And Behold, it Was Very Good.

So God created Man in His Own Image, 

in The Image of God created He Him;

Male and Female created He Them.

And God blessed Them, 

and God said unto Them, 

"Be fruitful, and multiply, 

and replenish The Earth, 

and subdue it: 

and have Dominion 

over the fish of the sea, 

and over the fowl of the air, 

and over every living thing 

that moveth upon The Earth."

And God said, 

"Behold, I have given You 

every herb bearing seed, 

which is upon the face of all The Earth, 

and every tree, in the which is 

the fruit of a tree yielding seed; 

to You it shall be for meat.

And to every beast of The Earth, 

and to every fowl of The Air, 

and to every thing that 

creepeth upon The Earth, 

wherein there is Life, 

I have given every green herb 

for meat: and it was so."

And God saw every thing 

that He had made, and, 

Behold, it was Very Good. 

Peterson: You touched on this idea of The Destruction of The Works of Art. 

And one of things I really like about reading Nietzsche was his discussion of ressentiment, of resentment. 

And it seems to me that a tremendous amount of the motive power that drives the postmodernist. . . 

Let’s call it - it’s not a Revolution - Transformation seems to me to be driven by resentment about virtually anything that has any - well, what would you say - any merit of competence or aesthetic quality. 

And I don’t know if that’s. . . It seems to me that that’s partly rooted in the academic’s disdain for The  Business World, which I think is driven by their relative economic inequality. 

Because most people who are as intelligent as academics are, from a pure IQ point of view, make more money in the private sphere, and so I think that drives some of it. 

But there also seems to be this - there’s a destruction, an aim for destruction, of The Aesthetic Quality of the literary or artistic work, its reduction to some kind of Power-Game, and, surrounding that, the reduction of everything to something that approximates a Power-Game. 

Which I can’t help but identifying with jealousy and resentment as a fundamental motivator. 

Does that seem reasonable to you? 

Paglia: These professors who allege that art is nothing but an ideological movement by one elite against another group - these people are Philistines. They’re Philistines. 

They’re middlebrow, hopelessly middlebrow. They have no sense of Beauty, they no sense of the aesthetic. Now Marxism does indeed assert this. 

Marxism tries to reconfigure The Universe in terms of Materialism. 

It does not recognize any kind of spiritual dimension. Now, I’m an atheist, but I see the great world religions, as enormous works of art, as the best way to understand the universe and man’s place in it. I find them enormously moving. They’re like enormous poems. And what I have called for - the true revolution would have been to make the core curriculum of world education - the world, okay - the great religions of the world. I feel that is the only way to achieve an understanding, and it’s also a way to present the aesthetic. I feel that the real 60s vision was about exultation, elevation, cosmic consciousness. 

All of these things were rejected by these midgets, intellectual midgets, who seized onto Lacan, Derrida, and Foucault. My career has been in the art schools. My entire career, beginning at Bennington College. So I represent a challenge to this from the perspective of art. It is absolute nonsense, as post-structuralism maintains, that reality is mediated by language, by words. Everything we can know, including gender. It is absolutely madness. Because I’m teaching students whose majors are ceramics or dance, who are jazz musicians, who understand reality in terms of the body and sensory activation. See what happened was, something was going on in the art world as well. I identify with Andy Warhol and pop art. That was what was going on during my years in college. Everything about Andy Warhol was like “Wow!” Admiration. Wow. What happened immediately after that in the arts, 1970s, was this collapse into a snide sort of postmodernism also. This happened in the art world. It was an utter misunderstanding of culture, it seems to me, by that movement in the art world. That is, oppositional art, in my view, is dead. What postmodernism is is a pathetic attempt to continue the old heroism of the avant-garde. 

The avant-garde was genuinely heroic from the early 19th century. 

We’re talking about Courbet, the realists. We’re talking about Monet and the impressionists. People who have genuinely suffered for their radical ideas and their innovations. Going right down to Picasso and down to Jackson Pollock, who truly suffered for his art. 

It was only after his death that suddenly the market was created for abstract art. Pop art killed the avant-garde. The idea that the avant-garde continues is an absolute delusion of the contemporary art world, which feels that they must attack, attack, attack. 

Challenge the simplistic beliefs of the hoi polloi. Excuse me. 

From the moment Andy Warhol and embraced the popular media instead of having the opposition to it that serious artists had had, that was the end of oppositional art. So we have been going on now for fifty years. 

The Postmodernism in academe is hand-in-hand with the stupidity and infantilism that masquerades as important art at galleries everywhere. 

This incredible, incredible mechanism of contemporary art pushing things that are so hopelessly derivative, with this idea once again that The Art World has a superior view of Reality. 

Authentic Leftism is Populist. It is based in working class style, working class language, working class direct emotion, in an openness and [inaudible] of speech. Not this fancy, contorted jargon of the pseudo-leftists of academe, who are frauds. These people who managed to rise to the top at Berkeley, at Harvard, at Princeton - how many of these people are radical? They are career people. They’re corporate types. They love the institutional context. They know how to manipulate the bureaucracy, which has totally invaded and usurped academe everywhere. These people are company players. They could have done well in any field. They love to sit in endless committees. They love bureaucratic regulation and so on. Not one ‘leftist’ in American academe raised his or her voice against obscene growth of tuition costs, which have bankrupted a whole generation of young people - not one voice to challenge that invasion by the bureaucrats, absolute fascists bureaucrats. They’re cancerous. 

There are so many of them. The faculty have completely lost any power in American academe. It’s a scandal what has happened. And they deserve the present servitude that they’re in right now, because they never protested. My first job at Bennington College, 1976. I was there when there was an uprising by the faculty, against the encroachment by the board of trustees and the president. It was a huge thing. It was reported on the New York Times. And we pushed that president out. 

And there’s not been a single uprising of that kind against encroachment by the trustees and by the administrations. All these decades. Passive. Slaves, slaves, they deserve their slavery. 

Peterson: Yep. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve thought the same thing about university professors for a long time. They get exactly what they deserve because they never stand up and say no. And the fact that in the United States - it’s not quite as bad in Canada, I wouldn’t say. . . 

But the fact that the students have been essentially handed a bill of indentured servitude here for their student loans is absolutely beyond comprehension. It seems to me that the bureaucracy has basically conspired to determine how to pick the pockets of the students’ future earnings. 

And they do that by offering them an extended adolescence with no quality control. Something like that. 

So it’s a real bargain with The Devil. 

Paglia: And a total abandonment of any kind of education, actually, in history and culture that has come along with it. The transformation into a cafeteria kind of a menu where you can pick this course or that course or this course without any kind of guidance from the university about a central core curriculum that teaches you history and chronology, and introduces you to the basics. Because our professors are such prima donnas, they can only teach in their little areas. So we have this total fragmentation. The great art history survey courses are being abandoned steadily. Why? 

Because graduate students are not trained to see the great narratives, because we are taught now that narratives are false. 

Peterson: That’s another issue I want to bring up, because one of the things I cannot figure out is the alliance between the postmodernists and the neo-Marxists. I can’t understand the causal relationship. 

Tell me if you disagree with this, okay, because I’m a psychologist, not a sociologist. So I’m dabbling in things that are outside of my field of expertise. And there is some danger in that. 

But the central postmodernist claim seems to me that because there’s a near infinite number of ways to interpret a complex set of phenomena, which actually happens to be the case. 

You can’t make a case that any of those modes of interpretation are canonical. 

And so, if they’re not canonical, and if that canonical element isn’t based in some kind of Reality, then it serves some Other Master. 

And so The Master that it hypothetically serves for The Postmodernists is Nothing but Power, because that seems to be everything they believe in. They don’t believe in competence. They don’t believe in authority. They don’t seem to believe in an objective world, because everything is language-mediated. So it’s an extraordinarily cynical perspective: that because there’s an infinite number of interpretations, none of them are canonical. You can attribute everything to power and dominance. Does that seem like a reasonable summary of the postmodern. . . 

Paglia: Yes, exactly. It’s a radical relativism. Peterson: Okay, it’s a radical relativism. Now, but the strange thing is, despite. . . Okay, and so what goes along with that is the demolition of grand narratives. So that would be associated, for example, with the rejection of thinkers like Jung and Erich Neumann, because of course they’re foundational thinkers in relationship to the idea that there are embodied grand narratives. That’s never touched. 

But then, despite the fact that the grand narrative is rejected, there’s a neo-Marxism that’s tightly, tightly allied with postmodernism that also seems to shade into this strange identity politics. And I don’t. . . Two things. I don’t understand the causal relationship there. The skeptical part of me things that postmodernism was an intellectual. . . It’s intellectual camouflage for the continuation of the kind of pathological Marxism that produced the Soviet Union, and has no independent existence as an intellectual field whatsoever. But I still can’t understand how the postmodernists can make the “no grand narrative” claim, but then immerse themselves in this grand narrative without anyone pointing out the evident contradictions. I don’t understand that. So what do you think about that? 

Paglia: Well I can only speak about literary professors, really, and they seem to me, almost universally in the U.S., to be very naive. 

They seem to know nothing about actual History, political science, or economics.

 It’s simply an attitude. They have an attitude. 

Marxism becomes simply a Badge by which they telegraph their solidarity with a working class that they have nothing to do with. 

Peterson: And generally nothing but contempt for. 

Paglia: Yes, and the thing is that the campus leftists are almost p for their rather snobbish treatment of staff. 

They don’t have any rapport with the actual working class members of the infrastructure: the janitors and even the secretaries. There’s a kind of high and mighty aristocracy. These are people who have wandered into the English departments and are products of a time, during the New Criticism, when history and psychology had been excluded. My ambition was. . . I loved the New Criticism as a style of textual analysis. And the New Criticism had multiple interpretations that were possible and that were encouraged. In fact, one of the great projects was Maynard Mack’s series Twentieth Century Views, where you had these books. . . I adored them in college. It was about Jane Austen or about Emily Brontë or about Wordsworth. And they were collections of alternate views of the same thing. The idea that there were no alternate views, and there was no relativistic, situational kind of an interpretive approach is nonsense. But the point was we needed to restore history to literary study, and we needed to add psychology to it, because there was great animus against Freud. When I arrived in graduate school, in fact, I actually went into the director of graduate studies and protested the way ‘Freud’ and ‘Freudian’ were used as negative terms in a sneering way by the very WASP professors. Actually, it seemed like we were moving there. The early 1970s was a great period of psycho-biography about political figures. So I thought, ‘It’s happening.’ All of a sudden 7

it all got short-circuited by this arrival of post-structuralism and postmodernism in the 1970s. So I feel I am an old historicist, not a new historicist. I think new historicism is an absolute scam. It’s just a way. . . It’s like tweezers. You pick a little bit of this, a little bit of that, a little bit of that. You make a little tiny salad, and somehow this atomized thing is supposed to mean something. It’s all, to me, very superficial, very cynical, very distant. I am the product of old historicism, of German philology. My first choice of a profession when I was a child was Egyptology, archeology. Everything I ever think about or say is related to an enormous time scheme, from antiquity and indeed from the Stone Age. And that is the problem with these people. They’re mal-educated. The postmodernists and academic Marxists are mal-educated, embarrassingly so. They know nothing before the present. Foucault is absolutely a joke before the Enlightenment. Perhaps he might be useful to people to talk about what happened after neoclassicism, which, by the way, he failed to notice. A lot of what he was talking about turns out to be simply the hangover of neoclassicism. This is how ignorant that man was. He was not talented as a researcher. He knew absolutely nothing. He knew nothing about antiquity. How can you make any kind of large structure, large mechanism, to analyze Western culture without knowing about classical antiquity? He did not see anything. This was a person who had no business making large theoretical statements about anything. Peterson: Maybe part of it is that if you generate an intelligible doctrine of radical relativism, then there is no reason to assume that there are distinctions between categories of knowledge, or between different levels of quality of knowledge. I’ve seen the same thing in the psychology departments, although we have the - what would you call it - the luxury of being bounded at least to some degree by the empirical method and by biology. It’s one of the things that keeps most of the branches of psychology relatively sane, because the real world is actually built into it to some degree. But if you accept the postmodernist claim of radical relativism, then you completely demolish the idea that there are quality levels that are associated with education, because everything becomes the same. And that seems to me to be a perfectly reasonable justification for maintaining ignorance. You know Foucault, I actually found him the most readable of the Lacan, Derrida, Foucault triad. You can read Foucault. I read Madness and Civilization and a couple of his other books, and I thought that they were painfully obvious. The idea that mental disorder is in part a social construct is self-evident to anybody who has even a smattering of psychiatric training. 8

The real narrow medical types tend to think of a mental disorder, let’s say, as something that might be purely biological. They have a pure disease model. But nobody who’s a sophisticated thinker ever thinks that. Partly because medicine is a brand of engineering, not a brand of science, because it’s associated with health, and the diagnostic categories are hybrids between physiological observation and socio- cultural condition. Everyone knows that. So when I read Madness and Civilization I thought, well that’s not radical, that’s just bloody self-evident. Paglia: Well, you know Foucault’s admirers actually think that he began the entire turn toward a sociological grounding of modern psychology. Social psychology was well launched in the 1920s. The levels of ignorance that this people who think Foucault is so original have not read Durkheim, they’ve not read Max Weber, they’ve never read Erving Goffman. So in other words, to me everything in Foucault seemed obvious, because I had read the sources from which he was borrowing without attribution. Again, I know these people. I, in some cases, knew them in graduate school - people who went on to become these admirers of Foucault, Lacan, Derrida. And I know what their training was. Their training was purely within the English department. That’s all they ever knew. They never made any research outside of that. Foucault is simply this mechanism. It’s like a little tiny kit by which they can approach everything in culture. But the contortions of language, the deliberate labyrinth of elitist language, at the same time as pretending to be a leftist? This is one of the biggest frauds ever practiced. Peterson: So I got a story to tell you that you might like because I’ve thought a lot about that use of language. Because language can be used as camouflage, and so here’s the story. I think I got this from Robert Sapolsky. So he was talking about zebras, and zebras of course have stripes. And hypothetically that’s associated with camouflage. But it’s not a straightforward association because zebras are black and white, and they’re on the veldt along with the lions. The lions are camouflaged because they’re grass colored, but the bloody zebras are black and white. You can see them like 15 miles away. So biologists go out to study zebras, and they’re making notes on a zebra. And they watch it, then they look down at their notes, and then they look up. But they think, ‘Uh oh, I don’t know which zebra I was looking at.’ The camouflage is actually against the herd because a zebra is a herd animal, not an individual. So the black and white stripes break up the animal against the herd, so you can’t identify it. So this was a quandary for the biologists, so they did one of two things. One was drive a jeep up to the zebra herd, and use a dab of red paint and dab the haunch of the zebra, or tag it with an ear tag like you use for cattle. The lions would kill it. So as soon 9

as it became identifiable the predators could organize their hunt around that identifiable animal. That’s why there’s the old idea that lions and predators take down the weak animals, but they don’t. They take down the identifiable animals. So that’s the thing: if you stick your damn head up, you get picked off by the predators. One of the things that academics seem to do is congregate together in herd-like entities, and then they share a language. And the language unites them. As long as they share the same set of linguistic tools among themselves, they know that there isn’t anybody in the coterie that’s going to attack them or destabilize the entire herd. And that seems to me to account for that impenetrable use of language. It’s group protection strategy. It has absolutely nothing to do with the search for. . . It’s the search for security within a system and not the desire to expand the system. Paglia: So true. To me it’s blatantly careerist because it was about advancement, and it was also about the claim that somehow they have like special expertise. This is a special technical language. No one else can understand it. Only we can. But what’s absurd about it, absolutely ludicrous, is that these people, these American academics, are imitating the contorted language of translations from the French. When Lacan is translated into English, there’s a contortion there. What he was trying to do in French was to break up the neoclassical formulations that descended from [Jean] Racine. There was something that was going on - there was a sabotage of the French language that was going on - that was necessary in France, not necessary in English. We have this long tradition of poetry going back to Shakespeare and Chaucer. We have our own language, far more vital than the French. Peterson: Oh yeah, the French constrain their language all the time by bureaucracy. Paglia: That’s right. So the amateurism of American academics trying to imitate a translation of Lacan when Lacan is doing something in France - that is absolutely not necessary, and indeed wrong to be doing in English. The utter cynical abandonment of the great tradition of the English department. I felt that the true radicalism was not about adding on other departments, so we have African American studies and Women’s Studies and so on. The true radicalism would have been to shatter the departmental structure. That’s what I wanted. I feel that was the authentic revolutionary 1960s thing to do: to blend all the literature studies together, 

THE SON OF THE DRAGON

Auguries of Innocence

BY WILLIAM BLAKE

To see a World in a Grain of Sand 

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower 

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand 

And Eternity in an hour

A Robin Red breast in a Cage 

Puts all Heaven in a Rage 

A Dove house filld with Doves & Pigeons 

Shudders Hell thr' all its regions 

A dog starvd at his Masters Gate 

Predicts the ruin of the State 

A Horse misusd upon the Road 

Calls to Heaven for Human blood 

Each outcry of the hunted Hare 

A fibre from the Brain does tear 

A Skylark wounded in the wing 

A Cherubim does cease to sing 

The Game Cock clipd & armd for fight 

Does the Rising Sun affright 

Every Wolfs & Lions howl 

Raises from Hell a Human Soul 

The wild deer, wandring here & there 

Keeps the Human Soul from Care 

The Lamb misusd breeds Public Strife 

And yet forgives the Butchers knife 

The Bat that flits at close of Eve 

Has left the Brain that wont Believe

The Owl that calls upon the Night 

Speaks the Unbelievers fright

He who shall hurt the little Wren 

Shall never be belovd by Men 

He who the Ox to wrath has movd 

Shall never be by Woman lovd

The wanton Boy that kills the Fly 

Shall feel the Spiders enmity 

He who torments the Chafers Sprite 

Weaves a Bower in endless Night 

The Catterpiller on the Leaf 

Repeats to thee thy Mothers grief 

Kill not the Moth nor Butterfly 

For the Last Judgment draweth nigh 

He who shall train the Horse to War 

Shall never pass the Polar Bar 

The Beggars Dog & Widows Cat 

Feed them & thou wilt grow fat 

The Gnat that sings his Summers Song 

Poison gets from Slanders tongue 

The poison of the Snake & Newt 

Is the sweat of Envys Foot 

The poison of the Honey Bee 

Is the Artists Jealousy

The Princes Robes & Beggars Rags 

Are Toadstools on the Misers Bags 

A Truth thats told with bad intent 

Beats all the Lies you can invent 

It is right it should be so 

Man was made for Joy & Woe 

And when this we rightly know 

Thro the World we safely go 

Joy & Woe are woven fine 

A Clothing for the soul divine 

Under every grief & pine 

Runs a joy with silken twine 

The Babe is more than swadling Bands

Throughout all these Human Lands 

Tools were made & Born were hands 

Every Farmer Understands

Every Tear from Every Eye 

Becomes a Babe in Eternity 

This is caught by Females bright 

And returnd to its own delight 

The Bleat the Bark Bellow & Roar 

Are Waves that Beat on Heavens Shore 

The Babe that weeps the Rod beneath 

Writes Revenge in realms of Death 

The Beggars Rags fluttering in Air

Does to Rags the Heavens tear 

The Soldier armd with Sword & Gun 

Palsied strikes the Summers Sun

The poor Mans Farthing is worth more 

Than all the Gold on Africs Shore

One Mite wrung from the Labrers hands 

Shall buy & sell the Misers Lands 

Or if protected from on high 

Does that whole Nation sell & buy 

He who mocks the Infants Faith 

Shall be mockd in Age & Death 

He who shall teach the Child to Doubt 

The rotting Grave shall neer get out 

He who respects the Infants faith 

Triumphs over Hell & Death 

The Childs Toys & the Old Mans Reasons 

Are the Fruits of the Two seasons 

The Questioner who sits so sly 

Shall never know how to Reply 

He who replies to words of Doubt 

Doth put the Light of Knowledge out 

The Strongest Poison ever known 

Came from Caesars Laurel Crown 

Nought can Deform the Human Race 

Like to the Armours iron brace 

When Gold & Gems adorn the Plow 

To peaceful Arts shall Envy Bow 

A Riddle or the Crickets Cry 

Is to Doubt a fit Reply 

The Emmets Inch & Eagles Mile 

Make Lame Philosophy to smile 

He who Doubts from what he sees 

Will neer Believe do what you Please 

If the Sun & Moon should Doubt 

Theyd immediately Go out 

To be in a Passion you Good may Do 

But no Good if a Passion is in you 

The Whore & Gambler by the State 

Licencd build that Nations Fate 

The Harlots cry from Street to Street 

Shall weave Old Englands winding Sheet 

The Winners Shout the Losers Curse 

Dance before dead Englands Hearse 

Every Night & every Morn 

Some to Misery are Born 

Every Morn and every Night 

Some are Born to sweet delight 

Some are Born to sweet delight 

Some are Born to Endless Night 

We are led to Believe a Lie 

When we see not Thro the Eye 

Which was Born in a Night to perish in a Night 

When the Soul Slept in Beams of Light 

God Appears & God is Light 

To those poor Souls who dwell in Night 

But does a Human Form Display 

To those who Dwell in Realms of day

Never Hate Your Enemies -- Even You Father.

Mr. Corleone, all Bastards are Liars. 

Shakespeare wrote poems about it.

Michael, you know Vincent Mancini -- 

Sonny’s Boy.

 

 

PLUTARCH'S MORALS.

ON EDUCATION.

§ i. Come let us consider what one might say on the education of free children, and by what training they would become good citizens.

§ ii. It is perhaps best to begin with birth: I would therefore warn those who desire to be fathers of notable sons, not to form connections with any kind of women, such as courtesans or mistresses: for those who either on the father or mother's side are ill-born have the disgrace of their origin all their life long irretrievably present with them, and offer a ready handle to abuse and vituperation. So that the poet was wise, who said, "Unless the foundation of a house be well laid, the descendants must of necessity be unfortunate."  

Good birth indeed brings with it a store of assurance, which ought to be greatly valued by all who desire legitimate offspring. For the spirit of those who are a spurious and bastard breed is apt to be mean and abject: for as the poet truly says, "It makes a man even of noble spirit servile, when he is conscious of the ill fame of either his father or mother." 

On the other hand the sons of illustrious parents are full of Pride and arrogance. As an instance of this it is recorded of Diophantus, the son of Themistocles, that he often used to say to various people "that he could do what he pleased with the Athenian people, for what he wished his mother wished, and what she wished Themistocles wished, and what Themistocles wished all the Athenians wished." 

All praise also ought we to bestow on the Lacedæmonians for their loftiness of soul in fining their King Archidamus for venturing to marry a small woman, for they charged him with intending to furnish them not with Kings but Kinglets.

§ iii. Next must we mention, what was not overlooked even by those who handled this subject before us, that those who approach their wives for procreation must do so either without having drunk any wine or at least very little. For those children, that their parents begot in drink, are wont to be fond of wine and apt to turn out drunkards. And so Diogenes, seeing a youth out of his mind and crazy, said, "Young man, your father was drunk when he begot you." 

 Let this hint serve as to Procreation: now let us discuss Education.

 

 

  

 

 

 

CUT TO: A helicopter carrying Michael and Vincent. They are traveling to the meeting that Don Altobello had arranged at Michael's request.

VINCENT

I'd like to take Joey Zasa up for a ride in this and drop him.

MICHAEL

Joey Zasa is nothing. He's a small time enforcer – Mobs, threats, nothing. We'll be able to see him coming, a mile away.

VINCENT

We should kill him before he kills --

MICHAEL

No!

(then)

Never Hate Your Enemies. It affects your Judgment.

CUT TO: Outside an Atlantic City casino where the Commission meeting is to take place, as set up by Don Altobello on Michael’s request. The Text Over reads: Atlantic City, New Jersey.

<Michael and Vincent are welcomed ["Nice to see you again, Mr. Corleone. Mr. Mancini."].

CUT TO: Suite where Commission meeting is to be held.

<A band is playing and women are milling about the busy room full of Dons. Joey Zasa enters and Michael and Vincent enter shortly after. On Michael's arrival the band stops playing and the women are ushered from the room. Vincent nods at Joey Zasa. Once the room is cleared of all but those at the meeting, Don Altobello begins proceedings.>

DON ALTOBELLO (addressing Michael to the Commission)

We entrusted you to manage our money in the casinos. It's not even, twenty years. You sold the casinos, and you made fortunes for all of us. Bravo Don Corleone!

<The room applauds Michael. Joey Zasa gives a half-hearted clap.>

MICHAEL

Thank you. Friends, I have come here, because, our business together is done. We have prospered, and now it is time for us, to dissolve, the business relationship between us.

<There are murmurs of protest.>

MICHAEL

That's it. But I do have a little surprise

(then, to Neri)

Al?

<Al removes a bundle of envelopes from his jacket.>

MICHAEL

Your shares, in the casinos. I thought I'd cut through all the red tape so you can get your money right away.

<This news is met with a more positive response.>

A DON

Fifty million dollars!

<Vincent is passing out envelopes.>

MICHAEL

Not everyone gets the same…

VINCENT (whispering into Joey Zasa’s ear)

Nothing for you…

MICHAEL

…It depends how much you invested, and how long for.

<The Dons all marvel at how much they have just received, "Wonderful! Woah! Grazie!">

A DON

Michael, this is really generous!

A DON

Hey, Perisi, how much did you invest?

DON PERISI (putting his envelope in his jacket pocket)

I don’t remember…

DON ALTOBELLO

Michael, you're blessed.

<Joey Zasa has heard enough.>

ZASA

My family has done much of the hard work; taken many risks. All to make money, for the rest of the families.

MICHAEL

You all know Joey Zasa. He is, I admit, an important man. His picture is on the cover of the New York Times magazine. He gets the Esquire magazine award, for the best-dressed gangster! The newspapers praise him, because, he hires Blacks into his family, which shows he has a good heart. He, is famous. Who knows? Maybe one day, he will make all of you, popular.

ZASA

It's true. I make more of a, bella figura, that is my nature. But I also want to make a move into, legitimate enterprises. I'd like to get a little pin from the Pope. Sure, I take the Blacks and the Spanish into my family, because, that's America.

MICHAEL

And you guarantee, they don't deal drugs in those neighborhoods.

ZASA

I don't guarantee that. I guarantee I'll kill anybody who does.

DON ALTOBELLO

Let me talk to him, let me talk to him.

MICHAEL

Who can refuse, Don Altobello…

<The Dons are passing around a tray full of gold jewelry and pearls, and each take one.>

DON ALTOBELLO

Joey...

JOEY (interrupts)

NO! I say to all of you, I have been treated this day, with no respect. I've earned you all money. I've made you rich, and I asked for little. Good. You will not give, I'll take! As for Don, Corleone, well he makes it, very clear to me today, that he is my enemy. You must choose between us.

<Joey storms out. Don Altobello chases after him.>

ALTOBELLO

Hey Joey – no – Joey – no – Joey …

(then, to Michael)

We can reason together – no – Michael, Michael – please, let’s agreed, huh?

MICHAEL

No, Altobello…

<Altobello exists the room>

PERISI

Uh, Michael, Michael. The news is everywhere. Everyone is saying that, you control Immobiliare.

<The Dons begin talking at once.>

A DON

Immobiliare already is laundering money in Peru, in Nassau, we know that…

A DON

Listen to me, Michael…

A DON

Michael, why shouldn’t…

A DON

We should wet our beaks a little…

A DON

We want to do business with you, Michael – we’ve been together for many…

A DON

We could wash our money clean … with holy water…

<Michael stays silent as everyone talks to him, but the talking suddenly stops as a rumbling noise is heard and the room starts to shake. Vincent reacts first.>

VINCENT (to Michael): It’s a hit -- Let's go.

<The meeting disbands and everyone leaps up to leave. "Let’s get outta here!" On the outside of the room, someone snaps a pair of handcuffs over the doorknobs, locking the Dons in the room. A helicopter appears overhead and machine gun fire rips through the glass ceiling of the room. Vincent protects Michael as a massacre ensues.>

VOICE (to a Don)

Forget your coat!

A DON (trying to retrieve his coat before being riddled with bullets)

It’s my lucky coat! It’s my lucky coat!

<Al Neri retrieves a shotgun from behind the bar and blasts a door open.>

AL NERI

Mikey, this way!

<Michael and Vincent escape through this door.>

A DON (laying, bleeding, on the floor)

Zasa! You son of a bitch!

Vincent breaks into a car and opens the door for Michael.

VINCENT

Come on. We're outta here.

<Vincent and Michael escape as we see shots of the remains of the room, and of the bodies that fill it.>
 

 

 

 

SCENE I. King Lear's palace.

    Enter KENT, GLOUCESTER, and EDMUND

KENT

    I thought the king had more affected the Duke of
    Albany than Cornwall.

GLOUCESTER

    It did always seem so to us: but now, in the
    division of the kingdom, it appears not which of
    the dukes he values most; for equalities are so
    weighed, that curiosity in neither can make choice
    of either's moiety.

KENT

    Is not this your son, my lord?

GLOUCESTER

    His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I have
    so often blushed to acknowledge him, that now I am
    brazed to it.

KENT

    I cannot conceive you.

GLOUCESTER

    Sir, this young fellow's mother could: whereupon
    she grew round-wombed, and had, indeed, sir, a son
    for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed.
    Do you smell a fault?

KENT

    I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it
    being so proper.

GLOUCESTER

    But I have, sir, a son by order of law, some year
    elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account:
    though this knave came something saucily into the
    world before he was sent for, yet was his mother
    fair; there was good sport at his making, and the
    whoreson must be acknowledged. Do you know this
    noble gentleman, Edmund?

EDMUND

    No, my lord.

GLOUCESTER

    My lord of Kent: remember him hereafter as my
    honourable friend.

EDMUND

    My services to your lordship.

KENT

    I must love you, and sue to know you better.

EDMUND

    Sir, I shall study deserving.

GLOUCESTER

    He hath been out nine years, and away he shall
    again. The King is coming.


    Sennet. Enter KING LEAR, CORNWALL, ALBANY, GONERIL, REGAN, CORDELIA, and Attendants

KING LEAR

    Attend The Lords of France and Burgundy, Gloucester.

GLOUCESTER

    I shall, My Liege.

    Exeunt GLOUCESTER and EDMUND -- The Bastard Goes WITH Him.




SCENE II. The Earl of Gloucester's castle.

    Enter EDMUND, with a letter

EDMUND

    Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law
    My services are bound. Wherefore should I
    Stand in the plague of custom, and permit
    The curiosity of nations to deprive me,
    For that I am some twelve or fourteen moon-shines
    Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base?
    When my dimensions are as well compact,
    My mind as generous, and my shape as true,
    As honest madam's issue? Why brand they us
    With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?
    Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take
    More composition and fierce quality
    Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed,
    Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops,
    Got 'tween asleep and wake? Well, then,
    Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land:
    Our Father's love is to the bastard Edmund
    As to the legitimate: fine word,--legitimate!
    Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed,
    And my invention thrive, Edmund The Base
    Shall top The Legitimate. I grow; I prosper:
    Now, Gods, Stand Up for Bastards!

    Enter GLOUCESTER

King John receives an ambassador from France who demands with a threat of war that he renounce his throne in favour of his nephew, Arthur, whom the French King Philip believes to be the rightful heir to the throne.

John adjudicates an inheritance dispute between Robert Faulconbridge and his older brother Philip the Bastard, during which it becomes apparent that Philip is the illegitimate son of King Richard I. Queen Eleanor, mother to both Richard and John, recognises the family resemblance and suggests that he renounce his claim to the Faulconbridge land in exchange for a knighthood. 

John Knights Philip The Bastard under the name Richard.

A 19th century drawing by Thomas Nast

In France, King Philip and his forces besiege the English-ruled town of Angers, threatening attack unless its citizens support Arthur. Philip is supported by Austria, who is believed to have killed King Richard. The English contingent arrives; and then Eleanor trades insults with Constance, Arthur’s mother. Kings Philip and John stake their claims in front of Angers’ citizens, but to no avail: their representative says that they will support the rightful king, whoever that turns out to be.

The French and English armies clash, but no clear victor emerges. Each army dispatches a herald claiming victory, but Angers’ citizens continue to refuse to recognize either claimant because neither army has proven victorious.

The Bastard proposes that England and France unite to punish the rebellious citizens of Angers, at which point the citizens propose an alternative: Philip’s son, Louis the Dauphin, should marry John’s niece Blanche (a scheme that gives John a stronger claim to the throne) while Louis gains territory for France. Though a furious Constance accuses Philip of abandoning Arthur, Louis and Blanche are married.

Cardinal Pandolf arrives from Rome bearing a formal accusation that John has disobeyed the Pope and appointed an archbishop contrary to his desires. John refuses to recant, whereupon he is excommunicated. Pandolf pledges his support for Louis, though Philip is hesitant, having just established family ties with John. Pandolf brings him round by pointing out that his links to the church are older and firmer.

War breaks out; Austria is beheaded by the Bastard in revenge for his father’s death; and both Angers and Arthur are captured by the English. Eleanor is left in charge of English possessions in France, while the Bastard is sent to collect funds from English monasteries. John orders Hubert to kill Arthur. Pandolf suggests to Louis that he now has as strong a claim to the English throne as Arthur (and indeed John), and Louis agrees to invade England.

A Lithograph depicting Act III Scene I

Hubert finds himself unable to kill Arthur. John’s nobles urge Arthur’s release. John agrees, but is wrong-footed by Hubert’s announcement that Arthur is dead. The nobles, believing he was murdered, defect to Louis’ side. Equally upsetting, and more heartbreaking to John, is the news of his mother’s death, along with that of Lady Constance. The Bastard reports that the monasteries are unhappy about John’s attempt to seize their gold. Hubert has a furious argument with John, during which he reveals that Arthur is still alive. John, delighted, sends him to report the news to the nobles.

Arthur dies jumping from a castle wall. 

(It is open to interpretation whether he deliberately kills himself or just makes a risky escape attempt.) 

The nobles believe he was murdered by John, and refuse to believe Hubert’s entreaties. John attempts to make a deal with Pandolf, swearing allegiance to the Pope in exchange for Pandolf’s negotiating with the French on his behalf. John orders the Bastard, one of his few remaining loyal subjects, to lead the English army against France.

While John’s former noblemen swear allegiance to Louis, Pandolf explains John’s scheme, but Louis refuses to be taken in by it. The Bastard arrives with the English army and threatens Louis, but to no avail. War breaks out with substantial losses on each side, including Louis’ reinforcements, who are drowned during the sea crossing. Many English nobles return to John’s side after a dying French nobleman, Melun, warns them that Louis plans to kill them after his victory.

John is poisoned by a disgruntled monk. His nobles gather around him as he dies. 

The Bastard plans the final assault on Louis’ forces, until he is told that Pandolf has arrived with a peace treaty. The English nobles swear allegiance to John’s son Prince Henry, and the Bastard reflects that this episode has taught that internal bickering could be as perilous to England’s fortunes as foreign invasion.

Turning 13

Prince Walked with God.

And God Took him.

At the age of 58.

Mr Nelson, Mr Nelson, can you hear My Voice?

Sir, we know you're a little bit groggy
And you're probably going to find it Hard to Speak
But don't try to talk or process too much now

We just want to let you know, that the medication you were given
Has put you in a suspended animation for quite some time
In fact, 45 years.

But where you are now, is in a place that doesn't require time

That saying, you are completely safe
And we are here to help you"

A Woman’s Ego

You know, we're fucked up here. I tell you, Satan's going to have no trouble taking over here 'cause all the women are going to say: "What a cute butt!”

“He's Satan!" 

“You don't know him like I do." 

“He's The Prince of Darkness!" 

“•I• can change him."

And I bet that's true, man. I wouldn't give Satan a snowball's chance in Hell against a woman's ego. 

He'd rule The Earth for a day, then we'd see him outside, mowing the lawn. 

“Hey, aren't you Satan?" 

"Shut up." 

"Ooh, Mr. Prince of Darkness, you forgot the edge back there." 

"Shut up." 

You'll see him at the supermarket buying "Tampons, aisle three …" 

"Aren't you Satan?"

"Shut up." 

"You're pussy-whipped!" 

"No, I'm Satan! Grrr!" 

"You're not Prince of Darkness, you're Pussy-whipped of Darkness!"

GRAVE

For here am I, sitting in my tin can

Far above The World

Planet Earth is blue

And there's nothing I can do —

“ The Child of a Sephardic Jewish Family Living in Algeria, Jacques Derrida was Very Young When He Had The Experience of Being BURIED ALIVE,Locked in a Coffin-Like Cedar-Chest by His Sister 

He Later Managed to Escape Alive, but Was Traumatised by The Belief That He Had Died, and Been Brought Back From The Dead —From This Grew His Identification w. The Isis/Osiris Myth, but This Also Carried with it an Obsession w. CASTRATION”

Oh, great cosmic protector of grafters and dissemblers, save me. Save me! A voice from The Grave....!!

No — a grave voice. 

Man :
Han! 

 

Friend :

Luke! 

 

Man :

Are you all right? 

 

Friend :

Fine. Together again, huh? 

 

Man :

Wouldn't miss it. 

 

Friend :

How are we doing? 

 

Man :

Same as always. 

 

Friend :

That bad, huh?

“The chemicals I keep thinking about.... are SEDATIVES.

I can TASTE them.

I’m RESTRAINED somewhere.

Unconscious.

I need you to get me OUT.

I’ll FIND The Men Who Killed You.

Need a JOLT to get you moving?”

THIRD DEGREE RITUAL - THE RAISING

(The Lodge being open in the Third Degree the Deacons lay down the S...t, which should be open and not folded during any part of the ceremony. The Tyler, having properly prepared the Candidate, not forgetting the badge of Second Degree, gives Second Degree knocks on door).

Inner Guard (standing in front of his chair at North of Senior Warden takes Step and gives Sign .of Third Degree, which he holds until instructed by Junior  Warden.).- Brother Junior Warden, there is a report.

Junior Warden (stands, no knocks with Step and Sign  which he holds until instructed by Worshipful Master.) – Worshipful Master there is a report.

Worshipful Master- Brother Junior Warden, inquire who wants admission.

Junior Warden (cuts Sign not forgetting to recover, resumes seat).- Brother Inner Guard, see who wants admission.

Inner Guard (cuts Sign, not forgetting to recover, goes to door, opens it but keeps hold of handle. The colloquy between Inner Guard and Tyler should be audible in Lodge).- Whom have you there?

Tyler.- Brother ___________, who has been regularly initiated into Free­masonry, passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft and has made such further progress as he hopes will entitle him to be raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason, for which ceremony he is properly prepared.

Inner Guard (sees that Candidate is properly prepared)' How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Third Degree?

Tyler.- By the help of God, the united aid of the square and compasses and the benefit of a Password  Word.

Inner Guard-Is he in possession of the password?

Tyler.- Will you prove him? (Inner Guard extends his right hand and the Candidate, instructed by Tyler if necessary, gives him the Pass Grip and Pass Word leading from Second to Third Degree).

Inner Guard - Halt, while I report to the Worshipful Master (closes and fastens door, returns to position in front of his chair at North of Senior Warden  with Step and Sign which he holds until instructed by Worshipful Master). Worshipful Master Brother __________, who has been regularly initiated into Free­masonry, passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft and has made such further progress as he hopes will entitle him to be raised to the sublime Degree of . a Master Mason, for which ceremony he is properly prepared

Worshipful Master - How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Third Degree?

Inner Guard -  By the help of God, the united aid of the square and compasses and the benefit of a Password Word.

Worshipful Master - We acknowledge the power­ful aid by which he seeks admission; do you, Brother Inner Guard vouch that he is in possession of the password

Inner Guard  - I do, Worshipful Master

Worshipful Master-Then let him be admitted in due form. (Inner Guard cuts Sign not forgetting to recover). Brother Deacons.

(It is at this point that all candle lights except that of the Worshipful Master are extinguished Inner Guards and both Deacons proceed to door of Lodge, Junior  Deacon  en route places kneeling stool.  Senior Deacon  places himself in position at door so that he can take Candidate by right hand on admission to the Lodge. Inner Guard opens door. Inner Guard has in his hand the compasses widely extended,' he presents one point simultaneously to each breast and then raises them above his head to show that he has done so. Senior  Deacon takes Candidate by right hand and leads him to kneeling stool, Junior Deacon takes up position on left of Candidate Position is about 18 inches distant from kneeling stool).

Senior Deacon - Advance as a Fellowcraft, first an Entered  Apprentice. (Candidate takes Step and gives Sign of First Degree, cuts Sign, takes another Step and gives Sign of Second Degree and cuts it).

Worshipful Master - Let the Candidate kneel while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on what we are about to do.

(Worshipful Master knocks once, followed by Senior Warden and Junior Warden All stand with Sign of Reverence. No Step. Candidate, instructed by Senior Deacon, kneels on kneeling  stool with Sign  of Reverence Deacons take wand in left hand and show Sign of Reverence with right hand. Deacons cross wands over head of Candidate).

Worshipful Master - Almighty and Eternal God, Architect and Ruler of the Universe, at Whose creative fiat all things first were made, we, the frail creatures of Thy providence, humbly implore Thee to pour down on this convocation assembled in Thy Holy Name the continual dew of Thy blessing. Especially, we beseech Thee, to impart Thy grace to this Thy servant, who offers himself a Candidate to partake with us the mysterious Secrets of a Master Mason Endue him with such fortitude that in the hour of trial he fail not, but that, passing safely under Thy protection through the valley of the shadow of death, he may finally rise from the tomb of transgression, to shine as the stars for ever and ever.

Immediate Past Master (only)..-So mote it be. (All drop Sign of Reverence, Deacons lower wands to right hand).

Worshipful Master - Let the Candidate rise. (Worshipful Master and Brethren resume seats. The Candidate rises. The Junior  Deacon removes kneeling stool to his left and leaves it. Inner Guard replaces it before Senior Warden's pedestal as soon as perambulation commences. Senior Deacon takes Candidate by right hand and begins perambulation of Lodge. Junior  Deacon follows close behind Candidate and keeps this position throughout all perambulations. Senior Deacon takes care when Lodge is squared during the perambulations to leave room behind for Junior Deacon and not to blanket him or shut him out at the squaring.' Halt is made in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal).

Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master as a Mason.

(Senior Deacon relinquishes Candidate's right hand and instructs him, if necessary, to remain facing South and take Step and show Sign of First Degree. Candidate is then led to East of Junior Warden's pedestal and lines up as in former Degrees, Junior Deacon behind Candidate).

Senior Deacon - Advance to. the Junior Warden as such, showing the Sign and communicat­ing the Token and Word (Candidate, instructed by Senior Deacon if necessary, takes Step and shows Sign of First Degree, then cuts it).  

Junior Warden – Have you anything to communicate?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).-  I have.

(Junior Warden rises and takes Step and extends his right hand Candidate, instructed by Senior Deacon, gives grip of First Degree. Senior Deacon adjusts grip from above. Junior Warden does not give grip until he has received it from Candidate).

Junior Warden - What is this?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).­ The grip or token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.

Junior Warden - What does it demand?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).­ A word

Junior Warden-Give me that ,.freely and at length.

Candidate. (prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).­ BOAZ

Junior Warden- Pass BOAZ (Junior Warden restores right hand of Candidate to Senior Deacon and resumes his seat. Candidate is then led to front of Senior Warden's pedestal and halted).

Senior Deacon - Salute the Senior Warden as a Mason. (Candidate instructed by Senior Deacon if necessary, looking North takes Step and shows Sign of First Degree and then cuts it. Candidate is then led to North of Senior Warden's pedestal. Here the Senior Deacon wheels backward as described in former Degrees while Junior Deacon passes be­hind both Senior Deacon and Candidate to take up position behind latter when both Candidate and Senior Deacon face East. After a momentary halt perambulation of Lodge is again com­menced, Junior Deacon following close behind Candidate as before. Lodge is 'squared' with same precautions as above. Candidate is halted in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal.).

Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master as a Fellowcraft (Candidate, facing South instructed by Senior Deacon if necessary, takes Step and gives Sign of Second Degree. Candidate is then led to front of Junior Warden's pedestal and halted). Salute the Junior Warden as a Fellowcraft (Candidate, facing West, proceeds as at Worshipful Master's pedestal. Candidate is then led to South of Senior Warden's pedestal, Candidate and Senior Deacon lining up as in former Degrees, Junior Deacon behind Candidate). Advance to the Senior Warden as such, showing the sign and communicating the token and of that Degree. (Candidate, instructed by Senior Deacon if necessary, takes Step and shows Sign of Second Degree, then cuts it).

Senior Warden - Have you anything to com­municate?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).­ I have.

Senior Warden (rises, takes Step and extends his right hand. Candidate gives grip of Second Degree, Senior Deacon adjusting as before. Senior Warden does not give grip until he receives it from Candidate). - What is this?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).­ The grip or token of a Fellowcraft Freemason.

Senior Warden - What does it demand?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). A word

Senior Warden - Give me that freely and at length.

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).- JACHIN

Senior Warden – Pass JACHIN.

(Senior Warden restores right hand of Candidate to Senior Deacon and sits. Candidate is led by Senior Deacon to North of Senior Warden by same movement as in first perambulation. The Junior Deacon, passing behind Candidate and Senior Deacon as before, goes to left of Candidate, and all three, Senior Deacon, Candidate, and Junior Deacon, stand in line facing East.).

Worshipful Master (knocks once followed by Senior Warden and Junior Warden).- The Brethren will take notice that Bro.         , who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry and passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft is about to pass in view before them, to show that he is the Candidate properly pre­pared to be raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason (Candidate is led round the Lodge a third time, Junior Deacon following close behind him as before and the Lodge being 'squared' with same precautions. Candidate is halted in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal.). '

Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master as a Fellowcraft (done as in previous perambulation. Candidate then led to front of Junior Warden's pedestal.) Salute the Junior Warden as a Fellowcraft  (done as at Worshipful Master's pedestal. Candidate then led to South of Senior Warden's pedestal. and position taken as before). Advance to the Senior Warden as such, showing the sign and communicating the pass grip and password you received from the Worshipful Master previously to leaving the Lodge. (Candidate, instructed if necessary by Senior Deacon, takes Step and shows Sign of Second Degree, cuts Sign.).     .

Senior Warden - Have you anything to com­municate?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).- I have.

(Senior Warden rises and extends right hand Candidate gives pass grip leading from Second to Third Degree, Senior Deacon adjusting as before.

Senior Warden does not give grip until he has received it from Candidate).

Senior Warden - What is this?

Candidate - (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon) The pass grip leading from the Second to the Third Degree.          .

Senior Warden - What does this pass grip demand?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).- A pass word.

Senior Warden - Give me that password

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).­ TUBALCAIN

Senior Warden. What was TUBALCAIN

Candidate (Prompted by Senior Deacon).- The first Artificer in Metals.

Senior Warden - The import of the            ?

Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).­ Worldy possessions

Senior Warden – Pass TUBALCAIN

(Senior Warden restores right hand of Candidate to Senior Deacon but remains standing. Senior Deacon takes Candidate to North of Senior Warden, makes forward left wheel interposing himself between Worshipful Master and Candidate, Places latter's right hand in Ieft hand of Senior Warden and stands on Ieft of Candidate. Junior Deacon who has kept behind Candidate during wheeling movement, moves so as to take up position on Ieft. of Senior Deacon

The position in the. West now is: S W standing in his Place holding Candidates  right hand Senior Deacon on left of Candidate, and Junior Deacon on left of Senior Deacon, all facing East).

Senior Warden (takes Step and shows penal sign of third degree, which he holds until instructed by Worshipful Master). - Worshipful Master, I present to you Brother ___________, a Candidate properly pre­pared to be raised to the Third Degree.

Worshipful Master- Brother Senior Warden you will direct the Deacons to instruct the Candidate to advance to the East by the proper steps.

(Senior Warden cuts Sign not forgetting to recover and restores right hand of Candidate to Senior Deacon and sits. Senior Deacon resumes position on right of Candidate Junior Deacon is on left and all three facing East).

Senior Warden – Bro Deacons it is the Worshipful Masters Command you instruct the candidate to advance to the East by the proper steps (Senior Deacon conducts Candidate, Junior Deacon following behind, to a convenient point in the North about mid-way of the Sheet, where he leaves Candidate with Junior Deacon on his t., both facing South. Senior Deacon faces Candidate from far side of sheet which he reaches by going round the head of the grave.).

Senior Deacon-The method of advancing from West to East in this Degree is by seven steps the first   three as if stepping over a grave. For your information I will go through them and you will afterwards copy me.

(Senior Deacon takes position at head or West end of grave, his foot. formed in a square hell to heel his left foot pointing East and right foot pointing South. Commencing with left foot  the first step is taken across the grave in a North East direction, the left foot being placed at the North side of the grave about one-third of the latter's length and pointing North. The step is completed by bringing the right  foot up to the left foot,, heel to heel, in the form of a square and with the right  foot pointing East. Commencing with the right foot, the second step is taken across the grave in a South  East direction, the right  foot being placed at the South side of the grave about two-thirds of the latter's length and pointing South. This step is completed by bringing the left foot. up to the right foot., heel to heel, in the form of a square, the left foot pointing East. Commencing with the left  foot, the third step is taken to the foot or East end of the grave, the left foot pointing East. The step is completed by bringing up the right foot to the left foot, heel to heel, in the form of a square and right foot pointing South. Commenc­ing with the left foot, four steps are now taken in a direction due East, finishing in front of Worshipful  Master's pedestal with the feet heel to heel in the form of a square, left foot pointing North East and right foot pointing South  East. Senior Deacon, taking care not to step over the grave, returns to Candidate, takes him by the right hand, places him in position at West end of grave and instructs him how to take steps. In front of Worshipful Master's pedestal  the Senior Deacon takes position at Candidate's right.  The Junior Deacon remains stationary while Senior Deacon and Candidate are taking steps and then moves so as to arrive at Worshipful Master's pedestal. Simultaneously with Senior Deacon and Candidate and takes position on left  of Candidate).

 Worshipful Master - It is but fair to inform you that a most serious trial of your forti­tude and fidelity and a more solemn O. await you. Are you prepared to meet them as you ought?

Candidate - I am. (If Candidate does not reply, Senior Deacon should prompt in. a whisper only, no audible prompt should be given).

Worshipful Master - Then you will kneel on both knees, place both hands on the Volume of the Sacred Law. (Candidate does so. Candidate places one hand on each page of the Volume of the Sacred Law but should not touch Square and Compasses. Worshipful Master knocks once, followed by Senior Warden and Junior Warden. All rise with step and penal sign of Third Degree. The Deacons take wands in left hand, cross them over the head of Candidate, take step and show penal sign with right hand.

Worshipful Master - Repeat your name at length and say after me: I, __________, in the presence of the Most High, and of this worthy and worshipful Lodge of Master Masons, duly constituted, regularly assembled, and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby (Worshipful Master with his left hand touches hands of Candidate) and hereon (Worshipful Master with his left hand touches Volume of the Sacred Law ) most solemnly promise and swear that I will always hele (Pronounced hail), conceal, and never reveal any or either of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to the Degree of a Master Mason to anyone in the world-unless it be to him or them to whom the same may justly and law­ fully belong, and not even to him or them until after due trial, strict exam, or full conviction that he or they are worthy of that confidence, or in the body of a Master Mason's Lodge duly formed on the centre. I further solemnly pledge myself to adhere to the principles of the Square and Compasses, answer and obey all lawful Signs and Summonses sent to me from a Master Mason's Lodge, if within the length of my Cable Tow and plead no excuse, except sickness or the pressing emergencies of my own public or private avocations. I further solemnly engage myself to maintain and uphold the five points of Fellowship in act as well as in word; that my hand, given to a Master Mason, shall be a sure pledge of brotherhood; that my feet shall travel through dangers and difficulties to unite with his in forming a column of mutual defence and support; that the posture of my daily supplications shall remind me of his wants and dispose my heart to succour his weakness and relieve his necessities, so far as may fairly be done without detriment to myself or connections; that my breast shall be the sacred repository of his secrets when entrusted to my care-murder, treason, felony, and all other offences contrary ­to the laws of God and the ordinances of the realm being at all times most especially excepted.

And, finally, that I will maintain a Master Mason's honour and carefully preserve it as my own: I will not injure him myself or knowingly suffer it to be done by others if in my power to prevent it but, on the contrary, will bodly repel the slanderer of his good name and most strictly respect the chastity of those nearest and dearest to him in the persons of his wife, his sister, and his child.

All these point I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion,  equivocation or  mental reservation of any kind, under no less a penalty, on the violation of any of them, than that of being severed in two, my body burnt  to ashes and those ashes scattered over the face of earth and water by the 4 cardinal winds of heaven, that no trace or remembrance of so vile a wretch may longer be found among men, particularly Master Masons.        So help me the Most High and keep me steadfast in this my solemn Obligation of a Master Mason           (All cut penal sign, not forgetting to recover. Deacons return wands to right hand.)

Worshipful Master - As a pledge of your fidelity and to render this binding as a Solemn Obligation for so long as you shall live you will seal it with your lips three times on the Volme of the Sacred Law. (done)

Let me once more call your attention to the position of the Square and Compasses. When you were made an Entered Apprentice both points were hid; in the Second Degree one was disclosed; in this the whole is exhibited, implying that you are now at liberty to work with both those points in order to render the circle of your Masonic duties complete.

(Worshipful Master takes right hand of Candidate with his right hand and raises him; only one hand to be used) - Rise, newly obligated Master Mason        .

(Worshipful Master and Brethren sit and Candidate step backwards to foot of grave, all facing East).

THE EXHORTATION

Worshipful Master - Having entered upon the Solemn Obligation of a Master Mason,  you are now entitled to demand that last and greatest trial, by which alone you can be admitted to a participation of the secrets of this Degree. But it is first my duty to call your attention to a retrospect of those Degrees in Freemasonry through you have already passed that you may, the better be enabled to distinguish and appreciate the connection of our whole system, and the relative dependency of its several parts,

Your admission among Masons in a state of helpless indigence was an emblematical representation of the entrance of all men on this their mortal existence. It inculcated the useful lessons of natural equality and mutual dependence. It instructed you in the active principles of universal beneficience and charity  - to seek the solace of  your own distress, by extending relief and consolation to your fellow - creatures in the hour of their affliction. Above all, it taught you to bend with humility and resignation to the will of the Great Architect of the Universe; to dedicate your heart, thus purified from every baneful and malignant passion, fitted only for the reception of truth and wisdom to His glory and the welfare of your fellow mortals.

Proceeding onwards, still guiding your progress by the principles of moral truth, you were led in the Second Degree to contemplate the intellectual faculty and trace it from its development, through the paths of heavenly science, even to the throne of God Himself. The secrets of Nature and the principles of intellectual truth were then unveiled to your view. To your mind thus modelled by virtue and science, Nature, however, presents one great and useful lesson more. She prepares you, by contemplation for the closing hour of existence; and when by means of that contemplation she has conducted you through the intricate windings of this mortal life, she finally instructs you how to die.

Such, my Brother, are the peculiar objects of the Third Degree in Freemasonry; they invite you to reflect on this awful subject and teach you to feel that, to the just and virtuous man, ­death has no terrors equal to the stain of falsehood and dishonour. Of this great truth the annals of Masonry afford a glorious example  in the unshaken fidelity and noble death of our Master  Hiram Abiff who was slain just before the completion of King Solomon’s Temple at the construction of which he was as no doubt are well aware the principal Architect.

The manner of his death was as follows:

Worshipful Master - Brother Wardens

(The Wardens leave their seats, not forgetting to take Level and Plumb Rule with them. The Junior Warden waits until the Senior  Warden has drawn level with him and then both advance abreast to the East, come up behind the Deacons whom they touch simultaneously on the shoulder. Deacons step one pace outwards and the Wardens come up in line between them and the Candidate, the Senior Warden on the left and the Junior Warden on the right. This line is held momentarily from North to South.  Junior Deacon, Senior Warden, Candidate, Junior Warden, Senior Deacon being' all in line facing East. Deacons then simul­taneously turn outwards and return to their seats, taking care not to cross or walk over grave. Junior Warden directs Candidate to cross his feet, right over left. Both Wardens hold Candidate­ securely by his hands)

Worshipful Master - Fifteen Fellowcrafts of that superior class appointed to preside over the rest, finding that the work was nearly completed and that they were not in possession of the Secrets of the Third Degree, conspired to obtain them by any means, even to have recourse to violence, at the moment of carrying their conspiracy into execu­tion, twelve of the fifteen recanted, but three of a more determined and atrocious character than the rest, persisted in their impious design, in the prosecution' of which they planted themselves respectively at the East, North, and South entrances of the Temple, whither our Master had retired to pay his adoration to the Most High, as was his wonted custom at the hour of high twelve. Having finished his devotions, he attempted to return by the South entrance, where he was opposed by the first of those ruffians, who for want of other weapon, had armed himself with a heavy Plumb Rule and in a threatening manner demanded the Secrets of a Master  Mason warning him that death would be the consequence of a refusal.  Our Master true to his Obligation answered that those secrets were known to but three in the world, and that without the consent and co-operation of the other two be neither could nor would divulge them but intimated that he bad patience and industry would, in due time, entitle the worthy Mason to a participation of them but that for his own part he would rather suffer death than betray the sacred trust reposed in him. This answer, not proving satisfactory the ruffian aimed a violent blow at the head of our Master but being startles by the firmness  of his demeanour, it missed his forehead and only glanced on his right temple (here the Junior Warden touches the Candidate's right temple with the Plumb Rule making the movement from front to back ) but such force as to cause him to reel and sink on his left knee. (Here the Candidate, instructed by the Senior Warden, sinks until his left. touches the floor). Recovering from the shock (Candidate regains erect position), he made for the North entrance, where he was accosted by the second of those ruffians, to whom he gave a similar answer with undiminished firmness, when the ruffian who was armed with a Level, struck him a violent blow on the left temple (here the  Senior Warden  touches Candidate on the left temple with the Level), which brought him to the ground on his right knee. (Here the Candidate instructed by Junior. Warden sinks until his right knee touches the floor. Candidate regains erect positon). Finding his retreat cut off at both those point he staggered, faint and bleeding, to the East entrance, where the third ruffian was posted who received a similar answer to his insolent demand, for even at this trying moment our Master remained firm and unshaken, when the villain, who was armed with a heavy Maul struck him a violent blow on the forehead (here the Worshipful Master, remaining seated, goes through the movement without actually touching Candidate with the heavy Maul), which laid him lifeless at his feet (which the Candidate, assisted by both Wardens is made to imitate being lowered with arms at sides and right foot still crossed over left foot. The Wardens stand

West of Candidate at head of the grave, and when called on to            raise him come forward but return to make their report to Worshipful Master).

Worshipful  Master - The Brethren will take notice that in the recent ceremony, as well as in his present situation, our Brother has been made to represent one of the brightest characters recorded in the annals of Masonry, namely Hiram Abiff who lost his life in consequence of his unshaken fidelity to the sacred trust reposed in him, and I hope this will make a lasting impression on his and your minds should you ever be placed in a similar state of trial. Bro. Junior Warden, you will endeavour to raise the representative of our Master by the Entered Apprentice grip

(Junior Warden proceeds to level of Candidate’s knees, steps across him with his right foot lifts Candidate’s right hand with his left hand gives Entered Apprentice grip with his right  hand,  slips it and gently replaces Candidate’s right hand to his side. He goes and returns to his position at head of the grave on the right side of the Candidate. On returning to his position he takes Step, shows Penal Sign of Third Degree).

Junior Warden – Worshipful Master it proves a slip (cuts Sign not forgetting to recover).

Worshipful Master - Brother Senior Warden you will try the Fellowcrafts

(Senior  Warden proceeds in similar manner to Junior  Warden but along left side of Candidate, steps over latter with his left foot and gives Fellowcraft’s grip and slips it precisely as Junior Warden did and returns to his position, takes Step and  with Penal Sign of Third Degree).

Senior Warden - Worshipful Master it proves a slip like­ wise (cuts Sign not forgetting to recover).

Worshipful Master - Bro. Wardens having both failed in your attempts, there remains a third method, by taking a more firm hold of the sinews of the hand and raising him on the five points of fellowship which, with your assistance, I will make trial of. (Worshipful Master leaves chair by left, advances to feet of Candidate which he uncrosses, so heels are about six inches apart. Worshipful Master then puts foot to foot, takes Candidate's right hand by the Master Masons grip, and with the aid of the Wardens raises the Candidate on the five. Points of Fellowship. The Senior Warden sees that Candidate's left hand is extended properly over Worshipful Master's right shoulder, palm downwards, hand bent back at wrist, and thumb in form of a square. In the Hand Over Back position the Worshipful Master continues). It is thus all Master Masons are from a figurative grave to a reunion with the former companions of their toils, (Worshipful Master  disengages).- Bro. Wardens resume your seats. (Wardens do so by shortest route, no 'squaring:' Worshipful Master takes Candidate by both hands and gently edges him round so that he stands in the North facing South, in front of and to the North of the Worshipful  Master's pedestal. Worshipful Master places Candidate's hands at his sides, steps backward four or jive paces, faces Candidate, and addresses him) .

 

THE CHARGE

Worshipful Master (to Candidate in North).-Let me now beg you to observe that the Light of a Master Mason is darkness visible, serving only to express that gloom which rests on the prospect of futurity. It is that mysterious veil which the eye of human reason cannot penetrate unless assisted by that Light which is from above. Yet, even by this glimmering ray, you may perceive that you stand on the brink of the grave into which  you just figuratively descended, and which, when this transitory life shall have passed away, will again receive you into its cold bosom. Let the emblems of mortality which lie before you lead you to contemplate on your in­evitable destiny, and guide your re­flections to that most interesting of all human studies, the knowledge of your­self. Be careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day, continue to listen to the voice of Nature, which bears witness that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the  Lord of Life will enable us to trample the King of Terrors beneath our feet, and lift our eyes to that bright Morning Star, whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race. (Worshipful Master steps forward, takes both hands of Candidate and gently moves round counter clockwise until  they exchange places i.e. the Worshipful Master interposes himself between Candidate and pedestal, in this movement,  and the Candidate is now in the South facing North, the Worshipful Master in the North facing Candidate The position of the Candidate should be South of mid-line of Lodge so as to enable him to take the subsequent Steps and finish in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal.). I cannot better reward the attention you have paid to this exhortation and charge than by entrusting you with the Secrets of the Degree. You will therefore advance to me as a Fellowcraft, first as an Entered Apprentice. (Candidate takes Step and Sign of an Entered Apprentice, cuts Sign, takes another Step, and gives Sign of Fellowcraft and cuts Sign). You will now take another short step towards me with your left foot bringing the right heel into its hollow as before. That is the third regular step in Freemasonry, and it is in this position that the Secrets of the Degree are communicated. They consist of  Signs a Token and Word. Of the Signs the first and second are casual the third penal. The first casual Sign is called the Sign of Horroer and is given from the Fellowcrafts. Stand to order as a Fellowcraft (Worshipful Master takes Step and Sign of a Fellowcraft  Candidate takes no Step, he has already taken it, gives Fellowcraft Sign only) by dropping the left hand in this position extending the right with the hand in order to r. s., as if struck with horror at some dreadful and awful sight (Worshipful Master - illustrates Candidate copies). The second casual Sign is called the Sign of Sympathy and is given by bending the head forward and smiting the forehead gently with the right hand (Worshipful Master illustrates and Candidate copies).

Place your hand in this position with the thumb extended in the form of a square. (Worshipful Master illustrates, Candidate copies). The Penal Sign is given by drawing the hand sharply across the body, dropping it to the side and recovering with the thumb towards the navel. (Worshipful Master illustrates, Candidate copies). This is in allusion to the penalty of your Obligation implying that as a man       of honour and a Master Mason, you would rather be severed in two (Worshipful Master gives Penal Sign copied by Candidate) than improperly disclose the Secrets entrusted to you. The Grip or Token is the first of the Five Points of Fellowship. They are (Worshipful Master illustrates with aid of Candidate) Hand to Hand, Foot to Foot, Knee to Knee Breast to Breast and Hand over Back. (Worshipful Master disengages), and may be thus briefly explained. (The Worshipful Master gives the Five Points of Fellowship a second time, illustrating each with aid of Candidate and explaining each point as he gives it). Hand to Hand, I greet you as a Brother; Foot to Foot, I will support you in all your laudable undertakings; Knee to Knee, the posture of my daily supplications shall remind me of your wants; Breast to Breast your lawful secrets when entrusted to me as such I will keep as my own; and Hand over Back, I will support your character in your absence as in your presence. It is in this position, and this only, and then only in a whisper, except in open Lodge, that the word is given - it is MAHABONE or MACBONAH (The Worshipful Master keeps up the last of the five points of Fellowship until he has communicated the word which he does aloud. Candidate repeats word after Worshipful Master. He then disengages and stands in front of Candidate).

You are now at liberty to retire in order to restore yourself to your personal comforts, and on your return to the Lodge the, Signs, Token and Word will be further explained.

(Worshipful Master resumes seat, Senior Deacon rises and takes right hand of Candidate.  With a forward left wheel, faces the door of the Lodge and, taking care not to step over the grave, leads Candidate by most direct route to North. of Senior Warden and by means of a backward wheel faces Worshipful Master).  

Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master in the Three Degrees. (Senior Deacon whispers to Candidate penal sign only of Third Degree.' Candidate does. Senior Deacon, by left forward wheel, conducts Candidate to door, which is opened and shut by Inner Guard after Candidate's exit.

After exit of Candidate instruments are restored and the sheet taken up by the Deacons. Outside the Lodge Candidate resumes his ordinary clothing, not forgetting the Fellowcraft’s badge. When he is ready the Tyler gives Third Degree knocks on door).

Inner Guard (stands in his place in front of his chair at North of Senior Warden, takes Step and shows Penal Sign of Third Degree). - Brother Junior Warden, there is a report.

Junior Warden, seated, gives one knock. (Inner Guard cuts Penal Sign which he has held, not forgetting to recover, goes to the door, opens, but says nothing).

Tyler - The Candidate on his return.

Inner Guard (Inner Guard makes no reply, closes and locks door, returns to position in front of his seat and with Step and Penal Sign of Third Degree).-Worshipful Master, the Candidate on his return.

Worshipful Master - Admit him. (Inner Guard cuts Penal Sign, not forgetting to recover, and proceeds to door. Senior Deacon also proceeds to door, which is opened and, after admission of Candidate, shut and locked by Inner Guard, Senior Deacon takes Candidate by right hand to North of Senior Warden and instructs him).

Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master in the Three Degrees (in a whisper says 'full signs.' The Candidate does so. Senior Deacon then places Candidate's right hand in left hand of Senior Warden who rises with Step and gives Penal Sign which he holds .Senior Deacon on left of Candidate)

Senior  Warden - Worshipful Master, I present to you Brother __________ on his being raised to the Third Degree, for some further mark of your favour.

Worshipful Master - Brother Senior Warden I delegate you to invest him with the distinguishing badge of a Master Mason.

Senior Warden (cuts Penal Sign, not forgetting to recover. Senior Deacon turns Candidate to face Senior Warden  who removes Fellowcrafts apron and assisted by  Senior Deacon, if necessary, invests Candidate with the badge ". of a Master Mason. Badge should have been fitted to Candidate's proportions before ceremony. (holding  badge with left hand by lower right hand corner);-Brother by the Worshipful Master's command I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a Mason Mason to mark the further progress you have made in the science. 

(Senior Warden restores right hand of Candidate. to Senior Deacon with his left hand and sits. Senior Deacon turns Candidate towards Worshipful Master and stands on right of Candidate).     .

Worshipful Master - I must state that the badge with which you have now been invested not only points out your rank as a Master Mason, but is meant to remind you of those great duties you have just solemnly engaged yourself to observe, and whilst it marks your own superi­ority, it calls on you to afford assistance and instruction to the brethren in the inferior degrees (Senior Deacon leads Candidate by nearest route, no squaring' and places him in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal, not more than a foot away).

TRADITIONAL HISTORY

Worshipful Master - We left off at that part of our traditional history 'which mentions the death of our Master Hiram Abiff, a loss so important as that of the principal archi­tect could not fail of being generally and severely felt. The want of those plans and designs which had hitherto been regularly supplied to the different classes of workmen was the first indication that some heavy calamity had befallen our Master. The Menatschin or Prefects, or more familiarly speaking, the Overseers, deputed some of the most eminent of their number to acquaint King Solomon with the utter con­fusion into which the absence of Hiram had plunged them, and to express their apprehension that to some fatal catastrophe must be attributed his sudden and mysterious disappearance.

King Solomon immediately ordered a general muster of the workmen throughout the different departments, when three of the same class of overseers were not to be found. On the same day the twelve Craftsmen who had originally joined in the conspiracy came before the King and made a voluntary confession of all they knew down to  the time of withdrawing themselves from the number of the conspirators. This naturally increased the fears of King Solomon for the safety of his chief artist. He therefore selected fifteen trusty Fellowcrafts and ordered them to make diligent search after the person of our Master to ascertain if he were yet alive, or had suffered death in the attempt  to extort from him the Secrets of his exalted Degree. Accordingly, a stated day having been appointed for their return  to Jerusalem, they formed themselves into three Fellowcraft Lodges and departed from the three entrances of the Temple.

Many days were spent in fruitless search; indeed, one class returned with­ out having made any discovery of importance. A second, however, were more fortunate, for on the evening of a certain day, after having suffered the greatest privations and personal fatigues, one of the brethren, who had rested himself in a reclining posture, to assist his rising, caught hold of a shrub that grew near, which to his surprise came easily out of the ground.

On a closer examination he found that the earth had been recently disturbed.

He therefore hailed his companions, and. with their united endeavours re­opened the ground, and there found the body of our Master very indecently interred. They covered it again with an respect and reverence, and to distinguish the spot, stuck a sprig of acacia at the head of the grave.  

They then hastened to Jerusalem to impart the afflicting intelligence to King Solomon. He, when the first emotions, of his grief had subsided, ordered them to return and raise our   to such a sepulture as became his rank and exalted talents, at the same time in­forming them that by his untimely death the secrets of a Master  Mason were lost. He therefore charged them to be particularly careful in observing whatever casual sign, token or word. might occur whilst paying this last sad tribute of respect to departed merit. They performed their task with the utmost fidelity, and on reopening the ground one of the brethren looking round (Worshipful Master rises, no step.) observed some of his companions in this position. Worshipful Master gives Sign of Horror no step, Candidate copies) struck with at the dreadful and afflicting sight (Worshipful Master cuts Sign), while others viewing the ghastly wound still visible on his forehead smote their own (Worshipful Master gives Sign of Sympathy, copied by Candidate) in sympathy with his sufferings (Worshipful Master sits). Two of the brethren then descended the grave and endeavoured to raise him by the Entered Apprentice grip which proved a slip. They then tried the Fellowcrafts which proved a slip likewise. Having both failed in their attempts, a zealous and expert brother took a more firm hold of the sinews of the hand, and with their assistance raised him on the five points of fellowship, while others, more animated exclaimed MACABONE or MACBONAH both having a nearly similar import, one signifying the death of the builder, the other the builder is smitten.

King Solomon therefore ordered that those casual Signs and that token and word should designate all Master Masons throughout the universe, until time or circumstances           should restore the genuine. It only remains to account for the third class, who had pursued their researches in the direction of Joppa, and  were meditating their return to Jerusalem, when, accidentally passing the mouth of a cavern, they heard sounds of deep lamentation and regret. On entering the cave to ascer­tain the cause, they found three men answering the description of those missing; who, on being charged with the murder, and finding all chance of escape cut off, made a full confession of their guilt. They were then bound and led to Jerusalem, when King Solomon sentenced them to that death, the heinousness of their crime so amply merited.

(Immediate Past Master the Tracing Board to Worshipful Master).

Worshipful Master -  (with Tracing Board in left hand and pencil in right hand to point various items)). - Our Mason was ordered to be re-interred as near to the Sanctum Sanctorum as the Israelitish law would permit; there in a grave,  from the centre three feet East and three feet West, three feet between North and South and five feet or more perpendicular. He was not buried in the Sanctum Sanctorum, because nothing common or unclean was allowed to enter there; not even the High Priest, but once a year; nor then until after many washings and purifications against the great day of expiation for sins, for by the Israelitish law all  flesh was deemed unclean. The same fifteen trusty Fellowcrafts were ordered to attend the funeral, clothed in white aprons and gloves as emblems of their innocence.

You have already been informed that the working tools with which our Master was slain were the Plumb Rule, Level and Heavy Maul. The ornaments of a Master Mason’s Lodge are the Porch, Dormer, and Square Pavement. The Porch        was the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Dormer the window that gave Light to the same and the Square Pavement for the High Priest to walk on. The High Priests office was to burn incense to the honour and glory of the Most High, and to pray fervently that the Almighty of His unbounded wisdom and goodness, would be pleased to bestow peace and tranquility on the Israelitish nation during the ensuing year. The coffin, skull and crossbones, being emblems of mortality, allude to the untimely death of our Master Hiram Abiff . He was slain three thousand years after the creation of the  world.

(Worshipful Master here returns Tracing Board and pencil  to Immediate Past Master.).  In the course of the ceremony you have been informed of three signs in this Degree. The whole of them are  five corresponding in number with the five points of  Fellowship. They are the Sign of Horror, the Sign of Sympathy,

The Penal Sign, the Sign of Grief and Distress and the Sign of Joy Exultation likewise called Grand and Royal sign. For the sake of regularity I will go through them and you will copy me.

(Worshipful Master rises with Step. Senior Deacon instructs Candidate to take Step also, and to copy Signs. made by Worshipful Master but not to repeat word).

This is the Sign of Horror, this, of Sympathy, this, the Penal Sign. The Sign of Grief and Distress is given by passing the right hand across the  forehead and dropping it over the left eyebrow in the form of  a square. This took its rise at the time our Master was making his way from the North to the East entrance of the Temple, when his agony was so great that the perspiration stood in large drops on his forehead, and he made use of this Sign (does it and is copied by Candidate) as a temporary relief to his sufferings. This is the Sign of Joy and Exultation (does it and is copied by Candidate as before). It took its rise at the time the Temple was completed, and King Solomon, with the princes of his household, went to view it, when they were struck with its magnificence that with one simultaneous motion they exclaimed (Worshipful Master gives Sign copied by Candidate) O wonderful Masons. On the continent of Europe the Sign of Grief and Distress is given in a different manner by clasping the hands and elevating them with back to the forehead (Candidate copies Sign. But does not repeat words.), exclaiming 'Come to my assistance ye children of the widow (Worshipful Master, followed by Candidate, cuts Sign) on the supposition that all Master Masons are brothers to Hiram Abiff who was a widows son. In Scotland, Ireland and the States of America the Sign of Grief and Distress is given in a still different manner by throwing up the hands with the palms extended towards the heavens and dropping them, with three distinct motions to the sides exclaiming, O Lord my God, O Lord my God, O Lord my God, is there no help for the widows son. (Candidate, as before, copies Sign but does not repeat words).

Worshipful Master (sits).- I now present to you the Working Tools of a Master Mason (The Working Tools have been previously arranged on pedestal by Immediate Past Master ). They are the skirret, pencil and compasses.

The skirret is an implement which acts on a centre pin, whence a line is drawn to mark out ground for the foundation of the intended structure. With the pencil the skilful artist delineates the building in a draft or plan for the instruction and guidance of the workmen. The compasses enable him, with accuracy and precision, to ascertain and determine the limits and proportions of its several parts. But as we are not all operative masons but rather free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these to our morals. In this sense, the skirret points out that straight and undeviating line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the Volume of the Sacred Law. The pencil teaches us that our words and actions are observed and recorded by the Almighty Architect, to whom we must give an account of our conduct through life. The compasses remind us of His unerring and im­partial justice, who, having defined for our instruction the limits of good and evil, will reward, or punish, as we have obeyed or disregarded His Divine commands. Thus the working tools of a Master Mason teach us to bear in mind, and act according to, the laws of our Divine Creator, that, when we shall be summoned from this sublunary abode, we may ascend to the Grand Lodge above where the world's Great Architect lives ­and reigns for ever.

(S. D. conducts Candidate to seat in Lodge. No Salute).