English poem
Songs, Song
by James Lyon (?–1854)
When Masonry expiring lay, By knaves and fools rejected, Without one hope one cheering ray, By worthless sons neglected; Fair virtue fled, Truth hung her head, O'erwhelm'd in deep confusion, Sweet Friendship too, Her smiles withdrew, From this blest Institution. Cho. Fair Virtue fled, &c.
Columbia's sons determin'd then Free-masonry to cherish, They rous'd her into life again. And bid fair Science flourish. Now Virtue bright, Truth rob'd in white, With Friendship hither hastens, All go in hand, To bless the band, Of true Columbian Masons. Cho. Now virtue bright, &c.
Since Masonry's reviv'd once more, Pursue her wise directions, Let circumspection go be before, And Virtue square your actions; Unite your hands In Friendships bands, Supporting one another; With honest heart, Fair Truth impart, To every faithful brother. Cho. Unite your hands, &c.
Let coxcombs grin, and critics sneer, While we are blithe and jolly, Let fops dispise the badge we wear, We laugh at all their folly; Let empty fools Despise our rules, Brothers we ne'er will heed 'em, Say what they will, We're Masons still, And will support our freedom. Cho. Let empty fools, &c.
But may kind Heaven's gracious hand, Still regulate each action; May every lodge securely stand, Against the storms of faction; May Love and Peace, Each day encrease, Throughout this happy nation, May they extend, Till all shall end, In one great conflagration. Cho. May Love and Peace, &c,