Another busy day!! Seems that they are all a little busy these days.
Playing the organ for the installation of St Elliw Chapter (Royal Arch) this evening and trying to get some paperwork done. Doesn't sound that interesting - but prevents any long diatribes upon the web...
Also learning for the installation on Thursday (St Teilo) and getting ready for a quick song after the installation in Aberaeron tomorrow afternoon.
In this case it is to sing the Tyler's Toast - or rather the pre-amble to the Tyler's toast.
In all Freemasons lodges, the last toast of the evening is by the Tyler - the Officer who normally sits outside the lodge to keep off "all intruders and cowans to Freemasonry" - an outer Guard.
At the end of the evening - it it is the custom to remember those who could not be with us - for whatever reason, be it that they are just away or sick or in troubles...
The Toast is "To all poor and distressed Freemasons, dispersed abroad, over land or sea, wishing them a speedy relief from their troubles and a safe return to their native land - should they so desire"
However - over the years, a preamble has been used .. and until now I was unsure of its derivation...
"Brethren of the Mystic Tyle
The night is waning fast
Our work is done, our feast is o'er
This toast must be the last
Good Night to all once more good night
Again that farewell strain
Happy to meet, sorry to part - and Hoping to meet again.."
But the incoming Master of Aeron Lodge in Aberaeron, who started his Freemasonry in the North East of England, tells me that "oop North" they sing a version of the Tylers Toast preamble - and lo and behold the last verse is the "Mystic Tyle" verse...
THE FINAL TOAST (The Tyler's Toast) Peter Richards The Masonic Vocal Manual 1852
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are your glasses charged in the West and South, the Worshipful Master cries;
They're charged in the West, they're charged in the South, are the Wardens' prompt replies:
Then to our final Toast tonight your glasses fairly drain
Happy to meet - sorry to part - happy to meet again, again, Oh! happy to meet again.
CHORUS: Happy to meet - sorry to part - happy to meet again, again, Oh! happy to meet again.
The Mason's social Brotherhood around the Festive Board,
Reveal a wealth more precious far than selfish miser's hoard.
They freely share the priceless stores that generous hearts contain
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again!
We work like Masons free and true, and when our Task is done,
A merry song and cheering glass are not unduly won:
And only at our Farewell Pledge is pleasure touched with pain
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again!
Amidst our mirth we drink "To all poor Masons o'er the World"
On every shore our Flag of Love is gloriously unfurled,
We prize each Brother, fair or dark, who bears no moral stain -
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again!
The Mason feels the n e truth the Scottish peasant told
That Rank is but the guinea stamp, the man himself's the gold.
With us the rich and poor unite and equal Rights maintain
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again!
Dear Brethren of the Mystic Tie, the night is waning fast
Our Duty's done, our feast is o'er, this song must be our last: -
Good Night, Good Night- once more, once more repeat the farewell strain
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again!
And so we get the musical version ....
I raise my glass...
Cheers
No comments:
Post a Comment