The Apron

This fair and stainless thing I take

To be my badge for Virtues sake

It's ample cords my body round

My constant cable tow is found

And as securely it is tied

May Faith and Truth in me abide

So as I face the sunny South

I vow and pledge my Mason's troth

That while on Earth I do remain

My Apron shall not bear a stain.

This fair and stainless thing I raise

I memory of my 'prentice days

When on the chequered pavement wide,

With gauge and mallet well supplied

I laboured at the manual toil

But kept my apron free from soil

So as I face the golden West

I pray to Him I love the best

That while on Earth I do remain

My Apron shall not bear a stain.

This fair and stainless thing I lower,

It's 'prentice aid I need no more

For laws and regulations given

A fellow-craft, direct from Heaven

Protect the needy, keep their trust.

Observe the precepts of the Just.

So as I face the darkened North

I send this solemn promise forth

That while on Earth I do remain

My Apron shall not bear a stain.

This fair and stainless thing unfold

A master mason now behold

A welcome guest in every land

With Princes and with Kings to stand

Close-tyled within my heart of hearts

I keep its secrets, arts and parts

So as I face that place of light

On bended knee I pray at night

That while on Earth I do remain

My Apron shall not bear a stain.

This fair and stainless thing I doff

And as I take my Apron off

And lay this stainless thing aside

In its teachings may I abide

Of God, Who gave us strength within

That we may walk opposed to Sin

For Life itself is merely given

To shape and square our souls for Heaven

So while on Earth I do remain

My Apron shall not bear a stain.

And as my Apron is to me

So may thy Apron be to thee.