freemasonry of the ancient Egypt 25

freemasonry of the ancient Egypt 25

second priest: It ought to render him jealous of his self-respect, and

lead him to harbor in his heart the love of his kind, as the Parakist

tends this lamp of which it is the symbol. What means the chain with

which thou art yet confined?

 

 

 

2is

 

 

 

 

INITIATION OF PLATO

 

plato: It symbolizes the ignorance and prejudice which still oppress

me. and of which I labor to despoil myself. (After some violent efforts be re-

leases himself of the fetters.) Thus I liberate myself from foolish passions,

and from foolish beliefs, based only on hypothesis!

 

skcono priest: Thou has but in effect liberated thy body, if thy spirit

Mill remains accessible to suggestions of intolerance and error. Know

thou, that perseverance is the secret of perfection. Inspire thyself

amongst these illustrious dead, read their inscriptions, or rather their

sentiments, and pursue thy route. It is strewn with stones, and the way

is yet long: but the knowledge of important truths will be the price of

thy efforts. Demand nothing of the coffins of this gallery, as they con-

l.im only the ashes of traitors put to death for having betrayed our sub-

lime institution. Adieu! (He sets out.)

 

 

 

Scene Sixth

 

PI a to (alone): Ah! continue still thy discourse! (He takes up a lamp, ap-

pnutihes a coffin, and reads.) "I was a secret guardian, I suffered injuries, and

1 employed my time well." Is it thee, then, O Chilon, who speaks to me

here? Whoever thou art, O dead! I thank thee, and salute thee. (Passes to

another coffin and reads.) “I often repented of having spoken, rarely of

bring silent.” Yes, speech is silver, but silence is gold. (Reads upon another

loffin ) "Make war only upon three things: sickness, ignorance, and in-

,„s,jce.” Ah! without doubt, but blood will yet be spilt before the ar-

i iv. 1 1 of the sovereign reign of justice and truth. (Passes to another and

itadi.) "Render to thy kind, who is thy brother, the assistance which

i hi hi wouldst receive from him; and do not to him that which thou

would* not he do unto thee." It is thou, O great Confucius, who has

lt,insmitted to us these maxims so simple and so salutary.! hey merit

 

 

 

2/9

 

 

 

 

 

 

INITIATION OF PLATO

 

 

 

thee the eternal remembrance of mankind. ( Passes to another coffin.) And

thou, glorious shade, what is thy secret? “O mortal, who sceketh truth!

Learn that there exists but one sole Architect of the Temple called the

Universe. He hath created all things, the good and the evil, the wheat

and the poison; but to thee he hath given a discerning intelligence, and

the liberty to labor for thy own glory and thy happiness.” It is true, O

Sages! O immortal dead! I am unable to remain longer with you; I

honor you, and bid you adieu! (He advances towards the second grating but the

avenue thereto becomes suddenly illuminated. The crackling of 'flames is heard , bombs

explode, thunder growls, some lightning is produced.)

 

Scene Seventh

 

Third Priest, Plato.

 

third priest (at the grating): Thou may sc yet retrace thy steps and re-

nounce thy enterprise, but an instant more and that will be impossible.

Hast thou the courage to advance, whatever may be the perils which

await thee?

 

plato: Yes, I am resolved.

 

(Slow music.)

 

third priest: Ah well! behold this narrow avenue with the trees in

flames, the interlacing branches forming a vault of fire!

 

plato: I see it.

 

third priest: It is the way thou must take without looking back. If

thou should succeed in traversing this vast fire, thou wilt then find be-

 

 

 

. 220 .

 

 

 

INITIATION OF PLATO

 

 

 

I • * i • 1 1 in' .1 cavern in which is the monster of darkness, the genie of

. vil I l« would close to thee the passage onward, take this glaive and

tin buckler of Minerva; combat this enemy, strike off the head and

Ih h ii to the King; he will give thee his orders. But the conflagration

i lliy bear crackling) becomes general; haste thee, run! Adieu!

 

pi m»» throws away his lamp and takes the glaive and buckler ): 1 will free this

1 1 ii n. ice or I will perish; if I traverse it thou shalt be obeyed. (He runs

down tie avenue while the third Priest considers him.)

 

i . oni) i a BLEAU — On the floor some rocks, below winds a river. A ladder is

itairJ abutting upon the door oj a pavilion placed at the right. A large ring is fixed in

tlx ,/.v> Another ladder leads from the pavilion to the scene. Magnificent gardens, stat-

ue* tiijKuls, tables, a collation. Day a little gloomy.

 

Scene First

 

I in si and Second Priests, Zais.

 

I i m m pries r: ( concealed near a tree considers Plato): He swims vigorously.

 

1 1 oni) priest: (having also considered Plato): He comports himself mar-

vi lotisly. I le will reach the ladder.

 

/ mv i ascends to the pavilion bearing the linen and the tunic for investing Plato): You

will cause him to perish.

 

i m . i priest: It is very necessary that he be purified by the four ele-

ments.

 

(The priests penetrate to the ground floor of the pavilion.)

 

 

 

. 221 •

 

 

 

INITIATION OF PLATO

 

 

 

Scene Second

 

Zais, Plato.

 

PUTO in the water, reaches the ladder, hut as he puts foot on i, each step falls to the

level of the water. Reaches the door and seizes the ring with both hands, finds himself

suspended; the ladder sinks from under him.

 

zais ( descending from the pavilion): I am inspired with such tender interest

for this Greek philosopher, that I tremble, and offer up my prayers

for him.

 

SECOND PRIEST (from the interior of the pavilion ): Dost chou feel thy

strength failing?

 

plato: Not yet, but — ( The door opens and admits Plato. Full light of day. Dis-

tant music )

 

Scene Third

 

Zais, Azema.

 

zais: Azema, wilt thou offer our services to this valiant Neophyte.

 

Hold! pray of him to empty this cup, that he may comfort himself

therewith.

 

AZEMA (lighting the tripods ): Yes, my sister. The tripods shall fill the air

with the most sweet perfume, and the melodious chants shall be full of

harmony; dances, the most lascivious and enervating, shall prepare the

tall of this proud philosopher— he shall not rebel against love. (She takes

the cup and enters the pm, l, on, after having knocked at the door, which Plato opens.)

 

 

 

• 222 •

 

 

 

INITIATION OF PLATO

 

Scene Fourth

 

/ A IS. \ N AlMEE.

 

/ m I >■ .11 Almce, observe carefully the signs that I will give you. Enter

ih.i. .hhI display your most seducing and irresistible graces. The

“'""i n *»l our Priests will bear a crown of laurel; add the myrtle and

 

• In uii.ii.inth to yours; as also to that of Azema.

 

Mil m mi i : Princess, the crowns arc ready.

 

Scene Fifth / a i s , A/i ma, Plato.