The Acacia.

The Acacia. [No. 55]

Revered by Masons let the Acacia be!
The Hebrews used the plant to mark a grave;
And o’er a Brother’s breast I have
Dropp’d it upon the coffin; just when we
Were taking our last look; ere the priest had done 5
His obsequies—or his fellow Volunteers
Discharged their farewell volleys—and the tears
Were trickling down our cheeks. And I have gone
Often alone to visit the green spot
Where the true Brother’s ashes calmly rest: 10
For, when we muse among the tombs, ‘tis best
To be alone. Those Friends we ne’er forget
Seem then to visit us. Then let us be,
Acacia emblem, innocent as thee!

by George Markham Tweddell 1st published c 1887