — To the Worshipful Alaster , Wardens , other officers , and members of the Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 4 S , Bath and all others whom it may concern : Whereas , it appears by the records of the Grand Lodge , that on the 26 th dayof April , 1733 , a warrant of constitution was granted to certain brethren therein named authorising
and empowering them , and their regular successors , to hold a lodge of Free and Accepted Alasons at Bath , in the county of Somerset , and which lodge was then numbered No . 113 on the registry of the Grand Lodge , and after various altet ations in the numbers , and in consequence of the union of the two Grand Lodges on the 27 th December , 1 S 13 , the said lodge became No . 55 , and at the closing up of the numbers in 1 S 32 , it became , and now stands on the registry
of the United Grand Lodge of England , as No . 4 S , under the title or denomination of the Royal Cumberland Lodge : And whereas , the brethren composing the said lodge are desirous , now that one hundred years have expired since the constitution of the lodge , to be permitted to wear a distinguished and commemorative jewel , and have prayed the sanction of the Alost Worshipful Grand Master for that purpose , and the Alost Worshipful Grand Alaster , having
been pleased to accede to the request , doth hereby give and grant to all and each of the actual subscribing members of the said lodge being Alaster Alasons permission to wear in all Alasonic meetings , suspended to the left breast by a sky-blue ribbon not exceeding one inch and a half in breadth ^ a jewel or medal of the pattern and device of the drawing in the margin hereof as a centenary jewel . But such jewel is to be worn only by those brethren who are
bona-fide subscribing members of the said lodge , and so long only as they shall pay their subscriptions thereto , and be returned as such to the Grand Lodge of England . Given at Freemasons' Hall , London , this 7 th day of Alay , 1 SG 1 , by command of the Right Honourable the Earl of Zetland , M . W . Grand Master . WM . GRAY CLARKE , G . S . It is evidently a centenary warrant , and all such should
be included in subsequent issues . I am anxious as to this , because it places those lodges which obtained permission from the M . W . G . M . to be so distinguished at a disadvantage , _ their exclusion appearing to be tantamount to or rejection of their position , which of course is not intended . I consider the handy volume reflects great credit on the Calendar Committee , the brethren in the Grand Secretary ' s office , the publisher and printer . W . J . HUGHAN .
Reviews.
Reviews .
BALLADS AND OTHER POEA 1 S . By ALFRED TENNYSON . C Kcgan Paul and Co ., 1 , Paternostersquare . It is not often that at the close of the year we have to review two contributions from . two such eminent " Bards " as Professor Longfellow and the Poet Laureate . But yet such is the fact as regards this good year of 1 SS 0 , now fast passing away before us from the way of the world , and
the life of men . Air . Longfellow has published his " Ultima Thule , " let us trust no " Ultima Thule " for him ; Air . Tennyson has put forth his " Ballads and other Poems , " and as we recently reviewed Air . Longfellow's last little work , it has appeared to us well in this , the Freeniason of the Christmas week of 1 SS 0 , to call the attention of our readers to Mr . Tennyson ' s agreeable volume . Air . Tennyson has a host of admirers , in this and other
lands . From the day that he published his Cambridge prize poem of "Timbuctoo" there could be no possible doubt but that to him was conceded by the Providence of God the good gift and a true portion of the " sacred fire " of " Poiesis . " There are many who write " verses" who are yet not "Poets ; " there are many who like to "dabble" in the " vers de society , " these "dilettanti " and amateur poetic writers who abound , and who vet can
never , say what they will , do what they will , write what they will , be enrolled in the " Walhalla" of poetry . But in Air . Tennyson ' s case the " aspect of affairs" is , indeed , widely different . As work succeeded to work from his first two volumes of poems—as " The Princess " was followed by "In Alemoriam "; and as we have since received the " Idylls of the King , " the " Holy Grail , " to him was conceded by universal consent thc status of a
"Bard , " as true , as real , as good , as popular acclaim ever hailed or mysterious "Gorsedd" ever invested . The official acknowledgment of his high merits b y his appointment as Poet Laureate , was , so to say , the Royal confirmation of popular sympathies and approval , thc crown of laurel of poetic recitations as of old . Wc need not pause to-day to recount his triumphs in the great arena of this world ' s poetic struggles . 1 hey arc a matter of
history . We need hardly mention his works , they are familiar to most of us . Yes ! how few of us are there who do not know and often repeat portions of the poetry of Tennyson , which are now " familiar on our lips as household words . " If one great aim of the poet is to give pleasure , and afford illumination and comfort and encouragement to others , to men of all conditions and classes , as well as to that large class which continually passes over
the great "bridge of sorrows , " lingers in the realms of sentiment , or labours in the mines ' pf thought , there are a great many grateful hearts in this good land of ours , in American cities , and in Canadian forests , by " vexed Bermoothes , " or " far Antipodes , " wherever our pleasant Anglo-Saxon tongue is spoken , who owe very much of pleasure , help , and elevation to the poetry of Alfred Tennyson . The new volume contains a number
of poems of much merit , and lines of great and vivid power . VVe may , perhaps , be inclined to think whether he has not in this volume dwelt upon the "Patois Idyll" at too great a length . It is not every one who cares to master the peculiarities and quaintness of the "Yorkshire songs . " "The Village Wife ; or , the Entail , " is very remarkable in its way , and we take from it one stanza as a specimen :
But I ears es 'e'd gie fur a howry * owd book thutty pound an' moor , An' ' e'd wrote an owd book , his awn sen , sa I knaw'd es 'e'd eoom to be poor ; An' ' e gied—I be fcar'd fur to tell tha 'ow much—fur an owd scratted stoiin , * Filthy .
Reviews.
An' ' e digg'd up a loomp i' the land an ' ' e got a brown pot an' a bolin , An' ' c bowt owd money , es ] wouldn't goa , wi' good gowd o' the Queen , An' ' bowfh ' ttle statues all-naakt an' which was a shaame to be seen ;
But ' e niver loookt ower a bill , nor ' e niver not seed to owt , An' ' e niver knawd nowt but boooks , an' boooks , as thou knaivs , beant nowt . "The First Quarrel" is very striking also ; and most pathetic is " In the Children ' s Hospital . ''
" The Dedicatory Poem to the Princess Alice , " whose loss we all deplore , will please many of our readers , and from it we give a few lines : Dead Princess , living Power , if that , which lived True life , live on—and if the fatal kiss , Born of true life and love , divorce thee not From earthly love and life .
Thou—England ' s England-loving daughter—thou Dying so English thou wouldst have her flag . Borne on thy coffin—where is he can swear But that some broken gleam from our poor earth Alay touch thee , while remembering thee , I lay At thy pale feet this ballad of the deeds Of England , and her banner in the East ?
The sonnet to the memory of the Rev . VV . H . Brookfield must move us all . VVe venture to reprint it in its entirety for fear of not doing justice to its great and grave impression : Brooks , for they call'd you so that knew you best , Old Brooks , who loved so well to mouth my rhymes , How oft we two have heard St . Alary's chimes I
How oft the Cantab supper , host and guest , Would echo helpless laughter to your jest I How oft with him we paced that walk of limes , Him , the lost light of those dawn-golden times , Who loved you well I Now both are gone to rest Yon man of humourous melancholy mark , Dead of some inward a < ronv—is it so ?
Our kindlier , trustier Jaques , past away ! I cannot laud this life , it looks so dark : SKIUS ivap—dream of a shadow , go—God bless you . I shall join you in a day . The lines to Princess Frederica , of Hanover , on her marriage , have a charming ring in them , andthough few ,
, are none the less very true and effective : O you that were eyes and light to the King till lie past away From tbe darkness of life—He saw not his daughter—he blest her : the blind King sees you to-day , He blesses the wife .
We may also mention "The Defence of Lucknow , " "Columbus , " and "A Ballad of the Fleet . " "Thc Northern Cobbler" has its merits . "Rizpah" is somewhat painful , and we doubt thc analogy , which appears to us a little strained . There can be no doubt that Air . Tennyson ' s volume for 1 SS 0 is destined to keep alive the interest of the people in his welcome contributions and his poetic fame .
South Africa.
South Africa .
TUNIS . —Kingston Mark Lodge ( No . 222 ) . —The regular meeting of the above lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on the 12 th inst . Present : Bros . R . W . Broadley , P . G . AL , as W . AL ; Souiller , S . W , ; Lc Gallais , I . W . ; Dr . Penne , W . AL , as AI . O . ; Bokobsa , S . O . ; Sessing-, J . O . j Audry , Sec ; Alarchand , Asst . Sec ; Barsotti , Treas . ; Puhga , LLD ., as S . D . ; Cassar , J . D . ; Polinelly , D . of C . ;
Commander Bridger , Org . ; and Gesscl , as I . G . j T . F . Reade , ( English Consul-General , ) P . D . D . G . AI . of Egypt , and P . G . AI . J . O . Tunis and Alalia , General Elias Alusali , Director of the Tunisian Foreign Office , A . Blanc , C . Foggetta , Dr . N . Davis ( the excavator of " Ancient Carthage " ) , and others . The lodge being duly opened a successful ballot was taken for two members of Lodge No . 1717 , viz : Bros . Joseph Souiller and George Davies . These
brethren being in attendance they were duly advanced as AI . M . Al . 's by the P . G . AL , with the full musical service . This ceremony being concluded , the Provincial Grand Alaster invested thc following P . G . Officers , appointed from the Tunis Lodges at the last communication of P . G . Lodge , viz : Bros . VV . Pcrine , ALD ., G . S . W . ; Reade , G . J . O . ; Captain Johnstone , G . D . of C ; Bridger , G . Org . ; Audry , G . Asst . Sec ; Barsotti , G . Steward . Bro . Reade in
returning thanks expressed thc deep interest he felt in the progress of the Alark Degree in North Africa , and his sense of the debt the brethren owed to the P . G . AL , for his untiring exertions to support and increase its prestige . Other Grand Officers having expressed their acknowledgments , a vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Broadley for presiding and giving the working in French and English . The lodge then expressed its regret at the approachinc
departure of Bro . Polinelly , D . of C , and its sense of the loss it would thereby suffer . Bro . Polinelly said he hoped he should awaken an interest in the Mark Degree in France , where he was going , and that he should never forget his duties and obligation as an English Alason . The charity collection having been liberally responded to , the last meeting of the lodge for the year 1 SS 0 very pleasantly terminated .
Ancient And Primitive Rite.
Ancient and Primitive Rite .
HOLYHEAD . —The Primitive Pilgrim Chapter Rose Croix ( No . 5 ) . —This chapter met on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., for the purpose of admitting four candidates to this Degree . Two of them were prevented by illness from attending ; the other two being present the ceremony was carried out most efficiently by the ALVV . and the Grand
Expert Gen . of the rite . A large contingent of the Irish members attended . The brethren subsequently adjourned to the Royal Arcade Hotel , and partook of a most recherchd banquet , after which the usual and Antient and Primitive toasts were g iven , and heartily responded to , and a most pleasant evening was spent .
Old Matured Wines and Spirits . —J . E . SHAND & Co ., Wine Merchants ( Experts and Valuers ) , 2 , Albert Mansions , Victoriastreet , London , S . W . Price lists on application . —[ ADVT . ]
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
THE ILLUMINATI . There is in Bro . Hogg ' s third edition of Bro . How's Manual a good general sketch of the Illuminati , though it is quite clear that th < i writer has not gone very deeply into the question , or studied many available sources of information . He is quite correct in saying that thc Illuminati and Freemasons have nothing in common , and that Weishaupt ,
a Roman Catholic professor , and probably a Jesuit , was not a Alason when he founded it . He was a Alason afterwards , but soon left Freemasonry . The Illuminati was a distinct society , which had but a short career , and though they were in Paris for a short time , they had nothing to do with Freemasonry . This is one of the many delusions of Robeson and modern Ultramontane accusers of Freemasonry . AI . S .
THE CHEVALIER RAAISAY . Bro . Mackenzie , in his "Royal Alasonic Cyclopaedia , " says that Ramsay published his "Travels of Cyrus " in 1 S 27 . "Kenning ' s Encyclopaedia" gives no date of publication , whilst Dr . Mackey says that the travels were published at Paris in 1727 . In a copy of what appears to be an original edition , in two volumes , small octavo , which
has just fallen into my hands , I find that it was published at Dublin , " Printed by S . Powell , for George Risk , at Shakespear's Head , George Ewing , at the Angel and Bible , and William Smith , at the liercules , Booksellers' in Dame's-street , 172 S . " The book is dedicated to Lord Lansdown , and is embellished with very quaint woodcuts . Taken in connection with the tradition that the Chevalier
had some hand in the invention or arrangement of the Royal Arch Degree , the latter portion ofthe travels possesses some interest . Docs not the fact of the book being published in Dublin point to the probability of Ramsay having been there in 172 S , and might he not then have held Masonic communication with Dermott , and so have had something to do with thc subsequent appearance of the Arch Degree ?
T . B . WHYTEHEAD
LODGE LISTS . I am much obliged to " Alasonic Student" for the loan of "Solomon in all his Glory , " 2 nd edition . The list of lodges shown therein , I have been enabled to collate with a similar copy of the engraved list for 17 GS , kindly lent me by Bro . Hughan . These copies settle the point that No . 324 , on the 1756-Gg numeration—present "Old Concord , " No . 172—had no
date of constitution shown until 17 G 9 , when the year 176 S , in lieu of 176 4 , its proper date , was placed opposite its description in the engraved list . 1 have further to thank " Alasonic Student " for entrusting a short time to my care his impression of the engraved list for 1763 . These relics are rarely to be met with . The '" British Museum , " and " Golden-square" libraries only possess one copy each . The " Bodleian " has none , and
the fine collection of these treasures at Freemasons' Hall , which is simply invaluable , as it could never be replaced , will , some day no doubt , be enshrined in a glass case for the reverent admiration of visitors to our museum of the future . As illustrative of the difficulties with which students of
the engraved series have to contend , it may be briefly noted , that No . 305 on the list for 1753 , and therein described as at the " Bear at Havant Hams ; " in later editions of the same work , and during the then current numeration ( 1756-6 g ) , appears as " the Lodge at ye Hall , Burnley in Lancashire . " It was carried forward throughout the various renumberings , and its present description is " , No . 12 G , Silent Temple , Burnley .
R . F . GOULD
THE FREEAIASONS' CALENDAR . As the Editor of the Freemason has never objected to notices of Masonic works , not issued or published by Bro . George Kenning , and as I know well that the latter quite shares the opinion of the former on the subject , I desire to say a few words about the Freemasons' Calendar for 1 SS 1 . In many respects , it is far in advance of any of the kind
issued from 1 S 15 , which was the first of the Pocket Series ; and I most cordially endorse the favourable review of thc Editor of the Freemason . 1 . The table of Grand Masters from 1717 to 1 SS 0 ( includng "Ancients" 1753 to 1 S 13 ) is a valuable addition , and certainly is most useful to all subscribers . The wonder is that such a list has never been given before , as it formerly
was in the Calendars 1777-1 S 14 . The fact that no Grand Alaster for the " Ancients " was elected , installed , or in existence during 17 S 2 is carefully noted for the first time , and it will be news to many . Under the remarkable occurrences in Masonry several apocryphal statements have been inserted for many years past , such as the formation of a Grand Lodge in 926 .
I hese are all now quoted as from the Constitutions of 1738 , by which I presume it is to be inferred , that they might be true . The chronicle of public works , and grants by Grand Lodge , though not new this year , are additions to the Calendar of late years of special value and importance , and are most interesting compilations . The special features , however , of the Calendar for 1 SS 1
are the list of Centenary Lodges , and the dates of origin of the A ncients . In the "Cosmopolitan Calendar" are dates of the "Ancients , " from my "Alasonic Register , " many of which do not agree with the foregoing . The difference however is mainly nominal . The Freemasons' Calendar furnishes the original date of the constitution of each of
the " Ancient ' Lodges , but the Cosmo gives simply the dates of the present warrants . Both are useful and necessaryto the Masonic Student , for frequently they arc of very different years . One I may mention given in the former as 1765 , and the other is dated 1 S 13 . The first year is when the number was originally filled , the second when it was last filled , the date of the present warrant beinir
1 S 13 , the lodge having lapsed before then . A "dagger " bem jg placed before thc date of each " Athol" Lodge serves to distinguish them very clearly , and is a capital plan . The list of Centenary Lodges does not appear to be complete . I do not refer to the omission of No . 31 , Industrious , " Canterbury , evidently a typographical error , as it was granted in 187 S , but to many granted before registration was adopted of centenary warrants , and when probabl y no charge was made . Of this class is the " Royal
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Cumberland , " No . 41 , Bath , of which the following is a copy of the warrant : — To the Worshipful Alaster , Wardens , other officers , and members of the Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 4 S , Bath and all others whom it may concern : Whereas , it appears by the records of the Grand Lodge , that on the 26 th dayof April , 1733 , a warrant of constitution was granted to certain brethren therein named authorising
and empowering them , and their regular successors , to hold a lodge of Free and Accepted Alasons at Bath , in the county of Somerset , and which lodge was then numbered No . 113 on the registry of the Grand Lodge , and after various altet ations in the numbers , and in consequence of the union of the two Grand Lodges on the 27 th December , 1 S 13 , the said lodge became No . 55 , and at the closing up of the numbers in 1 S 32 , it became , and now stands on the registry
of the United Grand Lodge of England , as No . 4 S , under the title or denomination of the Royal Cumberland Lodge : And whereas , the brethren composing the said lodge are desirous , now that one hundred years have expired since the constitution of the lodge , to be permitted to wear a distinguished and commemorative jewel , and have prayed the sanction of the Alost Worshipful Grand Master for that purpose , and the Alost Worshipful Grand Alaster , having
been pleased to accede to the request , doth hereby give and grant to all and each of the actual subscribing members of the said lodge being Alaster Alasons permission to wear in all Alasonic meetings , suspended to the left breast by a sky-blue ribbon not exceeding one inch and a half in breadth ^ a jewel or medal of the pattern and device of the drawing in the margin hereof as a centenary jewel . But such jewel is to be worn only by those brethren who are
bona-fide subscribing members of the said lodge , and so long only as they shall pay their subscriptions thereto , and be returned as such to the Grand Lodge of England . Given at Freemasons' Hall , London , this 7 th day of Alay , 1 SG 1 , by command of the Right Honourable the Earl of Zetland , M . W . Grand Master . WM . GRAY CLARKE , G . S . It is evidently a centenary warrant , and all such should
be included in subsequent issues . I am anxious as to this , because it places those lodges which obtained permission from the M . W . G . M . to be so distinguished at a disadvantage , _ their exclusion appearing to be tantamount to or rejection of their position , which of course is not intended . I consider the handy volume reflects great credit on the Calendar Committee , the brethren in the Grand Secretary ' s office , the publisher and printer . W . J . HUGHAN .
Reviews.
Reviews .
BALLADS AND OTHER POEA 1 S . By ALFRED TENNYSON . C Kcgan Paul and Co ., 1 , Paternostersquare . It is not often that at the close of the year we have to review two contributions from . two such eminent " Bards " as Professor Longfellow and the Poet Laureate . But yet such is the fact as regards this good year of 1 SS 0 , now fast passing away before us from the way of the world , and
the life of men . Air . Longfellow has published his " Ultima Thule , " let us trust no " Ultima Thule " for him ; Air . Tennyson has put forth his " Ballads and other Poems , " and as we recently reviewed Air . Longfellow's last little work , it has appeared to us well in this , the Freeniason of the Christmas week of 1 SS 0 , to call the attention of our readers to Mr . Tennyson ' s agreeable volume . Air . Tennyson has a host of admirers , in this and other
lands . From the day that he published his Cambridge prize poem of "Timbuctoo" there could be no possible doubt but that to him was conceded by the Providence of God the good gift and a true portion of the " sacred fire " of " Poiesis . " There are many who write " verses" who are yet not "Poets ; " there are many who like to "dabble" in the " vers de society , " these "dilettanti " and amateur poetic writers who abound , and who vet can
never , say what they will , do what they will , write what they will , be enrolled in the " Walhalla" of poetry . But in Air . Tennyson ' s case the " aspect of affairs" is , indeed , widely different . As work succeeded to work from his first two volumes of poems—as " The Princess " was followed by "In Alemoriam "; and as we have since received the " Idylls of the King , " the " Holy Grail , " to him was conceded by universal consent thc status of a
"Bard , " as true , as real , as good , as popular acclaim ever hailed or mysterious "Gorsedd" ever invested . The official acknowledgment of his high merits b y his appointment as Poet Laureate , was , so to say , the Royal confirmation of popular sympathies and approval , thc crown of laurel of poetic recitations as of old . Wc need not pause to-day to recount his triumphs in the great arena of this world ' s poetic struggles . 1 hey arc a matter of
history . We need hardly mention his works , they are familiar to most of us . Yes ! how few of us are there who do not know and often repeat portions of the poetry of Tennyson , which are now " familiar on our lips as household words . " If one great aim of the poet is to give pleasure , and afford illumination and comfort and encouragement to others , to men of all conditions and classes , as well as to that large class which continually passes over
the great "bridge of sorrows , " lingers in the realms of sentiment , or labours in the mines ' pf thought , there are a great many grateful hearts in this good land of ours , in American cities , and in Canadian forests , by " vexed Bermoothes , " or " far Antipodes , " wherever our pleasant Anglo-Saxon tongue is spoken , who owe very much of pleasure , help , and elevation to the poetry of Alfred Tennyson . The new volume contains a number
of poems of much merit , and lines of great and vivid power . VVe may , perhaps , be inclined to think whether he has not in this volume dwelt upon the "Patois Idyll" at too great a length . It is not every one who cares to master the peculiarities and quaintness of the "Yorkshire songs . " "The Village Wife ; or , the Entail , " is very remarkable in its way , and we take from it one stanza as a specimen :
But I ears es 'e'd gie fur a howry * owd book thutty pound an' moor , An' ' e'd wrote an owd book , his awn sen , sa I knaw'd es 'e'd eoom to be poor ; An' ' e gied—I be fcar'd fur to tell tha 'ow much—fur an owd scratted stoiin , * Filthy .
Reviews.
An' ' e digg'd up a loomp i' the land an ' ' e got a brown pot an' a bolin , An' ' c bowt owd money , es ] wouldn't goa , wi' good gowd o' the Queen , An' ' bowfh ' ttle statues all-naakt an' which was a shaame to be seen ;
But ' e niver loookt ower a bill , nor ' e niver not seed to owt , An' ' e niver knawd nowt but boooks , an' boooks , as thou knaivs , beant nowt . "The First Quarrel" is very striking also ; and most pathetic is " In the Children ' s Hospital . ''
" The Dedicatory Poem to the Princess Alice , " whose loss we all deplore , will please many of our readers , and from it we give a few lines : Dead Princess , living Power , if that , which lived True life , live on—and if the fatal kiss , Born of true life and love , divorce thee not From earthly love and life .
Thou—England ' s England-loving daughter—thou Dying so English thou wouldst have her flag . Borne on thy coffin—where is he can swear But that some broken gleam from our poor earth Alay touch thee , while remembering thee , I lay At thy pale feet this ballad of the deeds Of England , and her banner in the East ?
The sonnet to the memory of the Rev . VV . H . Brookfield must move us all . VVe venture to reprint it in its entirety for fear of not doing justice to its great and grave impression : Brooks , for they call'd you so that knew you best , Old Brooks , who loved so well to mouth my rhymes , How oft we two have heard St . Alary's chimes I
How oft the Cantab supper , host and guest , Would echo helpless laughter to your jest I How oft with him we paced that walk of limes , Him , the lost light of those dawn-golden times , Who loved you well I Now both are gone to rest Yon man of humourous melancholy mark , Dead of some inward a < ronv—is it so ?
Our kindlier , trustier Jaques , past away ! I cannot laud this life , it looks so dark : SKIUS ivap—dream of a shadow , go—God bless you . I shall join you in a day . The lines to Princess Frederica , of Hanover , on her marriage , have a charming ring in them , andthough few ,
, are none the less very true and effective : O you that were eyes and light to the King till lie past away From tbe darkness of life—He saw not his daughter—he blest her : the blind King sees you to-day , He blesses the wife .
We may also mention "The Defence of Lucknow , " "Columbus , " and "A Ballad of the Fleet . " "Thc Northern Cobbler" has its merits . "Rizpah" is somewhat painful , and we doubt thc analogy , which appears to us a little strained . There can be no doubt that Air . Tennyson ' s volume for 1 SS 0 is destined to keep alive the interest of the people in his welcome contributions and his poetic fame .
South Africa.
South Africa .
TUNIS . —Kingston Mark Lodge ( No . 222 ) . —The regular meeting of the above lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on the 12 th inst . Present : Bros . R . W . Broadley , P . G . AL , as W . AL ; Souiller , S . W , ; Lc Gallais , I . W . ; Dr . Penne , W . AL , as AI . O . ; Bokobsa , S . O . ; Sessing-, J . O . j Audry , Sec ; Alarchand , Asst . Sec ; Barsotti , Treas . ; Puhga , LLD ., as S . D . ; Cassar , J . D . ; Polinelly , D . of C . ;
Commander Bridger , Org . ; and Gesscl , as I . G . j T . F . Reade , ( English Consul-General , ) P . D . D . G . AI . of Egypt , and P . G . AI . J . O . Tunis and Alalia , General Elias Alusali , Director of the Tunisian Foreign Office , A . Blanc , C . Foggetta , Dr . N . Davis ( the excavator of " Ancient Carthage " ) , and others . The lodge being duly opened a successful ballot was taken for two members of Lodge No . 1717 , viz : Bros . Joseph Souiller and George Davies . These
brethren being in attendance they were duly advanced as AI . M . Al . 's by the P . G . AL , with the full musical service . This ceremony being concluded , the Provincial Grand Alaster invested thc following P . G . Officers , appointed from the Tunis Lodges at the last communication of P . G . Lodge , viz : Bros . VV . Pcrine , ALD ., G . S . W . ; Reade , G . J . O . ; Captain Johnstone , G . D . of C ; Bridger , G . Org . ; Audry , G . Asst . Sec ; Barsotti , G . Steward . Bro . Reade in
returning thanks expressed thc deep interest he felt in the progress of the Alark Degree in North Africa , and his sense of the debt the brethren owed to the P . G . AL , for his untiring exertions to support and increase its prestige . Other Grand Officers having expressed their acknowledgments , a vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Broadley for presiding and giving the working in French and English . The lodge then expressed its regret at the approachinc
departure of Bro . Polinelly , D . of C , and its sense of the loss it would thereby suffer . Bro . Polinelly said he hoped he should awaken an interest in the Mark Degree in France , where he was going , and that he should never forget his duties and obligation as an English Alason . The charity collection having been liberally responded to , the last meeting of the lodge for the year 1 SS 0 very pleasantly terminated .
Ancient And Primitive Rite.
Ancient and Primitive Rite .
HOLYHEAD . —The Primitive Pilgrim Chapter Rose Croix ( No . 5 ) . —This chapter met on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., for the purpose of admitting four candidates to this Degree . Two of them were prevented by illness from attending ; the other two being present the ceremony was carried out most efficiently by the ALVV . and the Grand
Expert Gen . of the rite . A large contingent of the Irish members attended . The brethren subsequently adjourned to the Royal Arcade Hotel , and partook of a most recherchd banquet , after which the usual and Antient and Primitive toasts were g iven , and heartily responded to , and a most pleasant evening was spent .
Old Matured Wines and Spirits . —J . E . SHAND & Co ., Wine Merchants ( Experts and Valuers ) , 2 , Albert Mansions , Victoriastreet , London , S . W . Price lists on application . —[ ADVT . ]