Page:Poets of John Company.djvu/104

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So fill our cots with childhood's din The voice be rarely heard within,
 * And ne'er without;

Each thatch with crowded poultry hide, Give jars that bruise the fountain's side
 * With metal stout.

Oh! Bera Pennoo! once again Protect us in the grove and plain
 * From beasts of prey;

Nor let sly snake or tiger bold Fright children, save in stories old
 * Of Fathers grey.

Oh! make it each man's only care Yearly to build a store-room fair
 * For goods unspent;

And we thy rites shall duly pay:— Lo! one bought victim now we slay—
 * One life present.

"Are your glasses charged in the West and South?" the Worshipful Master cries; "They are charged in the West,"—"They are charged in the South," are the Wardens' prompt replies; "Then to our final toast to-night your glasses fairly drain— "HAPPY TO MEET—SORRY TO PART—HAPPY TO MEET AGAIN!"

The Mason's social brotherhood around the festive board Reveals a wealth more precious far than selfish miser's hoard; They freely share the priceless stores that generous hearts contain— "HAPPY TO MEET—SORRY TO PART—HAPPY TO MEET AGAIN!"