The Pearl/Volume 8/Strictly Private, except to Brothers, By Order, The Lady Freemason.

As a brother of old, from his lodge was returning, He called on his sweetheart, with love he was burning, He wanted some favours, says she, "Not so free," Unless you reveal your famed secrets to me."

"Agreed - 'tis a bargain - you must be prepared, Your legs well exposed, your bosom all bared." Then hoodwinked and silent, says she, "I'll be mum, In despite of the poker you'll clap on my bum."

To a chamber convenient his fair charge he bore, Placed her in due form, having closed tight the door, Then presented the point of his sharp Instrumentis, And the Lady was soon made an "entered apprentice."

His working tools next to her gaze he presented, To improve by them seriously she then consented, And handled his jewels his gavel and shaft, That she in a jiffey was passed "fellow craft."

She next wanted raising, says he, "There's no urgency," She pleaded that this was a case of emergency, His column looked to her in no particular way, But she very soon made it assume perpendicular.

He used all his efforts to raise the young elf, But found he required much raising himself; The task was beyond him. Oh! shame and disaster, He broke down in his charge, and she became master.

Exhausted and faint, still no rest could betide him, For she like a glutton soon mounted astride him, "From refreshment to labour," says she, "let us march. Says he, "You're exalted - you are now royal arch."

In her zeal for true knowledge, no labour, no shirking, His jewels and furniture constantly working, By night and by day, in the light or the dark, With pleasure her lover she guides to the mark.