Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

IOCS SUBLIME DEGREE OF MASTER MASOX.
of truth in that appeal; but the Grand Master had better
been mum, than answer as he did in the weakness of his fear.
Yet this answer, (not lawful for me to repeat,) which is
too simple for a fellow craft to have given under reversed
circumstances, which is only an humble entreaty to the ruffians,
begging them to wait a time with patience, and aspire
to perfection by good works, the Grand Master gave*
(no doubt the Masonic account is correct,) three times
successively, without variation.
M Sic, sic juvat ire sub umbras."
So, even so, it pleased him to die.
Why did he not utter one groan in "the universal language
of Masons ?"
Surely that would have restored their senses, and their
reverence for the Most Excellent Grand Master. A short
speech in that tongue might have calmed their fierce spirits.
He was very much to blame for neglecting all his
means of defence. Ah, why not try "the facultie off
Abrac," " the art of wonder-working," " and exhibit the
power of the masonic word*" Why did not he take up
some implement of masonry, and parry a blow, if he could
not strike one ?
The ruffians set upon him, not in a company, but singly,
and gave him ample time to bethink himself between their
several assaults; but he, not having in mind " the art of
foresaying things to come,"* was surprised, " as if a man
did flee from a lion and a bear met him," and flying under
the stroke of the carpenter's square, he attempted to escape
by the West J where no door was, and fell under the
blow of the mallet: when, at the North, there was a door,
and no ruffian on that side of the temple! How faithful
* Book of Constitutions, p. 19. F. M. L. p. 11.
i I wish to be very precise in the statement of facto; and as there is a diversity
in the tradition! with respect to the door at which Hiram Abiff fell,
it may be proper to state, that "Jachin and Boaz" refreshed the writer's
memory on this topicx