In Masons Lodge with darkened eyes, with cable-tow about me,
I swore to hail all mysteries that Masons keep and Masons prize,
All Brothers secrets whispered low, all words they speak,
All things they do – In mystic manner taught me.
I swore to answer and obey, all summons sent me duly.
From Brothers hand or lodge array, I swore I would never stray
From Ancient laws and rules that bound Freemasons in the days renown,
But would observe them truly.
ON YONDER BOOK , THAT OATH I TOOK
AND SHALL BREAK IT NEVER
STAND BY THIS – AND THIS – AND THIS
FOREVER AND FOREVER.
I swore to help with generous care, all those in sorrow bidden,
The Brother on the darkened square – The mourner with disheveled hair,
The orphan doomed, alas, to stray – upon a cold and wintry day,
Gushed forth with tears unbidden.
I swore to deal in honesty with each true heart around me,
That honor bright should ever be – an unbroken bond ‘twixt him and me,
No wrongs, no guile, no cruel fraud should ever break or loose that noble CORD
By which my vows have bound me.
ON YONDER BOOK , THAT OATH I TOOK
AND SHALL BREAK IT NEVER
STAND BY THIS – AND THIS – AND THIS
FOREVER AND FOREVER.
I swore the chastity to shield of woman pure and tender,
Of Mason’s widow, wife, and child, mother, sister, undefiled,
Each pure and innocent one whose love makes Masons home like that above,
I am their sworn defender.
ON YONDER BOOK , THAT OATH I TOOK
AND SHALL BREAK IT NEVER
STAND BY THIS – AND THIS – AND THIS
FOREVER AND FOREVER.
My Brother, these are your vows, may they be your cares, In answer to your prayers – that may
ever do and dare
All of God’s gracious laws enjoin, so when evening shades decline
You may be found in HEAVEN.
ON YONDER BOOK , THAT OATH I TOOK
AND SHALL BREAK IT NEVER
STAND BY THIS – AND THIS – AND THIS – AND THIS (HOLY SCRIPTURES)
FOREVER AND FOREVER.