When earth's foundation first was laid
By the Almighty Artist's hand,
'Twas then our perfect, our perfect laws were made.
Established by his strict command.
chorus.
Hail, mysterious—hail, glorious Masonry,
That makes us ever great and free.
In vain mankind for shelter sought,
In vain from place to place did roam,
Until from heaven, from heaven they were taught
To plan, to build, to fix their home.
Chorus.—Hail, etc.
Illustrious hence we date our Art,
Which now in beauteous piles appear,
And shall to endless, to endless time impart,
How worthy and how great we are.
Chorus.—Hail, etc.
Nor we less fam'd for every tie
By which the human thought is bound;
Love, truth, and friendship, and friendship socially,
Join all our hearts and hands around.
Chorus.—Hail, etc.
Our actions still by virtue blest,
And to our precepts ever true,
The world admiring, admiring shall request
To learn, and our bright paths pursue.
Chorus.—Hail, etc.
