Be proud of that lambskin more ancient by far
Than the fleece of pure gold or the eagle of war.
‘Tis the emblem of innocence and nobler to wear
Than the Thistle of Scotland* or order so rare.
Let the King wear his purple and point to his crown
That will fall from his brow ere his throne tumbles down.
But the badge of a Mason has much more to give,
Than a kingdom so frail it cannot long live.
Let the field marshal boast of the men he can guide
The infantry columns and heroes that ride.
But that white leather apron his standard outranks
As it gleams from the East to the death river’s banks.
‘Tis the badge of the orphan, the symbol of love,
Our charter of faith in that Grand Lodge above.
Whilst the high and the low in its whiteness arrayed,
One blood and one kin by its magic are made.
Kingdoms fall to the earth cities crumble to dust,
Man was born but to die, swords were made but to rust.
But that white leather apron through ages passed on,
Has survived with the Lodge of the holy Saint John.
So be proud of that lambskin which level uplifts,
That white leather apron most priceless of gifts.
Tis the badge of a Mason more ancient by far,
Than the fleece of pure gold or the eagle of war.
* Reference to the Order of the Thistle similar to the Order of the Garter.