The Freemason’s Apron

The Freemason’s Apron, No. II. [No. 20]

Nor Golden Fleece, nor Garter and its Star,
Thistle, nor Coronet, nor Crown, (to win
Which men too oft have steep’d their souls in sin,)
By me are deem’d so honorable far
As our white barge of spotless purity. 5
The Bond of Friendship be it to us all,
If Sons of Hiram we would dare to call
Ourselves. Mere Signs and Pass-words ne’er can be
The Band that binds in Bonds of Brotherhood
(Too strong for priestly craft or despot’s power, 10
Or all the evil passions of the hour,
To rend asunder,) so many wise and good,
Of every creed and clime, on neutral ground,
Where Peace and Love and Charity abound.

by George Markham Tweddell  1st published 1887