MOVPER-Grotto Initiation Ceremony

Ritual for Conferring the Order of Veiled Prophet

This ritual is dated 1966

Opening

MONARCH: Prophet Chief Justice, see that all the secret ways are securely guarded, and ascertain if all present are Veiled Prophets.
CHIEF JUSTICE: Prophet Marshal, attend. Marshal steps forward and salutes.
CHIEF JUSTICE: Prophet Marshal, are all the secret ways securely guarded? Marshal faces the door and addresses Captain of the Guard.
MARSHAL: Prophet Captain of the Guard, are the secret ways securely guarded, and are all present Veiled Prophets?
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD: The secret ways are securely guarded, all present have given the proper passwords, and are Veiled Prophets in good standing.
MARSHAL, facing the Chief Justice: The secret ways are securely guarded, all present have given the inside and outside passwords, and are Veiled Prophets in good standing.
The Sentinel or his assistants should be stationed outside the door to examine all dues cards and take up the outside password. The Captain of the Guard or his assistants should be stationed inside the door and take up the inside password. If there is only one door to the Grotto room, the Sentinel should be stationed inside the door to examine all dues cards and take up the outside password. The Captain of the Guard should be stationed about six to ten feet farther inside the room and take up the inside password.
CHIEF JUSTICE: Prophet Monarch, the secret ways are securely guarded, and all present are Veiled Prophets.
MONARCH: Prophet Chief Justice, what makes you a Veiled Prophet?
CHIEF JUSTICE: My obligation.
At this time the Monarch and Chief Justice face each other, grasp right hands, and place left hands on each others right shoulder.
MONARCH: Will you have more or less?
CHIEF JUSTICE: More.
MONARCH: More what?
CHIEF JUSTICE: ....
MONARCH: And ....
The Monarch will now call up the Grotto with three blows of the gavel.
MONARCH: Prophet Marshal, see that all are in order as Veiled Prophets.
MARSHAL: Prophets, it is our Monarch’s command that you be in order as Veiled Prophets. Attend to giving the signs.
The Marshal will lead in giving the signs. The Monarch does not give them. The order of giving is, first, the sign of adoration; second, the dueguard; third, grand hailing sign. When all the signs have been given, the Marshal will turn to the Monarch and salute with the grand hailing sign.
MONARCH: Prophet Chaplain, you will attend at the Altar.
The Chaplain repairs to the Altar, front center stage, kneels facing the auditorium, opens the Bible, removes Fez, and recites prayer: Our Heavenly Father: We thank thee for the privilege of meeting together as Prophets of the Mystic Order Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. May our hearts be filled with sympathy for those in illness and adversity. May we make this world a better place in which to live through our thoughtfulness and consideration of the welfare of others. May the friendly spirit of goodfellowship guide our actions throughout our lives. Amen.
The above or some suitable prayer may be used. Chaplain returns to his place.
MONARCH: I now declare ... Grotto open and in order for business. Prophet Captain of the Guard, inform the Sentinel. Monarch raps gavel once to seat the Prophets.
Captain of the Guard knocks four times—two double knocks—on the door. The Sentinel answers in the same way, then the Captain of the Guard opens the door and informs the Sentinel thus: ... Grotto is now open and in order for business.
He then closes the door and gives four knocks as before. The Sentinel answers with four knocks—two double knocks.
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD: Prophet Monarch, the Sentinel is informed.

Regarding scenery

The matter of scenery for the Ceremonial Drama can be simple or elaborate—as you desire—can afford— or as auditorium used is equipped. The simple method will be explained here. If the auditorium has an outer and inner curtain, a good portion of the worry is eliminated. The front curtain, of course, is the regular “house curtain.” An inner curtain is one that is about four feet behind the front curtain and usually works on a “traveler” or track, opening from side to side. This inner curtain should be used for the Prologue and Epilogue. It can also be used for the Tomb scene by merely placing a few decrepit looking tombstones (scene painted, of course, and easy to handle) on and a large one in center between the two curtains to place the candidate therein, or merely place the candidate between the opening of the curtains, surmising it to be a tomb. You must keep the lights on a dim blue or green for this scene.
The MOKANNA Court scene should be set about half stage—using the inner curtain when open as a neutral leg drop. The throne chair and shrine with the glowing heart and other court decorations are used to glorify the scene and you can have guards and courtiers in gala attire as you desire.
The Haunted Forest drop should be hung down stage behind the inner curtain. When this drop is in position you clear or “strike” the Mokanna set and make ready the Grotto or Caldron scene. All these should be pre-set before you start your show. To go into the Caldron scene you merely “take away” the Haunted Forest drop.
From the Caldron you go into the Tomb scene. This can be another painted drop or use the inner curtain as above suggested. If you use a painted drop, it should be hung immediately behind the Haunted Forest drop. While the Tomb scene is on, you prepare for the Storm scene. The back drop for this can be a special one—your Grotto drop—or a plain gray or dirty back wall. Your cloud machine and lighting effects, with the wave cloth, boat, etc., are what make this scene. It should not be brightly lighted, but a dim blue used.
The Imperial Chamber of Gehenna can be another special drop, or the cave or Grotto scene can be again utilized. Just give His Majesty a fiery-looking throne, on a dais if possible, with red lighting, etc., and you have your scene.
Back to the court of Mokanna as before—then “close in” with the inner curtain for the Epilogue and you have your show.

Important Monitoral Suggestion to the Cast

Nothing but most careful study of the Ritual will qualify the members of the cast to properly present the ceremonial work of the Grotto.
Each member must not only commit his part so thoroughly that the words will flow easily and naturally, hut he must also make himself so familiar with the entire ‘work that he will have a clear conception of his role, as it relates to other parts, in word and action.
Just as the professional actor seeks to give the stamp of individuality to his work; so should the leading members of the cast aspire to present really artistic creations which will illuminate the text of the drama and make it intensely interesting.
In this connection it may be said that the notes which accompany the lines of the drama are intended to be merely suggestions, and are not to be considered as absolutely binding.

The Cast
The cast should be organized as a Degree Team and be under the management of a director.
The director should have power to select the members of the cast, be should also select his assistants, and be held responsible for the training of the team.
He should he loyally sustained in enforcing strict discipline, for without discipline it is impossible to properly present the drama. At least forty people are required to make up the cast for a full spectacular presentation, many more can be used to advantage on a large stage.
Costumes
As part of this Ritual, the Supreme Council has provided a description of the various Grotto costumes, which should be consulted before making selections, as it contains valuable information and suggestions which will be helpful in settling this important matter.
The Stage
The stage and its equipment demand most careful attention in all the details of arrangement relating thereto. Therefore, a new Grotto should carefully investigate the plans adopted by established Grottoes before deciding on the particulars relating to stage matters.
The committee in charge should first make a careful study of the Ritual and accompanying notes, which will give them a general knowledge of what is required, then they should seek the advice of those who have had actual experience in staging the drama.
By following this plan they will profit by the experience of others and thus avoid making costly mistakes.
The following suggestions should be read because they apply to the question under consideration:
List of Properties Necessary in Putting on Ceremonial Boat, emblem on ribbon, caldron pair of horns, tail, ice for hoof, scroll for record, chains, gong, hoodwinks, thunder sheet, lightning, wind machine, surf machine, casket for Jewel, torches, ropes, battle axes, tridents, spears, and equipment for putting on stunts in Feast of Revels. Phonograph records of sound effects are recommended when a P.A. system is used.
Stage Equipment
Whatever scheme of stage equipment is adopted will have to be worked out according to the circumstances surrounding each case, but, in a general way, it may he said that the equipment must include a curtain, and drops as follows: Mokena's Court, Haunted Forest, Wood Scene, rocks, stumps, etc., Caldron, tomb, Storm and River, Imperial Chamber of Gehenna, also wing, fly and borders to match each drop. Throne for Mokanna, Throne for His Majesty, shrine for casbet, also electrical wiring, lamps, and machines for producing necessary light effects.
In order to properly confer the Order of Veiled Prophet the work of the Grotto must be done on a stage, which should be in a hall of sufficient size to accommodate the membership of the Grotto and leave a reasonable floor space immediately in front of the stage for candidates.
The stage should be large enough to accommodate the cast and to set the various scenes necessary to make a full presentation of the drama. It must be equipped with paraphernalia especially designed for the work, and so arranged that the necessary changes of scenes can be made with the least possible loss of time.

Prologue

Note: The Monarch, Chief Justice, Master of Ceremonies, Orator and Grand Chamberlain enter from rear of the hall, down the center aisle, onto the stage and take their stations in front of the curtain. If an orchestra is in pit, it will then play march. Candidates places in front rows. (The above is optional, the officers can be on the stage when the curtain goes up, or can enter from center or sides of the stage, with the exception of the Grand Chamberlain, who should be on the level of the candidates.)

Ceremonial Drama Section

The Prologue and Epilogue being definitely not a part of the dramatic section, should not be given in costume or the heavy colored uncomfortable and terrible looking robes that are so often used. These two portions of the ceremonial are much better and more impressive if the officers, or cast members doing this part are dressed in tuxedos, or neat uniform, business suits, alike if possible. (If summertime dress alike in sports clothing is distinctive ) A ribbon with the name of the Grotto thereon, worn over the shoulder as a baldric, as a touch of color; or a wide red ribbon over a tuxedo is colorful. The Prologue and Epilogue should he played before an inner curtain, a’ curtain hung four or five feet behind the front or main curtain; ‘this enables the pre-setting of the Mokanna Court scene, and if that is set in half-stage, the Caldron scene can also be pre-set. If the inner curtain is not available, then before the regular curtain, if there is sufficient “APRON” (space between curtain and edge of stage) to stand in comfort.
The poem, “IN A FRIENDLY SORT OF WAY”, has been so terribly given on so many occasions that it would have been better to have eliminated it entirely. However, it is so appropriate and fitting that it should be given, with the speaker facing the audience, talking out so that the Prophet in the last row hears him as well as the candidate in the first row. The poem should not be given too fast, nor should the last word of each line be dropped or lost. Each word should be spoken clearly and distinctly. There should be no movement among the candidates while the poem is being recited, so that there is nothing to distract attention from the speaker.
It is not necessary that the Grand Chamberlain recite the poem. It can be given by any one of the Prophets on the stage at the time. In some Grottoes it is done very well by someone off stage speaking through a microphone as though the words were coming from another world.
The Grand Chamberlain should place the candidates in position before the poem is started, with a Grotto member at the left end of each line so that the left end candidate will have someone to place his hand upon.
It is not necessary that the Monarch or Line Officers give the Prologue and Epilogue. They are usually busy with other duties and sometimes do not do it as effectively as the regular members of the cast who would repeat it year after year and are trained and coached in their lines.

MONARCH: In the Entered Apprentice Degree we are taught, before starting anything important, we ought to seek our God for help and light, and in that spirit, we come tonight.
Prophet Chaplain, you will attend at the Altar, all will rise.
Pedestal with closed Bible to be Ion center stage, front, Chaplain will kneel back of pedestal, open Bible, and give the following prayer.
CHAPLAIN: Great Architect of the Universe, the only true God, who hides not his face behind a veil, but allows the sunshine of his love to shine down upon us, we humbly ask Thee tonight for a special blessing upon these Pilgrim Neophytes, whom we are about to initiate into our mysteries. Endow them with a divine wisdom, that they may fully absorb the story of Sympathy and Goodfellowship, which we are about to unfold this evening. And may we all leave here tonight with the thought in mind to love and serve Thee, and to live and preach the doctrine of Brotherly Love. All of which we ask in Thy Name. Amen.
MONARCH: All be seated.
GRAND CHAMBERLAIN, On same level as candidates: Prophet Monarch, these candidates, all of whom have been regularly proposed and elected to receive the Order of Veiled Prophet, now seek admission to the Enchanted Realm.
MONARCH: Whence came they?
GRAND CHAMBERLAIN: From the cold light of common day they seek admission to the Enchanted Realm.
MONARCH: Have they been duly avouched?
GRAND CHAMBERLAIN: They are all our kind.
MONARCH: Candidates, are you still minded, all bravery and belief, to join the standard of the Great Mokanna, our Veiled Prophet Chief?
CANDIDATES: We are.
MONARCH: Candidates, it is my pleasure to congratulate you on the honor conferred by your election to receive the Order of Veiled Prophet, and to assure you that sincerity of purpose, brings to all thus honored a cordial welcome to our mystic fellowship. We are now ready to proceed with your induction, but before you can proceed further in the ceremony, you must give the Prophets here assembled, positive assurance of your sincerity, in seeking admission to the Order, by consenting, of your own free will, to proceed and take the Obligation of Veiled Prophet, which will solemnly bind you to secrecy, obedience and loyalty, as a member of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. This requirement is imperative, and must be cheerfully complied with, if you wish to proceed farther. In order that you may be better informed before making the irrevocable decision, our Prophet Orator will now briefly explain to you, the nature and purpose of our Order.
I charge you to give close attention to his words.
ORATOR: Candidates, the Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm originated with Master Masons, good and true. It is therefore fundamentally Masonic. None but Master Masons in good standing are eligible to membership, and its superstructure is erected upon the enduring basis of Masonic moral precepts, but it is in no sense a part of Symbolic Craft Masonry, and makes no claim to be such. Its purpose is to foster the spirit of good-fellowship among its members without infringing upon the solemn dignity of the Lodge.
For the accomplishment of that purpose, the Order establishes Grottoes wherein Master Masons of all Lodges may meet and cultivate the cheerful side of life, through the enjoyment of social pleasures that serve to break down the barriers of reserve and unites them in a spirit of sympathy and good-fellowship, which brightens their lives and makes them better men and better Masons.
Cheerful goodfellowship founded upon the principles of Masonic brotherhood, graced with the charm of true sympathy, is the ideal for which the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm stands. If this ideal appeals to you as being worthy of your loyal support, you will proceed; if not, you will retire.
MONARCH: Candidates, the decisive moment has arrived. If there be any who do not wish to proceed, they will now retire. All who wish to proceed raise their right hands in token of their sincerity
Grand Chamberlain, you will place the candidates in position.
GRAND CHAMBERLAIN, gives proper instructions, telling candidates to place their right hand over their heart and their left hand on the right shoulder of their left hand neighbor, then recites: When all the world seems gloomy,
Your thoughts are sad and blue
And the clouds hang dark and heavy
And won’t let the sunshine thru,
It makes the day seem brighter
For a fellow just to lay
His hand upon your shoulder
In a friendly sort of way.

It makes the sun come out again,
It makes the pulses start,
You feel a happy throbbing
In the region of your heart;
You feel a lump within your throat—
You don’t know what to say,
When a hand is on your shoulder
In a friendly sort of way.

This world’s a curious compound,
With its honey and its gall,
Its hopes and disappointments,
Rut a good world after all;
And a good God must have made it,
At least that’s what I say—
When a hand is on your shoulder
In a friendly sort of way.
GRAND CHAMBERLAIN after a brief pause: Prophet Monarch the candidates are in proper position.
MONARCH: Everyone will rise, the Prophets will remove their Fez, and the Candidates will give their attention and follow closely while our Chief Justice administers the Grotto Obligation.
CHIEF JUSTICE: Candidates, you will each say I, pronounce your name and repeat the words of your Solemn Obligation after me.
I, ..., on my faith and honor as a Master Mason, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will never willingly or knowingly, reveal to any person, not a member in good standing in the Order, the secrets of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, except to duly elected candidates, under the restrictions of the Supreme Council of the Order for initiatory purposes.
I do also promise and swear that I will never recommend as a candidate for the Order, any person, unless I am satisfied that he is a worthy Master Mason in good standing, nor will I ever be present at the conferring of the Order on any person I know not to be such.
I do also promise and swear that I will never affiliate with, nor visit any body of this Order, nor recognize in any way, as a Veiled Prophet of the Enchanted Realm, any person, unless it, or he, shall recognize the Supreme Council organized at Hamilton, New York, on June 13, 1890, as the Supreme Body of the Order.
To all of which I do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, binding myself under no less a penalty than the infliction of all the penalties of my Masonic degrees, up to and including that of a Master Mason, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate this, my solemn Obligation, as a Veiled Prophet of the Enchanted Realm. So help me God.
MONARCH: Candidates, drop your hands and all be seated.

Ceremonial Drama
Scenes

1. COURT OF MOKANNA— Mokanna, seated on throne, surrounded by Guards, Magician and other entertainers.
2. THE HAUNTED FOREST—
3. EARTHWARD BANK OP THE STYX or CALDRON SCENE—
4. THE SILENT TOMB—
5. THE FURY OF THE ELEMENTS—STORM SCENE— “The point just above the awful whirlpool,” still on the earthward bank of the Styx. Dialogue in the Ritual followed. Wind and rain machine or phonograph records may he used.
Wind and storm record for this scene can be obtained through the Executive Secretary’s office. Record runs about four minutes.
6. THE IMPERIAL COURT— His Majesty on throne, surrounded by Imps and other characters. Red lights, etc.
7. COURT OF MOKANNA— Same as Scene 1.
After obligation, Monarch says: Candidates, be seated.
The lines to follow are new; they are spoken by the Narrator. If you decide to use them do not use any part of the lines spoken by “Goodfellow,” throughout the rest of the Ritual.
As candidates are seating themselves, lights are dimmed to a blackout—Officers leave stage and Narrator enters in the dark—slips in on either side or in center, with the curtain itself for a background, a small green spotlight is slowly focused upon him. He should be clothed in a long dark robe, there should be a hood on the robe with a slight peak in the rear, and the front should be drawn so that merely the face shows, with no makeup. Remember the Narrator is not a character playing a part, but recites his lines as a reader giving an historical lecture or explanation.

Synopsis

NARRATOR: Prophets and Neophytes. The drama, we are about to portray for you is neither a myth nor a legend, but is actually based upon the early history of Persia, at a period when, through dissension there came into power the second dynasty, controlled by the Sassanian Kings, under Chosroes II. During this period many strange cults of fire-worshippers sprang up in Persia, and one with a large following was that of the Prophet Mokanna. This Prophet had been afflicted with a terrible disease known as the black small pox, but so that his followers would not see his affliction, he covered his face with a veil, and told them that he was descended from God and that his eyes were so dazzling that humans, until purified, could not look upon his face.
To Enable the Neophyte to join the ranks of this Prophet, it was necessary that he undertake a long and dangerous journey, overcome all obstacles and return with the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm, which the Prophet dedicated as Truth. Neophytes, soon you will be introduced into the presence of the Veiled Prophet, the Great Mokanna One of you will be chosen lo venture forth in quest of the Priceless Jewel! His journey will take him through the haunted forest to the borderland between earth and hell into the land of Erebus, the God of Darkness, where he is beset by Melancholy and Despair and other dwellers of this Realm of shade. A stranger in a strange land, he is warned to depart, but heedless of all warnings, he wanders near the borders of the forbidden land where he is discovered by Cerberus, the Watchdog, who guards the entrance to Hades, and is taken before Minos the Chief Justice and Executioner of the Underworld.
His Satanic Majesty is summoned, and the mortal condemned to the usual tortures from which he is saved by Rhadamanthus, the kind and just judge, who discovered that he had stood in the northeast corner of the lodge. The Neophyte is put to the Supreme Test. He makes a perilous journey, beset by all the horrors of the underworld but finally with the assistance of old Charon, he safely crosses the River Styx, where he is again met by his Satanic Majesty, who congratulates him upon his successful journey, and tries to reward him by making him a full fledge Imp. However, because the light of good-fellowship is discovered shining on his brow, he is driven from Hell at the order of his majesty who gives him the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm which was all that remained to remind him of his lost estate. The quest is ended. The powers of evil have been overcome by a heart glowing with sympathy and a countenance beaming with the war of goodfellowship.
The purpose of this drama is primarily initiation, but it also serves as a noble example of the Neophyte overcoming all obstacles and returning with the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm, and culminates in a grand climax, when the Neophyte returns triumphant and is hailed with joyous enthusiasm and acclamation amid the splendor of Mokanna’s court. And now on with the play.
Spotlight off and curtain up on the Mokanna Court Scene.
Goodfellow: Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! so this is earth, where mortals dwell,
The place they leave when they go to Hell!
And there tonight, if you’d like to know,
Is exactly where you indicating all candidates are going to go.
Yes, good friends—and I have many, many such—
Who treat me rather well—and, I hope—love me much.
So, ere the descent we really start,
My name—to you I shall impart—
Well—I am—just a “Goodfellow”
Whose duty is for you to arrange
A journey thru regions mystic and strange.
So then—In the name of our Mighty Mokanna, our Veiled Prophet Chief, I ask that you imagine yourselves living about 1200 years ago, when this Mighty Mokanna conquered and ruled the land of Persia. You will be commanded by him to set forth on a quest—to proceed on a journey—and seek the Priceless Jewel of The Enchanted Realm. One of you will be designated—specially chosen—personally honored to physically make this journey, which will be a thrilling and dangerous one. So now—let us go back—back 100 years—another hundred—500 years—1,000 years—1,200 years. Behold! We find ourselves in the court and in the presence of the Veiled Prophet Mokanna himself.
Spotlight off and curtain up on Mokanna scene.

SCENE 1
MOKANNA COURT

This can be as elaborate an ancient Persian Court as you care to make it. It is recommended, however, that it be confined, if possible, to only half-stage depth, thus permitting the main part of the Caldron or Grotto Scene to be pre-set. This also permits the Haunted Forest drop to be lowered in front of the main properties of this scene, and then removed QUIETLY while the Haunted Forest scene is in progress. The Veiled Prophet is seated on his throne in rear of stage, left of center, the shrine can be upstage in center, or it can be a little to the right, of these positions. Mokanna’s throne and shrine can be reversed. These scenes can be dressed up with courtiers, guards, magicians, entertainers, etc. Music and entertainment can be in progress as curtain rises and continues for a few minutes, then Sarpedon, down right addressing Mokanna, says: Oh, Mighty Mokanna! These Neophytes, all bravoy and belief, bow in suppliance before thy throne, and vow subservience to thy laws and mysteries till in the grave.
MOKANNA: Neophytes, we greet ye! Welcome to our glorious standard.
Standard can be on stage and referred to by indication, or brought in by guard and placed and referred to at the time.
From this hour ye are forever bound to my service. Yet, ere ye can enter into my Fellowship and stand with the faithful of the Realm, ye must be proved worthy by supreme tests. He on whom the lot shall Fall must make the quest through Earth and Air, through grisly paths of black despair, the flaming depths of Hell must dare, for the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm. Are ye, all bravery and belief, still minded to join my faithful host?
NEOPHYTES: I am.
MOKANNA: Then bow thy luckless heads, the lot shall fall. Sarpedon, cast the fateful lot.
Sarpedon draws name from urn or vase and reads slowly the name of the candidate selected. Grand Chamberlain brings him on stage and places robe on him.
A very effective way to get name is to have iron kettle on stage with small electric heating unit in same. Sarpedon has small can with a little ‘black powder in it which he throws into iron pot as the powder hits the heat unit, up comes a cloud of smoke, out of which Sarpedon appears to read the name of candidate.
MOKANNA: When fell the fateful lot, Neophytes, ye faltered not. Thus proven, all bravery and belief, I take ye for mine own, bounden forever to my throne. Go forth at the trumpet’s call, my glorious banner to uphold.
Then turning to Neophyte But woe to see thou luckless wight, clothed in pilgrim garb. Seek thou alone the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm. Thy quest will lead thee to the depth of Hell, to that place of horrors, where demons dwell. May the genial glow of a vision splendid attended thy quest in triumph ended.
Ere thou depart, I present thee an amulet.
Sarpedon procures the amulet, which is a Grotto emblem on a cord. It can be on a small stand near Mokanna. He hands it to Mokanna who places it around the Neophyte’s neck like a necklace.
Wear thou it constantly, for it holds a charm to shield thee from all danger and harm.
And now, Sarpedon, conduct the bewildered hopeful to the edge of the Haunted Forest, that mystic and gruesome domain, betwixt earth and hell. Thou wilt there leave him alone. Then addressing Neophyte: Thou wilt be dolorously and ghoulishly greeted by gloomy denizens and demons that inhabit the regions through which thou wilt pass. Dependent upon thy deportment, courage, cheerfulness, depth of sincerity and honesty of purpose will be the reception and personal treatment which thou wilt experience through the ordeals which will surely follow. And so, farewell!
Trumpet blows, and Sarpedon slowly conducts Neophyte off stage as curtain falls.
At end of Mokanna Court Scene curtain closes and lights dim out, then green spotlight upon Goodfellow, who has taken his place in front of curtain as before. Note: Stage crew should now QUIETLY remove or “Strike” the Mokanna scene and place the Haunted Forest drop in place. This drop should be “down stage.” i e, towards the audience and about four or five feet if possible behind the front curtain. This change can be made in a fraction of a minute. The Mokanna scene should be set in not more than half stage—i e., about half way back This arrangement also enables the Caldron and Caldron drop be pre-set. That is all set before the show starts. In this way you merely “take away” for the first few scenes, or set while one scene is being played. (QUIETLY, of course.)
Stage crew prepares Haunted Forest scene. Good-fellow on and green spotlight on him.
GOODFELLOW: Leaving the court of Mokanna you will again use your imagination and we will go far—far—faraway to the land of Mythology—This line should be done slowly and impressively with a slow sweeping gesture and with the proper expression on the face and with the eyes, indicating the mental transportation to the realms of mythology where you will find strange creatures mocking at you—Melancholy and Despair will grip your soul—but—with your hope, determination, laughter and reason—you persistently journey on—so—again let us travel farther—farther on into the realm of phantasy—into the land of Mythology—to that region of horrors—betwixt Earth and Hell—the Haunted Forest!
Spotlight out—Goodfellow slinks off and curtain up on Haunted Forest Scene—in blue or green light—at end of scene as Melancholy drives Neophyte to his “doom”—lights slowly out—curtain down—Goodfellow in place and green spotlight on him—remove Haunted Forest drop and have Caldron ready—lighted in red.

SCENE TWO
THE HAUNTED FOREST

This should be set in what we call one or one and one-half. Which means down stage, utilizing about one-third or one-fourth of the stage depth. This enables the stage crew to QUIETLY strike or remove the Mokanna Court scene and set the Caldron or Grotto scene.
The Haunted Forest should be dimly lighted in blue with a green spotlight focused upon MELANCHOLY, who should be squatted left of center as far back as possible. If the spotlight is used, it can be switched to catch and follow DESPAIR when he enters from left.
Remember right and left means the right and left as the actor faces the audience. Curtain up slowly, when it is up, MELANCHOLY speaks gloomily, disdainfully, slowly and with pessimistic conviction—sort of thinking out aloud.
MELANCHOLY: O! dismal abode of grief and woe, through all eternity, am I destined to linger harrowing here, stealing away the effulgence of HUMAN ASPIRATIONS endlessly the pilgrims come, endlessly I strive to disillusion them, with the philosophy of bitter truth. But all in vain, they will not heed. Shake head in disgust and apparently doze off repeating THEY will not heed. Neophyte slowly enters right, DESPAIR enters from left, sees candidate, approaches with a few steps, indicating with right hand and arm the appropriate gesture in an exaggerated manner as he speaks slowly with a huge SARDONIC self-satisfied and sarcastic grin.
DESPAIR: Come, come, my dear fellow, come! I am DESPAIR, you know—and may take ANYONE. Nodding head. Yes, I torture and twist the mind—thwart worldly ambitions, cajole into madness, even lead to SUICIDE, Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha! I have been lurking, in the background of your being for a long, long time, and have followed you closely since Sarpedon left you at the edge of this forest. You have been hopelessly, aimlessly, wandering for many days, and, I ask you, what for! WHAT FOR, I ask! Why? stepping closer to him and smiling. I am getting closer, closer, with hopelessness, despondency, desperation. These, I give you getting a closer look at his face, then with a change of intonation and a slight step backward What? Thou fearest me not but appear joyous and contended, BAH! I like this not in thee. Smiles, laughter, the joy of doing for others, contentment, happiness, these characteristics in mortals are not to my liking! They only frustrate the aims of despair. Angrily seizing him—on the last few words above—menacingly steps up to candidate, looking him in the eye and seizing him fiercely by the right arm, holds the position a few seconds without moving, then with a satisfied grin): Ah! That is better, now come, come with me to the cave of DESPAIR. Take Neophyte by left arm and start a few steps toward center, as WIZARD enters from left, sees DESPAIR and Neophyte, peers at them with astonishment and wonder, then speaks.
WIZARD: Despair!
DESPAIR: Ah! You old WIZARD, you here again. You who fear not DESPAIR.
WIZARD, laughingly: Yes, ‘tis I, the old WIZARD, who have mastered thee and fear thee not, I laugh at thee, Ho! Ho! Ho! Get thee gone, go join thy companions Melancholy and Confusion.
WIZARD: Away with you. Away!
DESPAIR leaves and slinks off right first entrance, WIZARD then approaches Neophyte, scrutinizes him from all sides, feels him, then, apparently satisfied, nodding his head, speaks. WIZARD should not show anger, but rather kindly advice.
Thou are indeed flesh and blood, another mortal that has dared to enter this dread domain twixt earth and hell, where spectors dwell, and fearful Despair, and brooding Melancholy warps thy very soul, Mortal, heed my warning, thou are not welcome here. Depart, ere vials of wrath break upon thy defenseless head and overwhelm thee with unutterable woe. I tell thee go. Turns back to Neophyte and starts to walk away, stops, looks over shoulder, acts surprised to see Neophyte still there. What, thou wilt not? Ah, well, be it so. Fools were ever bold and rush in where angels fear to tread. List, Oh, Neophyte! I could to thee a tale unfold, whose lightest word would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood, make thy two eyes like stars start from their sockets, thy knotted locks to part, and each particular hair to stand on end like quills of the fretful porcupine looking hint over with a knowing smirk. But—nay—I will not! I leave thee to thy fate seeing and indicating Melanchol. Yea, e’en now brooding and mournful Melancholy hovers near. Fare thee well, fare thee well. Exits right gleefully, chuckling.
MELANCHOLY, rising and crossing to Neophyte, looking him over and to him: Alas, as I thought, another pilgrim, and as usual, rosy with hope’s glowing fire.
O child of hope, turn back! While there is yet time and opportunity, turn from yon unattainable goal toward which thine unreasoning, over-mastering ambition impells thee. Behold the perilous path thou must tread, the dangers thou must meet, the obstacles thou must surmount to win the golden goal of thy dreams, behold, and TREMBLE! Oh, I implore thee, heed well the solemn admonition they afford and turn from this fatal threshold. And what if thou succeed? What if thou win the reward of thy quest and hear the cheers of victory? Of what avail? What, fool, thou smilest? Knowest that laughter and smiles are mine enemies? Thou art endeavoring to conquer and frustrate MELANCHOLY? Short pause. Thou disdainest my advice? Thou fool, FOOL, blind and obstinate FOOL! On then, to thy destruction, I’ll test well the mettle of thy will, and he of the skull and cross bones, he of the scythe and coffin will vanquish thee at last. On to thy doom, ON TO THY DOOM! ON TO THY DOOM! Lights dim down and slow curtain.
When curtain falls on Haunted Forest Scene—GREEN spotlight on for Goodfellow—stage crew removes Haunted Forest drop and should be ready for Caldron scene, which has been pre-set.
GOODFELLOW: Thy doom! Thy doom! Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho!
Soon you will truly find yourself in the Infernal Regions—at the borders of Gehenna—that place of terror and torture—demons will discover and torment you—the great Lucifer himself will quiz you. Spotlight off Goodfellow. Lights and curtain up on Caldron scene.

SCENE THREE
EARTHWARD BANK OF THE RIVER STYX OR CALDRON SCENE

A cavern or cave scene makes an excellent setting for this act. With the Caldron back in center, this should be so constructed that a person can be placed in it and later removed, flame and fire effects under and about the Caldron, these effects can be worked out by those interested in lighting and stage mechanics. The stage lighting should be predominantly RED. Flash effects for the entrance of His Majesty are also effective.
At the rise of the curtain, the Grand Marshal is discovered. He gazes inquiringly off stage, left—crosses to left, peers warningly, decides the red light is glaring, then hurriedly crosses to right and calls.
GRAND MARSHAL: Dwellers of the realm of shade! crosses to left and calls off stage in that direction.
Dwellers of the realm of shade! crosses back to center and facing front, continues as Imps, and Charon, enter from both sides.
Assemble in grim mysterious council. The red lights glare and mortals wander near our borders.
To Chief Justice who has entered from left: To you, most mighty Chief Justice, who knows not what mercy is, His Majesty has proclaimed that you carry out his mandates and that you execute his commands on the victim last brought before him.
CHIEF JUSTICE: Are our borders securely guarded?
GRAND MARSHAL: Bravest sentinels are now guarding all our borders.
MINOS (C. J.): ‘Tis well, come, ye Imps of Torture, turn on your fiercest flames Busy imps at Caldron, flames roaring, etc. And armed with burning tridents, gleaming forks, and barbed spears, execute His Majesty’s commands, unseasoned with mercy, until the luckless mortal shall howl and curse the hour that brought him here. Bring forth the victim.
Victim is dragged out by Imps, he escapes, is captured, then placed in Caldron. Drive deep your forks into his q-u-i-v-e-r-i-n-g flesh, Ha! Ha! Ha! The above speech or something similar can be “ad libitum” a time or two, with appropriate action and gestures from Imps. Drive deep your forks of F-I-R-E into his quivering flesh. Wind round him RED HOT CHAINS. Then gleefully chuckling, turn front and towards left and see Cerberus and Neophyte about to enter from down left, then with a change of expression to sternness, read following line with stern sarcasm, burn it right in, to Neophyte, eye to eye, while taking a few steps in his direction, as you do this, Imps, etc., notice where your eyes are focused. Charon also notices the intruder and ‘springs forward to meet him and Cerberus Cross axes and stop them down left, or down right should you prefer they make their entrance from that spot. If so, the Chief Justice must change gaze, etc., accordingly.)
CHARON: Back! Back! I say, upon your lives, turn back! There are sights and scenes here that no mortal may look upon.
CERBERUS to CHARON: Stand from my path and let me pass. I have a duty to perform, which brooks not of delay. Stand back, I say. Attempts to pass, is resisted by Charon.
CHARON: Once more I warn you back, another step and I will hurl you to destruction.
MINOS: Cerberus, what means this untimely interruption of our duty? Are you mad that you would bring another victim here, ere this one is disposed of? Speak, if thou has ought to say.
CERBERUS: Most mighty Chief Justice, this vase is dire and urgent, and brooks not delay. While keeping watch and ward upon the outmost borders of our Realm. my faithful Imps suddenly surprised this monster of the upper air. Summoned by them I made a swift examination, and found him as you see, a hoofless, hornless, tailless anthropos. Whereupon. I seized and brought him to this dread presence. Behold, he awaits your will.
MINOS: ‘Tis well. And yet, it may be ILL for him. Cerberus, you were faithful to your duty and none too quick in its discharge. What seeks he?
CERBERUS: From being found within our borders, we judge he seeks to gain an entrance to our Realm.
MINOS:
What purpose can he have in this?
CERBERUS: From the manner in which he is clothed, we judge his purpose is to gain a knowledge of our mysteries.
MINOS: His curiosity may cost him dear. Can you avouch his sincerity?
CERBERUS: I cannot.
MINOS: Will you say he is no spy?
CERBERUS: I will not.
MINOS: Dare you recommend him to our mercy?
CERBERUS: I dare not.
GRAND MARSHAL, from Caldron and indicating victim therein: Most, mighty Chief Justice, our victim here is in a swoon. What shall we do with him?
MINOS: Remove him—to—to the torture chamber. Victim is removed and placed on floor, and carried off at the word “Go”. Pour molten brimstone down his throat till he revives, and then proceed. But stay, Grand Marshal looking at Neophyte let ten fold keener tortures be prepared for fresher victims. Go!
GRAND MARSHAL, as victim is removed from stage: Turn on your fiercest flames, until this Caldron roars and these chains grow white with heat. During the above Cerberus should edge the Neophyte about center stage and leave him there, then the Chief Justice goes towards him, looks him over, as he laughs.
MINOS: Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! Crossing to left of Neophyte. Come, ye Imps. Imps come down, two on each side of Chief Justice.
MINOS (pointing to victim): Heat up the Caldron with flames of fire—
And make this guilty wretch expire.
We’ll steam up his flesh and heat his bones—
Laugh at his cries and hiss his groans.
IMP NO. 1 steps forward and points at victim: We’ll scratch out his name—his footprints hide—
And forget that he ever lived or died.
IMP NO. 2, steps forward and points at victim: Leave not one mark or spot to show
That he entered Hades here below.
IMP NO. 3, steps forward and points at victim: So foul and vile a wretch as he—
Should burn and then forgotten he.
IMP NO. 4, steps forward and points at victim: So throw on the fuel—stir up the fire—
And let the guilty wretch expire.
CHIEF JUSTICE, walking down stage and pointing to Neophytes: And now you know what’s in store for you—
If you are not faithful brave and true.
So Mortals all consider well—
Before you start that path to hell.
MINOS: Demons, this interruption of our duty and this last invasion of our Realm demands our swift attention. But the case transcends our powers and necessitates the presence of His Majesty. Let the grand alarm be given.
The grand alarm is given by three strokes on a loud sounding gong or bell. It could be done by the Grand Marshal on stage or by someone off stage. His Majesty appears in a glory of red light, all salute His Majesty, then after a moment of silence, he proceeds, with stern and solemn tone, as follows: Minos, Chief Justice of the Realm, what dire necessity has come that you should call me to this throne of judgment?
MINOS: Your Majesty, while carrying out your mandate on him last brought before you, we were suddenly surprised and interrupted by Cerberus, who on the outmost borders of our Realm, had captured yonder luckless mortal. Behold, he awaits your will.
HIS MAJESTY: Has he been avouched for?
MINOS: He has not.
HIS MAJESTY: Cerberus, faithful watch-dog of the Realm, had he no word, nor sign, nor rare endowment by which he gained a rightful entrance to our Plutonian Shades?
CERBERUS: Your Majesty, he had no word, nor sign; and, as for rare endowments, umph! He had neither hoof, horns, nor tail.
HIS MAJESTY: What! Caught within our borders thus! His doom and destiny are self-pronounced. Short shrift we’ll make of him. Seize and bind him for the caldron. Let all the furies of the Realm assemble. Let fiercest fires ...
RHADAMANTHUS, rushes on stage and interrupts His Majesty: Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
HIS MAJESTY, impatiently: Well?
RHADAMANTHUS: Lend me your ears for one brief moment. I know this hoofless, hornless, tailless Anthropos and have his record here. Throws out roll of paper or scroll of black cloth, about 12 feet long and 1 foot wide, so that it will unroll on floor. ‘Tis dark and dubious, but one thing may be said of him, he has stood in the Northeast Corner of the Lodge.
HIS MAJESTY: Has stood in the Northeast Corner of the Lodge? Said slowly and impressively, then a pause, as if considering.) If this be true, it only gives him respite for further trials. Release him. Neophyte is released, Demons and Imps gather round caldron and fix their eyes on Neophyte, profound silence for a moment, then His Majesty proceeds. Rhadamanthus, is there anything further we should know before proceeding?
RHADAMANTHUS: There is, Your Majesty. First, his presumption soars so high that he regards himself the peer of any in this Realm. All whistle. Second, his ambition is so vaulting and o’erleaping that he will not be satisfied until he is possessed of the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm. All groan and last, his egotism is so towering and top-lofty that, among the beings of the upper lair, he accounts himself a very devil of a fellow. Ha! Ha! Ha!
HIS MAJESTY: Miserable Anthropos, among the being of the upper air you have a fable of a frog which ambitioned to become an ox. Its fate should make the bravest hesitate. Ambition, Presumption, Egotism spell out destruction to a mortal. To which of these do you plead guilty?
CERBERUS, after consulting with Neophyte: To all of these, Your Majesty, and indeed much more.
HIS MAJESTY: To all and much more. This is the very climax of bravado. Mortal, attend my words, You are now in the Realm of Darkness, situated on the earthward bank of the River Styx whose deep dark waters surge between you and the lurid shores beyond. You are soon to be ferried across the Stygian flood, at a point just above the awful whirlpool, by old Charon himself. Summon to your aid all your fortitude, gather up your mightiest powers, for you are now called upon to meet the supreme moment of your life. But remember, henceforth, you must act and answer for yourself. Are you ready?
NEOPHYTE: I am. If Neophyte does not answer promptly, Cerberus should answer for him by saying, “He is”.
HIS MAJESTY, reading scroll: It stands recorded here that he deems himself the Peer of any in this Realm; that it is his ambition to obtain the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm, and that he thinks himself a very devil of a fellow. Rhadamanthus, can all this be true?
RHADAMANTHUS: Your Majesty, it not only can be, but is. Whistle.
HIS MAJESTY: On looking him over from head to foot, then back to his face what does he base this high opinion of himself?
RHADAMANTHUS: He could say more of himself, Your Majesty, but his modesty forbids. Ha! Ha!
HIS MAJESTY: Can he give us a reason why we should think him a devil of a fellow?
RHADAMANTHUS: Reason! He has lost his reason, Your Majesty. That is the reason he is here. All groan.
HIS MAJESTY: Has lost his reason — ‘Tis enough. Addressing Neophyte: We are satisfied that you are in some respects what you claim to be, but—before you can succeed in your quest, it will be necessary for you to make the dreadful journey to Realm of Shades. It is dark and dangerous passage, but, assisted by old Charon, we hope you may succeed. You will therefore suffer yourself to be conducted to a place remote from this, known only to ourselves. There you will be met with kindly greetings, soothed by gentle ministrations, and conducted to your journey’s end as softly and tenderly, we hope, as tho borne on the fleecy bosom of a sunset cloud. Grand Marshal of the Realm, let bravest sentinels keep watch upon all our borders, while we retire to deeper shades and more important duties. Momentous is the hour. Our watch words: Silence and Eternal Vigilance.
All on stage repeat solemnly: “Silence and Eternal Vigilance.”
On lines “Silence and Eternal Vigilance”—done slowly and in deep voice—gradually getting deeper and slower—dim lights slowly and close curtain likewise to blackout, then Goodfellow in place and green spotlight up as before. Strike Caldron scene and put Tomb scene on. This is also well down stage, towards audience, so that Storm scene can be set QUIETLY, OF COURSE—while Tomb scene is being played.
GOODFELLOW:
Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! Tortures, painful tortures, are non being prepared for you. Pluto will sentence you to the tomb—the tomb—Oh yes, that rhymes with DOOM. Remember—”to thy Doom?” Ha! Ha! Cerberus, the faithful watch-dog of the Realm, will conduct you to that gruesome abode. In due time the order will be given for your release, and you will emerge therefrom only to be warned of further and more dismal and FATAL terrors that await you if you persist in your quest. Your determination is adamant—you—being the “master of your fate,” cheerfully press on. Then it is that old Charon, the faithful ferryman of the river Styx, is summoned— But first: on to the ghoulish domain, that final and dismal abode that awaits you all—the clammy, clammy tomb. These last words very slowly and with a grin.
Goodfellow off and tomb scene on.

SCENE 4
THE SILENT TOMB

Opens with tomb scene, to be worked in front of drop immediately back of first entrance. While stage crew is preparing storm scene.
CERBERUS, enters stage from left wing down stage opposite tomb with Neophyte, then proceeds as follows: Mortal, you have but a few brief moments to prepare for that which awaits you. Swiftly and silently the powers of darkness are gathering for your destruction. Repair to yon lonely tomb, where, shut within its dark and loathsome walls, in company with ghastly forms of death, prepare your mind in silent meditation to endure the terrible ordeal that awaits you.
Cerberus conducts Neophyte to tomb.
CERBERUS, reading inscription over tomb entrance: “Abandon hope all ye who enter here.”
Neophyte enters tomb.
HIS MAJESTY, enters from right, impressively: ‘Tis now the witching time of night when graveyards yawn, and Hell itself breathes out contagion to the world. This is the time when screech-owls cry and ban-dogs howl; when dead men’s graves are opened and the sheeted dead do squeak and gibber in the streets. ‘Tis the time when Melancholy sets a-brooding on the hearts of men, when black-robed Conscience wrings their souls and makes them cry in anguish for light to end the torments of the night. Groans off stage. Hark, what sound was that?
CERBERUS: ‘Tis the wailing of a tormented soul.
HIS MAJESTY: A tormented soul, how I love the wailing of a tormented soul.
Demons, let down more closely the sable shades of night, that we may be undisturbed, for we have wild and dreadful work to do. Pauses. Cerberus, if the mortal still lives, bring him forth from the tomb.
Cerberus brings Neophyte before His Majesty.
HIS MAJESTY: Charon faithful ferryman of the Styx enter Charon from right prepare your craft, summon your bravest crew, for the waves roll heavily tonight, and this luckless mortal must cross the Stygian flood pointing to Neophyte.
CHARON, in loud voice: Ahoy, ye Imps of darkness! On deck, ye trusty crew! Unmoor our craft and get ye to the sturdy oar, for a mortal must be ferried to the lurid shore this night. It will be wild and dreadful work, but we’ll get him there, dead or alive—we’ll get him there. Exit Charon right.
HIS MAJESTY: Mortal, the horologue of fate has tolled forth the hour of your dread doom, and I must say farewell, while you must go in darkness and alone to a point, on the bank of the black river, where Charon with his craft awaits to ferry you across the angry flood. Thenceforth, your path will be over a rough and rocky way, all slippery with the slime of decayed bodies of those who have perished in the attempt to cross before you. About your feet will crawl horrid, hissing, slimy snakes and lizards. Great warty toads will wallow in your path. In the air above you will hover black winged bats, huge vampires and fiends of darkness. Far below, on one side of your slippery path, flow mad waters in perpetual tumult; on the other yawns a frightful chasm. A misstep on the hither side will plunge you to the savage, upreaching, black waves below; a misstep on the farther side and you will be hurled to the appalling depths of the chasm which is already paved with crumbling bones of other victims. Neophyte, attend! Dost thou still persist in this appalling quest? To all these menacing threats and dread warnings of the terrors that await thee, findest thou fit answer in thy soul?
Cardboard in wings in line with Neophyte’s vision.
NEOPHYTE, reads in loud, clear voice: Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever Gods there be
For my unconquerable soul.

It matters not how straight the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll, 1 am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.
Note: Only two verses from “Invictus” are used to save time. It may also be sung by a Prophet substituting for the Neophyte in this scene.
HIS MAJESTY:
Bravely spoken, Neophyte, and like a true Prophet. At the words “true Prophet,” Charon, standing in the wings, will blow his horn, giving three loud blasts.
HIS MAJESTY: Old Charon winds his horn. Guided by its sound you must seek him out, in darkness and alone. And now very sarcastic we shall see how much good that Amulet will do. Majesty points to Amulet, and as Neophyte walks off stage On to thy doom on to thy doom.
Curtain down-~green spotlight on Good fellow and prepare storm scene.
GOODFELLOW: The ponderous and marble jaws of the tomb have cast thee up again—but—old Charon is obediently and anxiously waiting to ferry you across this river or death—which has ne’er been successfully and safely crossed by mortal man. Will you succeed and make a safe passage? It will be a most dangerous and stormy journey, with Chaos, the God of Confusion, calling on all the elements to destroy you. What success will you have? Will you safely reach the lurid shore beyond? Peal of thunder is heard and lights start to dim. Let us hope—fervently hope that you do succeed.
Lights out and into the storm scene.
After storm scene—lights out—curtain closed and spotlight on Goodfellow as before—”strike” storm scene and prepare Imperial Chambers of Gehenna scene—if necessary for economical reasons, this can again be the cave scene without the caldron—but—with a throne chair and other decorative pedestals, etc.

SCENE NO. 5
STORM SCENE

Characters—His Majesty, Cerberus, Charon, Chaos, Imps, etc, up stage right.
CHARON: Cerberus, is this the luckless mortal that must cross tonight?
CERBERUS: It is, but it were better for him that he had never been born.
CHARON: Lend me your aid that he may be helped on board our craft.
Chaos approaches just as Neophyte is placed in boat.
CHAOS: Stay Charon, what is your purpose and whom have you here?
CHARON: A mortal that must cross tonight.
CHAOS: Think not to ferry this mortal to lurid shore beyond. Chaos, God of Confusion, commands you to stay.
CHARON:
It is His Majesty’s command, and though you and all the Gods of Earth and Heaven oppose me, yet will I go.
CHAOS: What! Old Charon dare again defy Chaos, God of Confusion; and attempt to ferry mortal man across the River Styx to the lurid shore beyond? By all the infernals, he shall not. Assemble, all my minions; Red Vulcan, God of Fire. Vulcan answers with flash of fire. Wild Boreas, God of Wind Boreas answers with storm of wind; Great Jove, with thy forked lightnings and ear-splitting thunder Jove answers with flashing lightning and roaring thunder; Fierce Furies, and Neptune, Mighty God of Ocean Furies and Neptune answer with sound of rain and surging surf: churn these black waters into hissing foam, twist them in sucking whirlpools, heave them into toppling mountains and hurl him down the swirling vortex to destruction!
Charon is nonplussed and hesitates.
HIS MAJESTY, rushing on stage from left, loudly: Charon! Why don’t you go?
CHARON: Your Majesty, Old Chaos has broken loose, with all his furious satellites, and with lightnings and black tempest is marshalling his hosts for our destruction. I dare not go.
HIS MAJESTY: I tell you go, though you and all your craft be lost.
CHARON: I obey; but we shall all be lost. Charon and Neophyte enter boat. Storm increases in fury. Charon, standing in boat and rowing with one oar. No dialogue. Pantomine, except demoniacal laughter off stage, thunder, lightning, storm and rain. Phonograph sound effects may be used.
When Charon and Neophyte reach opposite side of the stage—the house curtain is closed—the storm scene “struck” (removed) and the Gehenna scene IMMEDIATELY set—the Grotto or cave scene can be used for this with a throne chair on a dais—in center rear—fiery pedestals, etc.—also a small stand at right of throne on which is placed the casket with the glow—the Goodfellow side to rear. In the crossing during the storm scene—this can be made in either direction, but the previous stage directions given in the Ritual all lead to the crossing being made from. right to left—i. e., actors right and left—as he faces the audience. When curtain drops on STORM SCENE—GREEN SPOTLIGHT IMMEDIATELY on GOODFELLOW—and QUICK CHANGE TO GEHENNA SCENE —QUIETLY.
GOODFELLOW: Lucky, lucky mortals—you have done that which no mortal has done before—you have safely crossed the river Styx—the river of Death. But—what now? You have arrived in Hell!—and will be found wandering by limps—little devils—who seize and conduct you to the dread presence of His Majesty—the ruler of Hades, himself. Being an “apparent” goodfellow—with an ulterior motive at all times—a master of intrigue and design—he will congratulate you on the success of your most unusual journey, and endeavor to make of you one of his minions. You, however, have a definite purpose in having risked and dared all on this tortuous and near suicidal journey—so you promptly decline his proposition and adornments. Why? Because you still seek the Priceless Jewel of The Enchanted Realm.
This persistency—this temerity on your part—angers old Lucifer—he goes into a rage, recalling his past eminence, and foreseeing a hopeless future for himself, because of unconquerable hearts of bravery and truth—like yours—he presents to you a casket—symbolic of the Priceless Jewel you are seeking—which he has had from Realms above, ever fearfully reminding him of his past and lost power and estate. In a rage of madness, he banishes you from his sight. Left alone, with his maddening rage becoming more intense—His Majesty bitterly and fatally realizing the folly of evil—writhing in agony, dies. Thus should perish—the evil in you-with your heart aglow only with good and the joy of doing for others—clean companionship—SYMPATHY and GOODFELLOWSHIP.
Spotlight off and curtain up on Inferno scene—at end of scene—curtain down and spotlight on Goodfellow as before—reset Mokanna scene.

SCENE 6
THE IMPERIAL CHAMBER OF GEHENNA

Indicate some excitement off stage—right—at rise of curtain. This can be an elaborate hellish scene, or if more convenient and economical the cave scene used in the Caldron scene can be used—without the Caldron—but a fiery throne, etc., used to dress it up—red should again be the predominant lighting—at rise of curtain the Imps took off stage right in the direction of the excitement—and excitedly report to His Majesty. All characters should salute His Majesty when addressing him throughout the drama—with the proper salute.
IMPS: Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Old Charon approaches and has with him a mortal.
HIS MAJESTY: Bid Charon enter immediately, and some of ye Imps guard well the mortal. Charon enters and His Majesty continues. Your passage was most stormy and I understand your passenger is yet alive.
CHARON: He is, indeed, Your Majesty, and truly he is a mortal possessed of undaunted fortitude. As to our passage it was vulnerable and most hazardous. Huge mountainous waves engulfed us—we were in the midst of violent death-dealing storm and tumult throughout the entire crossing—but—the amazing gallantry—valor and deep conviction of ultimate attainment—as displayed by this mortal—also with a smile thanks to my sturdy craft and my skillful guidance—we reached the shores safely. I endeavored to dissuade him from proceeding further—and offered to guide him safely back to Realms above but—he could not be swerved from his purpose; so I have conducted him to your dread presence and now he awaits your disposal.
HIS MAJESTY: Bring him hither, I fain would have speech with him.
The following is optional and can be put in as Charon leaves the stage to bring back the candidate.
His Majesty slowly walks around the pedestal with the Priceless Jewel on top and says the following:
HIS MAJESTY: Oh, effulgent light of purest ray, shining o’er my soul dominion like a God. Ah, thy presence here but mocks me, for I once all glorious stood at Heaven’s portal till pride and ambition threw me down, warring in Heaven against Heaven’s matchless crown, and now, this invasion of my Realm pause, and glancing off stage where Charon will make his entrance and showing some fear. I am beginning to fear this mortal who is so brave and true.
Charon enters, right, with two Imps and Neophyte.
HIS MAJESTY, speaking from throne: Mortal, having successfully made the awful journey through the Realm of Shades to our Imperial presence, it is our pleasure, in recognition of your fortitude under trial, to reward you, be causing you to be invested with those rare endowments which adorn and distinguish the full-fledged lnips of our Realm, namely, a hoof, a pair of horns, and a tail.
Let him receive a hoof Imps brand Neophyte’s bare foot with a piece of ice or instead of using a piece of ice for a branding iron, you can use a long flashlight, painted red, with small charge of black powder in place of the bulb, with a fuse which will explode when the button is pressed. That brand was made with a roll of red hot brimstone; a hoof will grow there soon.
I now crown you with that which is the cardinal delight of impish beauty—a pair of horns. Charon places horns on Neophyte’s head. And, lastly, as the supreme reward, I invest you with that which devils sigh for; that which devils cry for; that which devils would even die for a tail!
Charon holds up tail, and then fastens it in proper place on Neophyte.
As Charon is about to attach the tail, he will cause the Neophyte to rise. When tail is fastened, the Neophyte will be made to face the audience for a moment, then Charon will conduct him to a position near the throne.
HIS MAJESTY: You have now received the adornments of a full fledged Imp of our Realm. Welcome to our Plutonian Shades.
At this point Charon and Neophyte silently converse—if you use rehearsed or cast Neophyte, he can speak the following lines. Neophyte removes horns and hurls them at the feet of His Majesty, indicating that these “honors” are not the purpose of his quest.
NEOPHYTE: These adornments are not what I seek. They but symbolize evil and uncontrollable hilarity and eternal damnation. I did not steel myself to suffer humility—inhuman torture—the pangs of despair and doubt — to battle — press on — and finally conquer them and other vile obstacles in my path, to be rewarded with mere impish adornments. I desire them not. You may keep them. I STILL SEEK THE PRICELESS JEWEL OF THE ENCHANTED REALM!
If you do not use a rehearsed Neophyte, Charon speaks the following lines.
CHARON: Your Majesty, this evidently is not what he seecatch. Possession of the adornments of the Imps of the Realm is not sufficient honor or reward for having suffered the excruciating ordeal of the journey here. His fixed determination is truly baffling. He seeks and will not be satisfied until he receives the PRICELESS JEWEL OF THE ENCHANTED REALM!
HIS MAJESTY: WHAT? THE PRICELESS JEWEL OF THE ENCHANTED REALM! BAH! Slowly.
His Majesty angrily and frowning, looks at Neophyte—rises and goes to him—is dumbfounded at his effrontery and defiance, also noting emblem around his neck.
Oh, thou accursed mortal! Mocker of my kind! Definer of my power! I should have known that he who wears this amulet picking it up with right hand—candidate should be slightly right of center— Charon down stage towards the audience—and his Majesty about in the center of the stage—you hold on to amulet until the word “Bah”—disgustingly drop it, casting it towards the body of Neophyte. is possessed of sincerity and honesty of purpose—true fellowship—and love of mankind—that blend into character that cannot be conquered by me. BAH! Thou are not welcome here. I loathe and detest thee with all the wild consuming hatred born of baffled power and fear. Get thee hence and never more come here. Oh, that I could feed my raging madness, bend thee to my will, torment thee with torments of the damned and bow thy proud soul with woe, but alas,: impotent rage! With all my pomp and hellish power, I cannot master thee. A soul like thine, with heart so brave and true, is master of its fate and conqueror of powers like mine. Thence the power of princely manhood, which shines upon thy brow, and reminds me, like the glow of this accursed thing, from Realms above, of my fall and lost estate, and sears my very soul as with maddening torture flame, I will not longer bear the strain thy presence puts on heart and brain; I tell thee, go. But hold, thou shall serve me well at last, by bearing with thee this tormenting blight from Hell. Go! Go! Demons, Demons, drive him from my sight!
As His Majesty says “this accursed thing” he should point to the casket, which should be near the throne, and be glowing with a soft mystical light. At the close of his words, when he says, “this tormenting blight of Hell,” be should seize the casket and place it in the hands of the Neophyte When he says, “Demons, drive him from my sight,” Hell should let loose in angry tumult while the Imps drive the Neophyte from the stage. Imps remain off stage.
HIS MAJESTY: How like a devilish engine this back recoils upon myself. Horror and doubt distract my troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir the hell within me. Now conscience wakes despair that slumbered-wakes the bitter memory of what I was, what I am and worse, what must be! Yes! Yes! very slowly.
So perish all, whose breast ne’er learned to glow. For others’ good, or melt at others’ woe.
Alas! Alas!; O woe—is me.
His Majesty falls to floor as curtain drop—green spotlight on Goodfellow. Prepare Mokanna Court scene. This change must be QUICKLY and quietly made.
GOODFELLOW, not too fast: Well—it is time-high time, that we get back to earth—
Where you should be received—with joy and mirth—
For the Priceless Jewel you have found
And anxiously wish to be “homeward bound.”
So—again assisted by old Charon, you recross the river Styx—calmly this time, and are safely and uneventfully conducted to the Haunted Forest where you are found wandering—but still happily holding the symbolic Priceless Jewel—by Sarpedon, who, with great joy and anticipation, conducts you safely back among mortals. So now, we leave the land of Mythology—and once more let us humble ourselves before the great Prophet Mokanna.
Green spotlight off—Goodfellow off—and curtain up on Mokanna scene as before.
The following is optional and may be used in place of the lines in the present Ritual The words are very dramatic and if used by a capable actor can be built up into a big finish. A member of the cast would have to be used as a Neophyte.
Starts as Charon attempts to fasten the tail on the Neophyte. Charon holds up tail, and then fastens it in proper place on Neophyte.
Neophyte grabs the bail and horns and throws them on the stage at the foot of His Majesty’s throne.
NEOPHYTE: But these are not the rewards I came for.
HIS MAJESTY, madly: Well, what more dost thou want?
NEOPHYTE: I seek the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm.
HIS MAJESTY, in rage: What, thou would’st take from me that which I hate yet prize the most?
NEOPHYTE: These adornments are not what I seek. They but symbolize evil and eternal damnation. I did not steel myself to suffer humility—inhuman torture—the pangs of despair and doubt—to battle—press on—and finally conquer them, and other vile obstacles in my path, to be rewarded with mere impish adornments. I desire them not. You may keep them. I STILL SEEK THE PRICELESS JEWEL OF THE ENCHANTED REALM.
During the above words, His Majesty, slowly rises from his throne, hate burning in his eyes, his fingers twitching, and at end of lines rushes at Neophyte as though going to grab him by the throat and do him violence.
HIS MAJESTY, in rage: Why I could—breaks of sentence quick, draws in breath between teeth, then sarcastically continues. Thou are indeed hard to please. Then trying to act nice continues However, I like thee for that quality. Putting arm over Neophyte’s shoulder and leading him across stage to left, says: Come, I have something to show you
HIS MAJESTY, pointing off into wings: See, beyond those distant clouds, that great city, there within its walls dwell thousands of mortals, such as these, would’st thou dwell there? And have power over them? To hold them in the hollow of thy hand. Then, forget this Jewel, and I will send thee hence, and make thee an absolute dictator over them.
NEOPHYTE, slight pause as though thinking, speaks mildly: No, No.
HIS MAJESTY: So, the affairs of state would be a burden to thee eh? Well, I cannot blame thee for refusing them, for ‘tis truly written, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. But, come, I have something else to show thee. Slowly leads Neophyte across the stage and again pointing into wings says: See, there is my great treasure house, within its walls is treasure greater by far than any mortal ever dreamed of, now, forget this Jewel and all that treasure shall be thine.
NEOPHTYE, a little more emphatic: No, No.
HIS MAJESTY: So, power and wealth does not interest thee, eh? Looks Neophyte over from head to toe I think I know what will. Pointing off stage in a slightly different direction Look, there in that lovely garden, beside that crystal pool, maidens young and fair to look upon. See, their slender white bodies so beautifully curved, their lips so inviting and their eyes soft with the light of love. See, they beckon to thee, go, take thy fill of love.
NEOPHYTE, madly: No, No.
HIS MAJESTY, in rage, grabs Neophyte by the shoulder, swings him around to face center stage and the audience: What, thou refuseth everything I have to offer? Why you accursed mortal, thou are not welcome here I loathe and detest thee with all the wild consuming hatred born of pauses, showing fear baffled power and fear. Get thee hence and never come here. Oh, that I could feed my raging madness, bend thee to my will, torment thee with all the torments of the damned and bow thy proud soul in woe, but alas, with all my pomp and hellish power I cannot master thee. A soul like thine, with heart so brave and true, is master of its fate and conqueror of powers like mine. Hence that power of princely manhood, which shines upon thy brows and reminds me, like the glow of that pointing to the Priceless Jewel accursed thing from Realm above, of my fallen and lost estate, and sears my very soul with maddening torture flames, I will no longer bear the strain thy presence puts on heart and brain; I tell thee go.
NEOPHYTE: But I want the Priceless Jewel
HIS MAJESTY: Then take it, the cursed thing has tortured me long enough. Take it.
His Majesty grabs Jewel off Pedestal and shoves it into Neophyte’s hands as Imps with forks drive Neophyte off stage. At his last words, Hell should let loose in angry tumult, thunder, lightning, wind. While the Jewel is on stage it should glow with a soft mystical light. This could be done with dry batteries.
Storm ceases as His Majesty walks slowly across the stage, stumbling and faltering as though blind and weak, speaks lines in quivering voice, holding hands not in front of him as though he cannot see.
Then—
HIS MAJESTY: Blinded! Blinded by that spark divine. Bumps into the stand that held Jewel, realizes Jewel is gone.
My Jewel. The Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm, the thing I hated, yet prized the most. Gone, gone, forever, walks slowly toward center stage, voice hysterical and with it my pride and ambition, all my pomp and hellish power crushed and vanished as a vision. My dreams all shattered by a mortal whose spirit knew no defeat, upon whose brow glowed that light of manhood strong, and just as he said, he was master of his fate. Oh, Oh, that I could have such strength to carry on, but my end has come. Calling wildly Cerberus, Rhadamanthus, Charon, Charon, even old Charon has deserted me. Falls to stage. Cries in anguished voice Oh, God help me; pause God, God, why do I call on God, just like all mortals when all is lost they call on God. Now, now, conscience wakes despair that slumbered, wakes the bitter memory of what I was, what I am, and more what must be. So, So, perish all whose heart ne’er learned to glow for others good or melt at others woe. This is the end for me. Hell, the Devil and all they stand for, have been finally conquered by that Priceless Jewel, Goodfellowship. Rising up to throne and finally erect, cries out. Conquered, Conquered, at last. As he falls to stage. Thunder, lightening and wind as he falls, slow curtain as spotlight turns from red to green on the fallen Majesty.
Take another slow curtain laying on stage, as curtain drops picks up Goodfellow in green spotlight.
While Goodfellow is talking prepare Mokanna Court scene. This change must be made quickly and quietly.

SCENE 7
COURT OF MOKANNA

As the curtain rises in this scene, cheering will be heard, as if in the distance. Then, as the cheering seems to come nearer, the Court will assume an attitude of great expectancy and intense interest. Sarpedon holding the pilgrim Neophyte by the arm will now come on the stage, where they will be greeted with spontaneous cheers.
He should be instructed to carry the casket in plain sight. Sarpedon will then present him before Mokanna, and then proceed as follows: Most Mighty Mokanna, behold with gracious favor, this pilgrim Neophyte, whom I encountered whilst strolling along the edge of the Haunted Forest. He it is whom thou didst send forth on the despairing journey in quest of the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm.
SARPEDON: We should be indeed happy to welcome him here again as he has brought with him and would like to present this wondrous talisman, which, as you see, glows as if lighted by a spark divine, a thing of mystic power and beauty which may, in very truth, hold the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm.
MOKANNA: Neophyte, thou has earned the right to wear the amulet given thee at the beginning of thy quest for princely manhood, which doth betell a heart that is both brave and true. Thy face doth shine and showest that thou holdest thy fellow mortals dear. Thus do we know that within thy heart doth glow a Priceless Jewel—inspired with love and sympathy—which wins for thee all hearts and gaineth for thee respect and honor—yea—even in the very depths of Hell itself. And now, Oh Sarpedon, place this wondrous talisman to the test of the Shrine above the glowing heart, where, if, in very truth, it doth hold the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm, the glorious radiance of the sparks divine will shine in bright GOODFELLOWSHIP throughout the Realm and unite all hearts in love and sympathy.
Sarpedon will take the casket when Mokanna concludes and place it on the Shrine, in proper position, which will close the circuit and cause the words “Goodfellowship” to come out above the glowing heart, or as described in use of casket.
MOKANNA, immediately after the word comes out: Hail, Prophet; for thou are Neophyte no more. Thy quest is ended. Thou hast thy valor shown, on earth, in depths below, and on the heights above. Behold the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm!
All in position—left hand on heart and right hand pointing to Priceless Jewel.

END OF DRAMA

Green spotlight on for Goodfellow.
Curtain
Inner curtain over for Epilogue and officers on during Goodfellow speech.
GOODFELLOW: Having been by a goodfellow befriended—
This drama and mystical journey are now happily ended.
This then—is the cue for me—to bid “adieu”—
But first I’ll ask that Sympathy and Goodfellowship
Run your whole life thru—so that at all times—you
Will be just—be kind—be fair—to everybody everywhere—
Their faults—are many—so be not the fool,
But let toleration, understanding and sympathy be the rule.
of a GOODFELLOW, and that is you—you—YOU—and YOU—YOU.
R-E-M-E-M-B-E-R—Sympathy and Goodfellowship.
This last line in deep voice and slowly—getting deeper and deeper—light fades out and you exit in the dark, and then Lights up on officers in front of stage for Epilogue.

Epilogue

In Front of Curtain
MONARCH:
It now becomes my duty to invest you with the secret words and signs of our order. This I will do with the assistance of the Chief Justice. The secret words are ... and ... and when called for are given thus: at this time the Monarch and Chief Justice face each other, grasp right hands, and place left hands on each others right shoulder.
MONARCH: Will you have more or less?
CHIEF JUSTICE: More.
MONARCH: More what?
CHIEF JUSTICE: ....
MONARCH: And ....
Monarch and Chief Justice resume positions facing Prophets.
GRAND CHAMBERLAIN: The outside password, to be given to the Sentinel, is name of the Grotto you wish to visit or attend. Give example, using name of nearby Grotto. The inside password, which is taken up by the Marshal, Captain of the Guard and assistants, within the Grotto, is Feramorz. Care should be taken to impress the members of the class with the spelling and pronunciation of this word.
GRAND CHAMBERLAIN: This giving it is the sign of Adoration, and alludes to the position of your hands when standing before the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm.
This giving it is the Dueguard, and alludes to the position of your hands when taking the obligation. This giving it is the Grand Hailing Sign, and alludes to the cardinal delight of impish beauty.
The Grand Hailing Sign should always be given as a salute to the Monarch when entering or retiring from a Grotto of Veiled Prophets.
The Grand Chamberlain should very carefully and clearly explain the secret words and passwords, as well as the dueguard and signs. The inside password should always be communicated in a whisper, except in case of a class too large to be practical, in which event it can be given aloud, and members of the class asked to repeat, and then charge forever after to give the word in low breath.
MONARCH: The Grand Honors given as a salute to the Grand Monarch or his representatives are given thus:
ONE: Give the sign of Adoration.
The sign of Adoration is made by closing the right hand, thumb over last three fingers, index finger extended, arm raised upward and slightly forward, as though pointing to the Priceless Jewel.
TWO: Strike the left palm with the right hand three times.
THREE: Give the Dueguard.
The Dueguard is made by placing the right hand over the heart and the left hand on the fight shoulder of the Prophet on your left.
FOUR: Strike the right palm with the left hand three times.
FIVE: Give the Grand Hailing Sign.
This giving the sign is the Grand Hailing Sign, and alludes to the cardinal delight of impish beauty. it is made by closing the four fingers of both hands, thumbs extended, arms at side, bringing them up in an arc till both thumbs touch the temples, then dropping them in an arc to the sides. There is no bowing or twisting of hands.
SIX: Strike the left palm with the right hand three times.
The Grand Honors should be demonstrated by the Monarch while they are being explained.
ORATOR: So that you will better understand the secret, or inside password, I will give you a short explanation of its origin.
Abdulla, King of Lesser Bucharia, abdicated his throne in favor of his son, Aliris. Shortly afterward he arranged a marriage between his son, Aliris, and the youngest daughter of the Prince of India. The beautiful Princess named Lalla Rookh, started on the long journey to meet her Prince. She was entertained on this journey with music and stories by a poet named Freamorz who had attached himself to the safari as a slave. As she neared her destination she became heartsick at the thought of giving herself to a strange Prince, having fallen in love with the poet slave. Being a true Princess, she stepped into the throne room, to carry out her father’s promise. As the Prince turned to take her hand, she beheld the poet Feramorz who had disguised himself as a slave to win her love as well as her hand.
ORATOR: A Prophet who is wearing his Fez will give the military salute when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and during the playing of the National Anthem. A military salute will also be given when the Colors are within six paces of him; HE WILL NOT REMOVE HIS FEZ. After the Colors have passed, he should drop his right hand. In case the same Colors pass the same point again, as frequently happens in a ceremonial procession or in display drills, the Colors need not be saluted the second time. The same rule applies to street parades.
ORATOR: The characters you see on the Grotto Banner are Persian. They read from right to left, and spell the name M-O-K-A-N-N-A.
MONARCH OF THE GROTTO: Prophets, we welcome you, with all the joy of a Prophet’s greeting, to our fellowship, as Prophets of the Enchanted Realm.
The friendly smile which always lights a Prophet’s greeting symbolizes the spirit of the Order, because it is radiant with joyous impulses that cheer the heart and make it warm with sympathy and good will. The purpose of the Order is written in smiles, because within our mystic Enchanted Realm the spirit of mirth breaks down the barriers of reserve and brings us close together in the spirit of good-fellowship, and makes us laugh together, like boys unburdened with care. Thus while we revel in the joyous freedom of the Enchanted Realm there grows a bond of sympathy and fellowship between us which abides and makes the heart glad, because it gratifies its natural longing for delightful associations.
I trust that you have indeed found the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm, and will cherish it for your own happiness and for the glory of the Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, to whose fellowship you are now duly admitted.

Presentation of Fez

As a fitting climax we strongly recommend that at the end of “The Neophyte’s Journey” a Fez be presented to the Active Neophyte by one of the three principal officers or some Past Monarch, selected for the purpose. This should be done in front of the curtain immediately following the conclusion of the ritualistic work or epilogue An appropriate “Fez Lecture” or charge—not too lengthy—should be delivered—not the ordinary, halting, impromptu presentation speech, but one carefully prepared and memorized by the officer selected. The lectures, published herein, are submitted merely as examples and any Grotto is privileged to substitute another or better one of its own.
1. Prophet ..., it is now my very great pleasure to present to you a ... Fez places Fez on candidate’s head—be sure it is straight. Continues As the white Lambskin Apron-is the Badge of a Mason, so the Fez of Black with Tassel of Red distinguishes you as a member of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm It is the symbol of Sympathy and Goodfellowship.
While we as Prophets are taught that the Grotto is “in no sense a part of Symbolic Craft Masonry and makes no claim to be such,” yet each of us must ever bear in mind that as an individual he is a Master Mason. The fact that you or I may be wearing the Fez of Black instead of the little White Apron does not release us from the vows we assumed at the Altar of Masonry. Though we may not claim to be a Masonic Body, yet in the eyes of the so-called profane, regardless of whether we are clothed as Craftsmen or as Prophets, we are all Masons. See to it that you conduct yourself accordingly, never overlooking the fact that any indiscretion on your part as a Prophet discredits the Masonic Fraternity. Disgrace the Fez of Black and you likewise dishonor the Apron of White.
The Grotto is termed “The Master Mason’s Playground”—and so it is. Let us play, but let us not forget the rules. A true Prophet is a good sport. It matters not to him whether he won or lost, but how he played the game. This Fez is yours. Wear it worthily, wear it proudly as a Prophet and as a gentleman.
2. Prophet, as the White Lambskin Apron is the badge of the Mason, so is the Black Fez, with its Tassel of Red, emblematic of Goodfellowship and Good Cheer. places Fez on head of candidate
Hail, Prophet, Neophyte no more,
Thy dreadful journey now is o’er;
Thou hast thy valor shown right well
In upper air, in deepest Hell.

So this reward is thine, my son,
This Priceless Jewel thou hast won;
‘Twill be a crown upon thy head—
The Fez of Black with Tassel Red.

No prince upon his royal chair
E’er wore a diadem so rare
As this Black Fez with letters gold,
The badge of Prophets young and old.

So wear it proudly, son, and smile,
Forget thy troubles for a while
And ever may thy watchwords be
GOODFELLOWSHIP AND SYMPATHY

Fez Lecture

Prophets; each of you remembers well when you were presented with a White Lambskin Apron, an emblem of innocence and the Badge of a Mason. Now you are privileged to wear the Fez of ... Grotto, the badge of a true Prophet. Let neither badge be worn unworthily. The emblems honor you. You can honor them by showing sympathy and goodfellowship to your brother Prophets who now welcome you into their mystic Enchanted Realm anticipating added joy for you and them.
The Black Fez alludes to “loathed Melancholy of Cerberus and blackest midnight born, in Stygian cave forlorn, ‘mongst horrid shapes and shrieks and sights unholy!” The Red Tassel alludes to the blood of our brothers shed through the centuries in dispelling the darkness of ignorance and bigotry.
The gold alludes to the Priceless Jewel of the Enchanted Realm discovered by every true Prophet in his quest through earth and air, even to the flaming depths of the infernal world, as portrayed in the drama of your induction.
The Gold of the fez also alludes to victory which inevitably follows the conquest of darkness Victory summons hearteasing mirth as the reward of every Prophet for the purpose of our Order is written in smiles. The Grotto Fez thus symbolizes the banishment of gloom and we proudly accept joy and pleasure as the right and reward of our Mystic Realm.
Wear, then, your Fez with pride, joy and honor, but never wear it in a place you would not be proud to take your mother, sister, wife or daughter. Let joy be unconfined, but do not mistake the pursuit of joy for the acceptance of unwholesome pleasures which tarnish the gold of victory. Follow the path of righteousness and you will find the fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore.
The Fez Lecture is monitorial and non-secret and is given here for the instruction of all Prophets.
If candidate is known to be a good extemporaneous speaker, the Monarch will ask him to respond in a few words, after which the Monarch will announce the conclusion of the first section and advise audience when the Revels Sections will begin.

Closing Grotto

After going through the order of business, the Monarch will inquire if there is any further business that should come before the Grotto. Any special business may now be taken up. When this is finished, or, if there is no special business to come before the Grotto, the Monarch will say, “If there is no further business, I shall proceed to close the Grotto.”

MONARCH: Prophet Chief Justice, are you a Veiled Prophet?
CHIEF JUSTICE: I am.
MONARCH: What makes you a Veiled Prophet?
CHIEF JUSTICE: My obligation.
At this time the Monarch and Chief Justice face each other, grasp right hands, and place left hands on each others right shoulder.
MONARCH: Will you have more or less?
CHIEF JUSTICE: More.
MONARCH: More what?
CHIEF JUSTICE: ....
MONARCH: ....
The Monarch now calls up the Grotto with three blows of the gavel.
MONARCH: Prophet Marshal, I am about to close ... Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R., see that the Captain of the Guard is informed.
MARSHAL: Prophet Captain of the Guard, you will inform the Sentinel that the Monarch is about to close ... Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R., and direct him to guard accordingly.
Sentinel closes the door.
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD: Prophet Monarch the Sentinel is informed.
MONARCH: Prophet Chaplain, you will attend at the Altar.
Prophets remove your Fez.
Chaplain goes to Altar, kneels, removes Fez, closes Bible.
CHAPLAIN: And now, may the blessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regular Prophets. May goodfellowship prevail and every moral and social virtue cement and strengthen us. Amen.
Chaplain returns to place.
MONARCH: The Color Guard will now retrieve the Colors.
Prophets with Fez on come to military salute, all others place right hand over heart, Color Guard will retrieve the Colors.
MONARCH: I now declare ... Grotto duly closed until its next regular meeting, unless sooner opened by command.
Monarch closes Grotto by one blow of the gavel. In the event of a ceremonial session following the business session, the Monarch will say: “I now declare this business session of ... Grotto closed and a ceremonial session opened.” Strikes the gavel once. All business sessions should be closed in full and proper form.

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