White Gloves, No. II

White Gloves, No. II. [No. 31]

White in all ages has an emblem been
Of spotless Innocence: a Cowan he,
Though in our Clothing drest, whose Masonry
In Signs and Words and Clothes alone is seen!
The outer world is full of Shams, I ween; 5
But every Masons’ Lodge should be secure
From such intruders; there we should be sure
Of meeting none who’re cruel, false or mean.
The tongue of Good Report must be well heard.
Before a Candidate I dare propose, 10
Vouching him as obedient to the laws
Of God and man; his soul must first be stirr’d
With aspirations all good deeds to dare,
Ere I assist him our White Gloves to wear.

by George Markham Tweddell  1st published 1887