COMPOSED BY MR. JAMES BISSET, Stewart of St. Alban's lodge, Birmingham

The corner stone, this day we have By solemn dedication, Of Stratford lodge—most firmly laid On our most grand foundation. Great Shakespeare's name the pile shall boast, A name so much renown'd, sir, With flowing bumpers let this toast Then cheerfully go round, fir.

May this new lodge for ever stand To grace masonic story; The wonder of this happy land, And raise old Shakespeare's glory.

The mystic arts of masonry, From east to west extending, From pole to pole expands apace— A gift of heaven's own sending. Blest light divine, sent from above, To cheer the discontented, To make mankind unite in love, Like masons thus contented. CHORUS.—Blest light, &c.

Great honours have been paid before, But Shakespeare's name to blazon, Or give him fame—none can do more Than say—He was a Mason! Upon the square he firmly stood, Such lovely structures rear'd, sir, That ne'er before, nor since the flood, Have buildings such appear'd sir. CHORUS.—Upon the square, &c.

All nature's secrets he explor'd, With wonder struck—she view'd him; She 'never saw his like before,' And all her works she shew'd him. The child of fancy, e'en in youth, In knowledge he surpass'd her, None ever could compare, But Hiram our grand master.

May Shakespeare's lodge for ever stand To grace masonic story, The wonders of this happy land, Old Stratford's boast and glory.