Freemasonry In Portugal.

room , where we found the brethren standing to order with drawn swords . After being welcomed by the Venerable in a very complimentary speech , we were sainted with nine rounds of Masonic firing and vivas , and having been severally invested

with swords , were then placed on the dais . The arrangements of the lodge were totally at variance with those adopted in England , and deeming a description of them may be of interest we will briefly describe them .

Within the door of the lodge stood the two emblematical pillars , J . -, and B . ' ., one on each side of the entrance ; these were guarded by the Senior and Junior Deacons . The Venerable remained in the eastbut the position of the

, Wardens was entirely changed , the Senior Warden being placed in the S . W . angle , and the Junior Warden in the N . W . angle thus posted , they completely controlled their respective columns .

The Master Masons and brethren of the higher grades were ranged in the south , under the command of the Senior Warden ; the northern column was composed of the Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts , and was commanded by the Junior

Warden . The seats were arranged in tiers , that the view of those sitting in the rear might not be obstructed by the brethren seated in front . In the east was a raised dais , iu the centre of which stood the pedestal of the Venerable , over

whose throne was a canopy representing the heavens . Chairs were placed on this dais , to the right and left of the throne , for the accommodation of distinguished visitors and the accredited representatives of other lodges ; here also were suspended the banners of the lodge . The three

great lights were placed on an altar in the centre of the lodge ; wisdom , strength , and beauty being represented by the three lesser lights . The lodge thus arranged , presented a very striking appearance on the occasion of our visit

the plain white aprons of the Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts contrasting in a most pleasing manner with the handsome bine sashes and aprons of the Master Masons seated opposite , and as it so happened that none but the Wardens , and those

seated on the dais , were wearing the crimson regalia of the sublime degrees , the coup tl ' teil was charming . But we candidly confess that the introduction of a crimson collar into the south column would have marred the whole scene , and we consequently still give the preference to the

Freemasonry In Portugal.

severe but beautiful uniformit y of our own Craftlodges . The ceremonies of opening and closing the lodgegreatly resembled those practised in the English rite , but the remainder of the working was very dissimilar . The landmarks of the first and second

degrees did not correspond with ours , owing to a certain transposition ; in this , however , the Portuguese and French rites are alike . The modes of preparation in the various degrees differed materially from those practised in England .

In the first degree the simple perambulations give place to a lustration and three trials by earth , water , and fire ; there are many other important variations in this and the other degrees , but they cannot be publicly discussed .

The Lodge Cosmopolite was worked in French , the remaining lodges iu the language of the .-country ,- and although from our imperfect knowledge of the Portuguese language , we were not able to make a very close comparison of the ritual ,

yet we observed great uniformity in the practical working of all the lodges when we subsequently visited them . Before leaving the Lodge Cosmopolite our Masonic certificates were endorsed by [ the Secretary

with the date of our visit , the signature of the Venerable , and the seal of the lodge being also affixed . A sketch of this seal is given at the commencement ol : the present paper , as a companion to that of the Grand Orient at the beginning of a previous article .

A sudden departure from Lisbon prevented our attending a chapter of the sublime degrees , but we trust that pleasure will not long be deferred . Until that time shall arrive we bid our readers adieu , hoping that they will unite with ns in a fervent wish for the success of Freemasonry in Portugal .

Knights Of The Bath.

KNIGHTS OF THE BATH .

By HKNET SAXELBY . Although it must be acknowledged that we have not any authentic record before the reign of Henry IV ., of the degree of knighthood under the express appellation of the Bath , yec it is affirmed

by authors of great authority , that the institution is of a much more ancient date ; and Mr . Camden , in his " Britannia , " assures us that this dignity was in use among the old Franks , and there are good reasons to believe that the Saxons , who had