Classic Poem

ODE X.

A GLEE,

SUNG AT THE SOMERSET-HOUSE LODGE OF FREE-MASONS .

Lightly o'er the village green
Blue-ey'd fairies sport unseen,
Round and round, in circles gay — —
Then at Cock-crow flit away:
Thus, 'tis said, tho' mortal eye
Ne'er their merry freaks could spy,
Elves for mortals lisp the pray'r —
Elves are guardians of the fair;
Thus, like elves, in mystic ring
Merry masons drink and sing.

Come, then; brothers, lead along
Social rites and mystic song!
Tho' nor madam, miss or Bess,
Could our myst'ries ever guess;
Nor could ever learn'd Divine
Sacred masonry define,
Round our order close we bind
Laws of love to all mankind!
Thus, like elves, in mystic ring
Merry masons drink and sing.

Health then to each honest man,
Friend to the masonic plan!
Leaving Cynics grave to blunder,
Leaving Ladies fair to wonder,
Leaving T HOMAS still to lie,
Leaving B ETTY still to spy,
Round and round we push our glass —
Round and round each toasts his lass:
Thus, like elves, in mystic ring
Merry masons drink and sing.