The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 9 - Masonic and Anti-Masonic Literature 721
of this drama is taken from Luke: "And he shall go before him in the spirit and
power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children." Thus, Elias the
Clown symbolizes Christ, who has turned the heart of Bro. Dyke to his daughter.
The interesting part of the drama is the entry of Elias the Clown into the
lodge room. The Junior Deacon heals the alarm, given on the door by the Tiler,
and reports to the Worshipful Master that the visiting brother of the circus is
there. The Worshipful Master orders him to admit the guest, but the Junior
Deacon objects: "But, Worshipful, he's got a - a - there's someone with him." 1772
He admits that the second guest is a vouched-for Master Mason, and the
Worshipful Master commands him once again to let them in. "But, Worshipful!
He's not - he aint [sic]- he's - (stops)". The Worshipful Master gets impatient and
asks the Junior Deacon to continue. "The Tiler says - well, all I can get out of
him is that the vouched-for brother isn't - isn't dressed right!" 1773 When the
Worshipful Master hears that the guest is "not Masonically clothed," he sends the
Junior Deacon to verify that, and the latter returns with the report: "He's - he's
got an apron on all right, Worshipful, but - but - he - but..." 1774 Finally, the
Junior Deacon gets it out that the visiting brother still has his circus clothes on
under the apron. The Worshipful Master is very liberal, and - what other, stricter
lodges possibly would not have done - admits him by stating that "Doric Lodge
has never denied any brother, properly vouched for. It is not for us to criticize a
brother's apparel." 1775 The other brethren also have difficulties to accept their
guest's outward appearance; thus, Bro. Dyke exclaims: "Why do you come here,
dressed like a - like a ..." - "Dressed like a clown, sir. I'm sorry. I'm 'shamed I
had to come in my workin' clothes, sir." 1776 Then follows the recital of the family
drama. When all pleas to Bro. Dyke to assume responsibility for his child fail,
the clown, in conformity with Masonic law, asks the lodge be called from labor
to refreshment, and brings in the girl: "Excuse me, Worshipful [...], for bringing
a cowan into the Lodge like this - but she's asleep." 1777
As to Masonic phraseology, it is evident that the technical term "cowan,"
denoting eavesdropper or profane, is in no wise antiquated, being used in this
play dated 1939. We learn from this play that the great tolerance of the Master of
this country lodge has made it possible again to trespass Masonic customs.
Although it has to be admitted that the offense was not so big since the girl was
sleeping and even when she awoke she could not cause any damage since she
was too young to understand any of the "secrets" going on in lodge. Besides, the
lodge was not in action but was called to refreshment, which also lessens the
offense.
1772 Ibid, p. 122.
1773 Ibid.
1774 Ibid.
1775 Ibid, p. 123.
1776 Claudy, p. 124.
1777 Ibid, p. 127.