Shibboleth: A Templar Monitor · 44 of 54

Fraternity Music

Old Hundred. L. M.

(SEE PAGE 60.)

HENDON. 7s.

(SEE PAGE 60.)

Nearer, My God, to Thee.

Auld Lang Syne.

To a Skull.

Part of a poem found beside a skeleton in the Museum of the London Royal College of Surgeons, author unknown. It was published in the Morning Chronicle early in the present century.

Behold this ruin! ’Twas a skull Once of ethereal spirit full. This narrow cell was life’s retreat; This space was thought’s mysterious seat. What beauteous visions filled this spot! What dreams of pleasure long forgot! Nor hope, nor joy, nor love, nor fear Has left one trace of record here.

Beneath this mouldering canopy Once shone the bright and busy eye: But start not at the dismal void— If social love that eye employed, If with no lawless fire it gleamed, But through the dews of kindness beamed, That eye shall be forever bright When stars and sun are sunk in night.

Within this hollow cavern hung The ready, swift and tuneful tongue: If falsehood’s honey it disdained, And when it could not praise was chained; If bold in virtue’s cause it spoke— Yet gentle concord never broke— This silent tongue shall plead for thee When Time reveals Eternity!