Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A Symbol

THE mason's trade                Observe them well, Resembles life,                  And watch them revealing With all its strife,—           How solemn feeling Is like the stir made            And wonderment swell By man on earth's face. The hearts of the brave. Though weal and woe               The voice of the blest, The future may hide,              And of spirits on high Unterrified                       Seems loudly to cry: We onward go                      "To do what is best, In ne'er changing race. Unceasing endeavour! A veil of dread                   "In silence eterne Hangs heavier still. Here chaplets are twin'd, Deep slumbers fill                That each noble mind The stars over-head,              Its guerdon may earn. — And the foot-trodden grave. Then hope ye for ever!" This fine poem is given by Goethe amongst a small collection of what he calls Loge (Lodge), meaning thereby Masonic pieces.