The Master's Apron

mapronburns.jpg - 12162 Bytes

The Master's Apron
by Robert Burns, 1786

Ther's mony a badge that's unco braw ;
Wi ribbon, lace and tape on ;
Let kings an' princes wear them a' ,
Gie me the masters apron!

The honest craftsman's apron,
The jolly freemason's apron,
Be he at hame or roam afar,
Before his touch fa's bolt and bar,
The gates of fortune fly ajar,
Gin he but wears the apron!

For wealth and honour, pride and power
Are crumbling stanes to base on;
Fraternity suld rule the hour,
And ilka worthy mason!
Each free accepted mason,
Each ancient crafted mason!

Then brithers let a halesome sang
Arise your friendly ranks alang .
Guid wives and bairnies blithely sing
To the ancient badge wi' the apron string
That is worn by the master mason!