The Mason's Allegory

The trade of a Mason's a good moral school, Where the measures of life are establish'd by rule, When affairs go awry let your judgment incline, To make matters even by drawing the line.

Shou'd your paths, being crooked, bewilder the mind, Or, encircl'd by care, no alternative find, Ne'er let your guide, Reason, give way to despair, Old Time, with exertion, your troubles may square.

Shou'd you meet with a brother in craft too profound, Make use of your plummet, his subtilty sound, And if you no bottom should find in his heart, When his hand he presents you, then bid him depart.

Let your converse be level, your life not too gay, But just within compass the moderate way; When you're crippl'd by age, infirm and oppress'd, Let Faith lend a pillar on which you may rest.