Mizpeh! well named the patriarchat stone,
Once fondly reared in Gilead's mountain pass;
Doubtless the Eye ALL-SEEING did look down
Upon that token of fraternal grace;
And doubtless H E who reconciled those men,
Between them watched , until they met again.

So, looking eastward o'er the angry sea, —
The wintry blast, inhospitably stern, —
Counting the scanty moments left to me
Till I go hence, — and haply not return, —
I would, oh! Brethren, rear a M IZPEH too,
Beseeching G OD to watch 'twixt me and you.

It was H IS providence that made us one,
Who otherwise " perpetual strangers " were;
H E joined our hands in amity alone,
And caused our hearts each other's woes to bear;
H E kindled in our souls fraternal fire, —
Befitting children of a common S IRE .

In mutual labors we have spent our life;
In mutual joys sported at labor's close;
With mutual strength warred against human strife,
And soothed with mutual charity its woes;
So, sharing mutually what G OD hath given,
With common faith we seek a kindred Heaven .

B RING stones, bring stones, and build a mound with me, —
Rear up our Mizpeh, though with many tears,
Before I trust me to yon stormy sea,
Hither, with memories of many years;
Come round me, mystic laborers, once more,
With loving gifts, upon this wintry shore.

Bring prayer , — the Watcher in the heavens will heed;
Bring types , — significant of heavenly hope;
Bring words , — in whispers only to be said;
Bring hand-grasps , — strong, to lift the helpless up; —
Bring all those reminiscences of light
That have inspired so many a wintry night.

Lay them on Mizpeh, and the names revered
Of those who've vanished from our mystic band, —
Are we not taught, that with the faithful dead,
In Lodge celestial we shall surely stand?
Oh! crown the pile, then, with the good and blest,
Whose memories linger, though they are at rest.

*****

Finished , — and now I hope whate'er betide,
Though wandering far toward oriental sun,
He who looked kindly on that mountain side,
Will watch between us till my work is done.
L ORD G OD A LMIGHTY , whence all blessings are,
Behold our Mizpeh and regard our prayer.

*****

Be my defender while in foreign lands, —
Ward off the shafts of calumny accurst, —
My labors vindicate, while Mizpeh stands,
And hold my family in sacred trust;
Should I no more behold them, fond and dear,
I leave them, Brothers, to Masonic care.

Finally, Brothers, if in careless mood,
Forgetting pledges sealed on Word Divine,
I've injured any of the Brotherhood,
Impute it not, this parting hour, a sin; —
Forgive! lo, He by whom all creatures live
Grants us forgiveness, — e'en as we forgive .