Once in the East he sat, The jewel about his neck; And with a hat he covered his head

When other heads were bare.

The Brethren came and went In answer to his beck;

And stood and offered up the signs To him who wore the Square.

Once like the coursing sun He rose up in the East.

And all the Brethren rose as one As work began or ceased.

Once he guarded treasure; The secrets of the Craft – The Charter, ritual, ancient work

By which the Craft increased

But when the year had closed Three steps he did take down; Down to the floor to take his place

Among the Brethren there. So like his Brethren, he; Yet somehow different, too;

For he had sat up in the East

And he had worn the Square. He is a man apart, A Mason marked for Time.

To him who has with honor served. To him must honor be.