Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

386 SUBLIME PRINCE OF TIlE ROYAL SECRET. OPENING CEREMONIES. 387
point-nd of his sword.)
Illustrious Commander in Chief—Valiant Captain of
the Guards, see that the Sentinels are stationed, and advise
them that we are about to open this Grand Consistory,
that they may allow no one to. approach, who hath
not the words and signs of a Prince of the Royal Secret.
(The Captain of Guards goes out, executes the orders of
the Illustrious Commander in Chief, returns and salutes
on entering.)
Captain of Guards—Illustrious Commander in Chief,
the Sentinels are stationed and duly instructed; we are
secure against intrusion.
Commander in Chief—Sublime Princes, First and
Second Lieutenant Commanders, it is not enough for us
to be protected, we must also be certain that none but
friends are gathered under our colors. Visit the several
camps, inspect the several corps of the army, and satisfy
yourselves that no spy or enemy has intruded himself
.imong us. Order Sublime Princes! (All rise under the
sign of order. The two Lieutenant Commanders leave
their stations and proceed from West to East, one on the
right the other on the left, to receive the pass-word from
each member present, including the Illustrious Commander
in Chief, after wi?iich they return to their stations.)
Second Lieutenant Commander—Sublime Prince,
First Lieutenant Commander, there is no spy or enemy
in my camp.
First Lieutenant Commander—Illustrious Commander
in Chief, there is no spy or enemy among us. We
have met none but friends and brethren, ready to act as
poon as the signal is given.
Commander in Chief—Be seated my brethren. (All
resume their seats.)
Commander in Chief—Sublime Prince, Valiant First
Lieutenant Commander, at what hour are we to act?
First Lieutenant Commander—At the fifth hour after
sunset, Illustrious Commander in Chief.
Commander in Chief—And for what reason, SublIme
Prince, can we not act before?
First Liantenant Commander—Illustrious Commander
in Chief, because if our actions were premature, our
enemies might learn and defeat the plans we have
formed for the regeneration of humanity. (At this moment,
a brother in the ante-room strikes five blows on a
drum; one by itself, and four at equal distances, and in
quick succession, imitating the report of a cannon.)
Illustrious Commander in Chief—Sublime Prince,
Second Lieutenant Commander, what’s the hour?
Second Lieutenant Commander—Illustrious Commander
in Chief, the gun has just fired, and tells us that
five hours have elapsed since sunset.
Commander in Chief—Then the hour for action has
come, and as all is ready in both your camps, Sublime
Princes, Valiant First and Second Lieutenant Commanders,
inform your brave companions, that I shall
proceed to perform my duty.
First Lieutenant Commandt’r—Valiant Companions
of my camp, the Illustrious Commander in Chief informs
you that he is about to proceed to perform his
duty.
,Second Lieutenant Commander—Valiant Companions
of my camp, the Illustrious Commander in Chief,
informs you that he is about to proceed to perform his
duty.
Commander in Chief—(Rising) Order Sublime
Princes! (All rise under the sign of order.)
Commander in Chief—(Striking one with the pommel
of his sword.) Salix.
First Lieutenant Commander— (Strikes une.) Noni.
Second Lieutenant Commander—(Strikes one.)
Tenqu.