Addressed To Mr. Wm. Bell Of Gilsland, W.M. And The Brethren Of St. Michael’s Lodge, Brampton Poem by Robert Anderson

Since to serve a poor Cumbrian Bard is your plan,
Let gratitude shew the great duty of man;
Around you may health, love, and cheerfulness reign,
And those who scorn pleasure, still scorn to give pain:
That good men are equal, all wise men declare,
From the prince to the peasant, each bows to dull care;
To get rid of that pest, keep this maxim in view,
Still do unto others, as you'd be done to!

While our master delighteth, nor seeks to betray,
May the day--star of hope never lead him astray;
While to draw man from folly, his mind's nobly bent,
May the master and brethren still harbour content:
Improv'd, rul'd by masonry's truths, void of art,
When death gives the summons, we'll cheerfully part;
Till then, let us all keep this maxim in view,
To do unto others, as we'd be done to!

Then join heart and hand, and unite in one voice,
To pray for each mason, his brethrens' proud choice;
May each brother be blest with wealth, freedom, and peace,
And the rights of all sects, and all parties increase!
Ah! happy the day, when to mortals was giv'n,
Of all Institutions, the first under Heav'n!
By this, we can keep the grand maxim in view,
And do unto others, as we'd be done to!