Daughters of the Nile
Initiation

 
1983

Opening
 
The Temple is to be set up according to the official diagram. Tables or pedestal for the Queen and Princess Royal may be either to the right or left, but never in front of the officers. Princess Musician’s station to be wherever the piano or organ is situated.
Princess Marshal conducts Junior Past Queen to her station on the throne, Junior Past Queen immediately instructs Princess Marshal to retire and conduct the officers to their stations.
Form of incoming march of officers, except Queen, two Attendants, and Ladies in Waiting, is optional. After reaching stations officers remain standing until Princess Royal calls Temple to order. Anteroom door is closed.
Princess Royal calls Temple to order *
Officers; except Princess Marshal, are seated.
P.R.: Princess Marshal, you will repair to the inner chamber where you will find Her Majesty attended by her five Ladies in Waiting and two Attendants. Present to Her Majesty my compliments and inform her the assembly awaits. At her pleasure you will conduct her to the throne, and the Ladies in Waiting to their several places.
Princess Marshal goes to door, carrying baton, opens door; salutes and says: Your Majesty, the Princess Royal instructs me to present her compliments and to inform you the assembly awaits
Q.: Princess Marshal, lead on Ladies, attend me.
Princess Royal gives three raps of the gavel ***, calling up the assembly, as Queen enters the Temple. Preceded by Princess Marshal and two Attendants, Her Majesty and five Ladies in Waiting enter marching past Princess Royal and Princess Badoura. Upon reaching foot of throne the Attendants turn and face each other and make a low bow; holding until the Queen passes between them and goes to the throne. They turn and face the Queen, turning again to face the Ladies of the Household after the Queen is saluted. Ladies in Waiting form a crescent in front of throne and salute Princess Marshal then leads them past Princess Tirzah, around outside of Crescent, in front of Princess Zuleima’s station, and continues inside of Crescent to Princess Nydia’s station, each Lady in Waiting stopping in front of her chair Princess Marshal returns to her station, all remain standing.
P.R.: Ladies of the Household, you will join me in saluting Her Majesty
Queen acknowledges salute.  
 

Flag Ceremonies

The flags may be in place on the throne or escorted to the throne by aflag bearer color guard, or patrol. The flag of the United States ofAmerica is to be placed to the right of the Queen, the Canadian flag at the U.S.A. flag’s left, the Nile banner or flag if used, to the left of the Queen Honor the U.S.A. flag by giving the Pledge of Allegiance and sing “The Star Spangled Banner” Honor the Canadian flag by singing “O Canada”.
Canadian Temples follow Canadian flag protocol.
Queen seats Temple *.
Q.: Princess Royal.
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty.
Q.: How goes the hour?
P.R.: It is the hour of assembly, Your Majesty.
Q.: Then let my edict go forth among the faithful, that this Temple, Daughters of the Nile, be assembled See that our doors are safely guarded from intrusion, and call for silence and obedience.
P.R.: Fellow officers and Ladies of the Household, I proclaim to you the order of Her Majesty, that she will assemble this Temple, Daughters of the Nile, and that you comport yourselves with silence and obedience.
Q.: Lady of the Keys.
L of K, salutes: Your Majesty.
Q.: Inform the Lady of the Gates that I am about to open ... Temple No. ... Daughters of the Nile, and direct her to raise the drawbridge, make the gates secure, and allow none to enter until further orders.
Lady of Keys goes to closed door and opens it.
L. of K.: Lady of the Gates, Her Majesty is about to open ... Temple No. ..., and you are to raise the drawbridge, make the gates secure, and allow none to enter until further orders.
Lady of Keys closes door and reports to Queen.
L. of K., salutes: Your Majesty, the drawbridge is raised and the gates have been made secure.
After Temple is opened, Lady of Gates allways gives five raps ***** on door and receives a like response from Lady of Keys before opening door. Lady of Keys does not rap at any other time.
Q.: Princess Tirzah and Princess Badoura, ascertain if all are entitled to remain.
Princess Tirzah and Princess Badoura rise, bow to each other; approach throne diagonally salute, and procure the password from Queen, then take it from Junior Past Queen and any others who may be seated on throne.
Further method of taking password is optional Queen may appoint Past Queens to assist When Princess Royal’s station is reached Princess Badoura reports to Princess Tirzah.
P.B.: Princess Tirzah, I find all in the north in possession of the password.
Princess Tirzah and Princess Badoura turn and face Princess Royal.
P.T.: Princess Royal, all are in possession of the password.
Princess Tirzah and Princess Badoura turn and face throne.
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty, all are entitled to remain.
Q.: It is well
Princess Tirzah and Princess Badoura salute, return to stations, and remain standing.
Q.: Princess Tirzah, you will arrange the altar for our devotion.
Princess Tirzah salutes and, carrying Bible with veil and white rose, approaches altar between Princess Zuleika and Princess Zenobia, places Bible on altar; steps back two paces, bows; places veil and rose to side of altar; opens Bible at fifth chapter of Matthew, places white rose diagonally across Bible, covers both with a thin white veil of appropriate size. She then steps back two paces; salutes Bible, turns, and returns to her station, leaving the Crescent between Princess Zuleika and Princess Zenobia.
Instrumental music only.
Queen seats Temple *.
Q.: Princess Royal.
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty.
Q.: How many officers constitute a Temple, Daughters of the Nile, and what are their titles?
P.R.: Nineteen, Your Majesty; necessary to convene a Temple, eleven. Her Majesty the Queen, Junior Past Queen, Princess Royal, Princess Tirzah, Princess Badoura, Princess Recorder, Princess Banker, Princess Marshal, Princess Chaplain, Lady of the Keys, and Lady of the Gates Eight additional officers are requited to exemplify the work: five Ladies in Waiting, Princess Musician, and two Attendants.
Q.: it is well. Princess Badoura, you will now collect the emblems of the Temple.
Princess Badoura rises, salutes, picks up basket, goes around outside of Crescent to right of Princess Nydia, pauses in front of her; and says: Princess Nydia, what of faith?
Princess Nydia rises. Each Lady in Waiting rises when addressed by Princess Badoura, picks up basket, and remains standing after giving charge until Temple is seated following prayer and distribution of emblems.
P.N.: Faith ignites and keeps hopes taper burning,
And brightens life’s most dismal day,
A prophecy which sets the soul to yearning
For better things: a nobler way
Faith is that which makes existence brighter
And joyful, ‘tis a power divine,
It lifts the load and makes life’s burdens lighter —
So may it lift your load and mine.
Princess Nydia hands bit of lace to Princess Badoura, who places it in her basket.
Princess Badoura leaves at Princess Nydia’s left, goes around back of Princess Zuleika, then pauses in front of her.
P B.: Princess Zuleika, what of hope?
P.Z.: Hope is a lamp by faith ignited,
A lamp of love, a light divine
Sad is the man and sore benighted
Whose lamp of hope has ceased to shine
Then let us keep them filled and burning —
Our lamps of hope, and hold them high,
That those sad souls from grief returning
May catch the gleam as we pass by.
Princess Zuleika hands a red rose to Princess Badoura.
Same kind of march to Princess Zenobia, Princess Badoura leaving at Princess Zuleika’s left.
P B.: Princess Zenobia, what of charity?
P.Z.: Sweet charity makes life worth living —
Charity to those in need,
To truly learn the art of giving
Is the prime tenet of our creed
‘Tis only giving and receiving,
The more you give the more you have
Give sympathy and love, believing
Of those to squander is to save.
Princess Zenobia hands fruit to Princess Badoura.
Same kind of march to Princess Zora, Princess Badoura leaving at Princess Zenobia’s left.
P B: Princess Zora, what of trust?
P.Z.: Trusting is an attribute divine
Relying on His love you go
Your way, nor falter to define
The why, trusting where you cannot know
To labor trustingly is to invite
Heavens blessings on your head,
And sweet repose throughout the night,
And day by day your daily bread.
Princess Zora hands small loaf of bread to Princess Badoura.
Same kind of march to Princess Zuleima, Princess Badoura leaving at Princess Zora’s left.
P.B.: Princess Zuleima, what of harmony?
P.Z.: In harmony we have the strength and soul
Of music and of human hearts,
By which we read as on a scroll
The joy of life in all its parts
By it we bind all wills, combining
All Daughters of the Nile as one,
Like golden cords of love, entwining
With knots that cannot be undone.
Princess Zuleima hands scroll of music to Princess Badoura.
Princess Badoura leaves at Princess Zuleima’s right, goes around back of station, then to altar, where she places basket of emblems. Ladies in Waiting place baskets on tables at same time. Princess Badoura remains at side of altar and salutes Queen.
P.B.: Your Majesty, the duty has been performed.
Princess Badoura returns to station and remains standing.
Queen calls up Temple ***.
Q.: Princess Chaplain, you will invoke divine blessing
Princess Chaplain advances to throne side of altar, kneels, and prays: Oh, Thou Great and Loving Father, we come to Thee in deep humility, and yet with confidence in Thy love and mercy Behold upon this altar our emblems, dedicated to Thee. Let the light of Thy divine countenance shine upon them and bless them to the use and purpose for which they are intended. Open our eyes to the spiritual discernment of their true meaning. Open our hearts to the ethical principles taught thereby, and may they aid us in the understanding of Thy will and Thy desire concerning us. And now, O Lord, draw very near and abide with us forever. Amen.
Princess Chaplain returns to station after response.
Q.: Princess Badoura, you will now distribute the emblems.
Princess Badoura salutes, goes to altar, picks up basket of emblems, and goes directly across to Princess Nydia, then to each Lady in Waiting, pausing in front of each one and returning emblem.
Ladies in Waiting pick up their baskets when Princess Badoura takes hers from altar, and hold them until Princess Badoura returns to her station.
Princess Badoura addresses each Lady in Waiting as follows.
To Princess Nydia: Let your faith be steadfast.
To Princess Zuleika: Keep hope’s taper burning.
To Princess Zenobia: Give and you shall receive.
To Princess Zora: Trust and you shall be trusted.
To Princess Zuleima: Let love and harmony prevail.
Princess Badoura returns to her station and places her basket on table, Ladies in Waiting placing their baskets on tables at same time.
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, the duty has been performed.
Queen seats Temple *.
Q.: Princess Royal
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty.
Q.: Where is your station in the Temple, and what are your duties?
P.R.: My station is in the west, and my duties are to assist Your Majesty in opening and closing the Temple, to proclaim all Your Majesty’s edicts, to see that your orders are obeyed, and to preside over the Temple in the absence of Your Majesty.
Q.: Where is Princess Tirzah’s station in the Temple?
P.R.: In the south, Your Majesty.
Each officer remains standing alter giving her charge.
Q.: Princess Tirzah, what are your duties?
P.T., salutes: Your Majesty, my duties are to attend the altar, to assist Princess Badoura during the ceremony of initiation, and to perform such other duties as directed by Your Majesty.
Q.: Where is Princess Badoura’s station in the Temple?
P.T.: In the north, Your Majesty.
Q.: Princess Badoura, what are your duties?
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, my duties are to receive and instruct candidates, and to perform such other duties as directed by Your Majesty.
Q.: Where is Princess Recorder’s station?
P.B.: At the left of Your Majesty’s throne.
Q.: Princess Recorder, what are your duties?
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty, my duties are to receive all money due the Temple, and to pay it over to Princess Banker, taking her receipt there-for, to keep a record of all sessions of the Temple, and a separate account with each member.
Q.: Where is Princess Banker’s station?
P.R.: At the right of Your Majesty’s throne.
Q.: Princess Banker, what are your duties?
P.B. salutes: Your Majesty, my duties are to receive from Princess Recorder all money belonging to the Temple, keeping a strict account thereof, and paying it out only upon an order signed by Your Majesty and countersigned by Princess Recorder.
Q.: Where is Princess Marshal’s station?
P.B.: At the left and in front of Your Majesty’s throne.
Q.: Princess Marshal, what are your duties?
P.M., salutes: Your Majesty, my duties are to receive and present all visitors, to prepare and present candidates, and to have general supervision over the floor work and paraphernalia.
Q.: Where is Princess Chaplain’s station?
P.M.: At the right and in front of Your Majesty’s throne
Q.: Princess Chaplain, what are your duties?
P.C., salutes: Your Majesty my duties are to visit the sick, counsel the members, and ask divine aid, guidance and assistance for Your Majesty officers, and members of the Temple, that peace and harmony may prevail within our gates.
Queen calls up Temple ***.
Q.: Ladies of the Household, we will unite in singing our opening ode.
Song, choice of Queen.
Q.: By the authority invested in me by the Supreme Temple, Daughters of the Nile, I declare ... Temple No. ... open for the dispatch of such business as may lawfully come before it. Lady of the Keys, you will inform the Lady of the Gates that this Temple is now open, and direct her to admit all members duly vouched for. Ladies of the Household, be seated.
Queen seats Temple *.
Lady of Keys goes to door and opens it.
L. of K.: Lady of the Gates, this Temple is now open, you may admit all members duly vouched for. Returns to station, salutes. Your Majesty your order has been obeyed.
Q.: It is well
 
 
Initiation
 
Preparation of Temple for ceremonial. Before Temple is opened place Lady in Waiting chairs so the Crescent is large enough to accommodate number of candidates to be initiated. Lay short stemmed white roses on throne side of altar. In case all roses are not used surplus to be left on altar until close of session. Kneeling pillows in back of chairs of Ladies in Waiting, membership pins at station of Princess Royal, list of candidates with Lady of Gates, robe, cord, amphora, and container of water available in anteroom.
During opening of Temple, a Past Queen, appointed by the Queen, will remain with candidates, and apprise them of the following a short history of the Order and its purpose, that the exemplifying candidate is chosen by the Queen as the active candidate to represent the entire class, at times they will be required to stand in the form of a crescent, they will be asked to kneel: if unable to do so, a chair will be provided, and they will be asked to remove their glasses: to hold them in the left hand.
Provision is to be made for safe keeping of purses and wraps.
If there are several candidates, Queen and officers will use plural language.
Lady of Gates will check list of expected candidates to ascertain if all are present.
Q.: Lady of the Keys, you will retire to the anteroom and ascertain if there are candidates in waiting
Lady of Keys salutes and retires. She receives list of candidates from Lady of Gates. Upon reentering, she goes back of Princess Zenobia’s station and reports.
L. of K., salutes: Your Majesty, I find in waiting ... reads candidates’ names in full.
Q.: Princess Recorder, has the candidate been elected to become a member of our Temple?
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty, she has.
Q.: Princess Marshal, you will retire and prepare the candidate
Princess Marshal salutes and retires, without baton. She prepares exemplifying candidate with robe belted by heavy cord, hood drawn over head to conceal hair and amphora to be carried on left hip. Remaining candidates are to be in back of exemplifying candidate, or in two lines if number warrants Princess Marshal instructs exemplifying candidate to give five distinct raps on Temple door *****.
Princess Badoura, hearing raps, rises and addresses the Queen.
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, there is an alarm at the inner gate of the Temple.
Q.: Princess Badoura, attend the alarm.
Princess Badoura goes to door and gives five raps *****. As door opens the song, “Knocking, Knocking”, is sung.
Knocking, knocking, who is there?
Waiting, waiting, oh how fair,
‘Tis a pilgrim, strange and weary
Never such was seen before
Oh, my friends, for such a wanderer
Wilt thou not undo the door?
P.B.: Who causes this alarm?
P.M.: A loyal subject of Her Majesty.
P B: Who is your companion?
P.M.: A poor weary daughter of the desert in search of water for her famishing people whose wells at the oasis have gone dry.
P.B.: What does she ask of?
P.M.: An audience with Her Majesty, water for her famishing people, and a place as a servant in Her Majesty’s household.
P.B.: Why is she wearing that garb of humility?
P.M.: It is not only a garb of humility but of necessity, a protection against the sandstorms of the desert.
P.B. to candidates: Do you wish to become a servant in Her Majesty’s household?
Candidates: I do.
P.B.: Princess Marshal, what claim has she upon our friendship and hospitality?
P.M.: She is a woman of good reputation, recommended for service by more than one of our household I, myself, will vouch for her integrity.
P.B.: What merit has she? Has she no title of nobility? What is her rank?
P.M.: Her merit is that of being a woman, God’s second thought and His best handiwork. Her title is made secure by being the wife, daughter, mother; widow, sister, or granddaughter, of a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.
P.B.: Let bet wait with patience until Her Majesty is informed of her requests, recommendations, and qualifications.
Princess Badoura closes door; advances to a position back of Princess Zenobia’s station and salutes.
P.B.: Your Majesty, the alarm was caused by the Princess Marshal, who has in charge a poor weary daughter of the desert, seeking water for her people whose wells at the oasis have gone dry. In return for that favor she is willing to become a servant in Your Majesty’s household.
Q.: What claim has she upon our friendship and hospitality?
P.B.: That of being a woman like unto us.
Q.: Has she no title of nobility?
P.B.: Her title of nobility is made secure by being the wife, daughter, mother, widow, sister, or granddaughter, of a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.
Q.: Has she been vouched for?
P.B.: The Princess Marshal informed me that she has been recommended by more than one of our household; and that she, herself, will vouch for her integrity.
Q.: Since she comes so well recommended, and her claim to nobility is beyond question, let her enter this Temple, Daughters of the Nile, and be received according to ancient Egyptian rites and ceremonies.
Princess Badoura salutes and turns toward door Princess Tirzah rises as Princess Badoura turns and both walk directly to door; which Princess Badoura opens, then steps to south side, Princess Tirzah takes position on north side of open doorway.
P.B.: It is Her Majesty’s order that you enter this Temple, Daughters of the Nile, and be received according to ancient Egyptian rites and ceremonies.
When there is only one candidate Princess Tirzah does not go to door Princess Badoura will offer her left arm to the candidate and escort her by way of Princess Badoura’s station to a position in front of the throne Princess Marshal goes to a position back of Princess Zenobia, salutes, and returns to her station.
When there are two candidates, Princess Tirzah of fers her right arm, and keeping pace with Princess Badoura, advances to throne by way of Princess Tirzahs station, taking a position slightly back of Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate Princess Marshal returns to her station as above.
When three candidates, Princess Tirzah offers her left arm to second candidate, and Princess Marshal offers right arm to remaining candidate Princess Tirzah and candidate follow Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate, Princess Marshal, keeping pace with Princess Tirzah, conducts her candidate by way of Princess Tirzahs station, both advancing to a position slightly back of Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate, Princess Tirzah and Princess Marshal in center; candidates at either side where they can be seen by Queen.
When there is a large class, all except exemplifying candidate will be formed into two lines in the anteroom Princess Tirzah will lead one line, following Princess Badoura, Princess Marshal will lead the other line by way of Princess Tirzahs station, keeping pace with Princess Tirzah. Upon reaching stations of Princess Badoura and Princess Tirzah, they will proceed straight ahead to the throne end of the Temple to a point directly in line with Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate. Turning toward each other they will cross in back of Princess Badoura to form two crescents, Princess Tirzah crossing in front of Princess Marshal. If the number of candidates can be formed into a single crescent, Princess Tirzah and Princess Marshal lead their lines only solar as necessary for ends of lines to come into position directly back of Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate.
Q.: Princess Badoura, whom have you here?
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, a poor weary daughter of the desert, in search of water for her people, whose wells at the oasis have gone dry She comes recommended by more than one of our household, and her title to nobility is made secure by being the wife, daughter, mother, widow, sister, or granddaughter, of a Noble of the Mystic Shrine She now seeks a place among the servants of your household.
Q.: What does she require of us?
P.B.: Water for her thirsty and famishing people, and a place among the servants of your household.
Q.: Her requests shall be granted.
Queen claps hands four times **** Attendants rise, turn toward Queen and salute.
Q.: Attendants, take the amphora from the hand of the weary daughter of the desert, carry it to the fountain to be filled with thrice filtered water brought from the virgin lake formed by the melting snows at the headwaters of the sacred River Nile; then place the filled amphora on the altar.
Attendants salute Queen, turn toward Princess Badoura. Attendant on right waits while Attendant on left goes back of Princess Badoura to left of exemplifying candidate. Taking amphora between them, each with a handle, they quickly retire to anteroom by way of Princess Badoura’s station and fill amphora with water. Returning immediately they place amphora on north side of altar, then, going around back of candidates, return to their stations and are seated. No music to he played for this as Queen continues with lecture.
Q.: Princess Royal.
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty.
Q.: Send my orders to Ilderim, the head sheik, to assemble all the camels and load them with water skins filled with water from the sacred River Nile, then send them forth into all the desert places, that the poor, famishing people may quench their thirst.
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty, I shall see that your orders are obeyed.
Q., addressing candidate: Daughter of the desert, since you have expressed a desire to become a servant in our household, and since you have been so well recommended and vouched for, it is nor only my will but my desire that you become one of us and dwell here in peace and harmony Before proceeding further, it becomes my duty to inform you that you will be required to take a solemn obligation, which, once assumed, cannot be repudiated or laid aside This obligation, or vow, though extremely weighty and binding does nor, however, contain anything conflicting with your duty to your God, your country, your home, your neighbor, or your sacred belief Being thus assured, I ask you, are you willing to assume the obligation of a Daughter of the Nile?
Candidate: I am
Q.: Princess Badoura, you will conduct the candidate to the altar and place her in proper position to be obligated.
Queen claps four times **** Attendants rise, face Queen, salute, then lead Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate by way of Princess Tirzahs station, around back of Crescent to left of Princess Zuleima, then to west side of altar Attendants stop, face throne, side step, and advance to sides of altar; one on either side, then face each other. Princess Badoura assists exemplifying candidate to kneel, then, lifting near edge of veil, instructs her to place both hands on Bible.
As Attendants rise and salute, Princess Marshal goes around back of lines of candidates to a position near Princess Tirzah. Princess Tirzah and Princess Marshal then lead their lines of candidates around back of Crescent, following Princess Badoura. When candidates are in a single crescent, as Attendants rise and salute, Princess Marshal goes back of candidates to the center; then leads her line of candidates after Princess Tirzah and her line, following Princess Badoura.
Princess Tirzah stops at right of Princess Zora, and Princess Marshal stops at right of Princess Zenobia. If class is very large, Princess Tirzah and Princess Marshal lead lines in back of all Ladies in Waiting, leaving space so they can return to their places at right of Princess Zora, and of Princess Zenobia.
Immediately after exemplifying candidate is in position, Princess Tirzah starts assisting Princess Badoura in placing remaining candidates inside Crescent, as in a fan, leaving sufficient space for Past Queens and/or Queens to move between lines for christening. Princess Marshal hands pillows to Princess Badoura and Princess Tirzah, who will place them for each candidate. Princess Marshal may have assistants, remembering they must not enter the Crescent. Princess Badoura instructs candidates to kneel and place right hand on nearest shoulder of lady in front of her. Chairs may be used at ends of lines for any unable to kneel. All candidates must be within the Crescent When there is a large class, exempl4ying candidate and other candidates are not instructed to kneel until all are in place.
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, the candidate is in proper position to receive the obligation.
Q.: Ladies of the Household, attend prayer.
Princess Chaplain salutes, goes to altar and kneels on throne side.
P.C.: Great and Loving Father, as we are now assembled at the altar of this sacred Temple, dedicated to Thee, we beseech Thee to let the light of Thy countenance shine upon us. Draw near unto us, and make us feel Thy presence. As we are about to confer the highest honor in our power to bestow upon this waiting candidate, make her realize the responsibility such honor entails. Give her strength of purpose and understanding sufficient for her protection and guidance, show her the way to live the real life. Bring to her mind and consciousness the fact that no life is worth the living except the life of service in the cause of humanity. Most Loving Father, again we beseech Thee, abide with us always. Amen.
Princess Chaplain returns to her station following response.
Attendants march to throne to escort Queen to altar, salute Queen and then facing each other; make a low bow remaining until Queen passes between them. They then follow Queen to altar; returning to positions at either side.
Obligation
Junior Past Queen seats Temple *.
Q.: Ladies of the Household, gather around our sacred altar and form the golden links of fellowship that bind us, and assist me in christening our newly obligated member.
Only Queens and Past Queens, previously designated by the Queen, assist in christening.
With exception of Junior Past Queen and Lady of the Keys, officers, Unit members, and a sufficient number of Ladies of the Household, join hands to form a circle around the outside of Crescent and altar; Princess Tirzah and Princess Marshal remaining back of Princess Zenobia’s chair Queen, Princess Badoura, Attendants, candidates, and assisting Past Queens or Queens, remain inside the circle, Attendants taking places a few steps back of Queen.
Q.: Princess Badoura, remove the cowl from the head of this worthy daughter and replace it with this sacred veil wrought by the hands of Nydia, the blind girl from out the web of the sacred spider.
Hood is removed by Princess Badoura. Queen lifts veil from Bible by taking corners nearest her; lifts it up and hands it to Princess Badoura, who places it on the head of exemplifying candidate, leaving ears uncovered. Princess Badoura instructs candidates to remove glasses, cross arms over breast, left over right, then steps toward Princess Nydia’s chair. Queen takes rose from Bible and dips in amphora.
Q.: Daughter of the desert, we have heard your vows and stand here now as witnesses to your obligation; we assure you that we regard you as our fellow servant and hold in our hearts for you only kindness, love, and sympathy With a white rose, emblem of purity and innocence, I christen you a Daughter of the Nile, by first sealing your eyes lightly touches eyes with rose, then your ears lightly touches each ear, and then your lips lightly touches lips, that you may see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil, of a member of this Order, and finally by placing it upon your head, that you may have only pure thoughts lightly touches top of head, as purity of purpose and of thought is essential to the culture of the soul.
Small class, Queen only christening, say “I christen you”, or “I christen you, and each of you”, Large class, say “We christen you, and each of you”. After exemplifying candidate has been christened rose is returned to Bible. Remaining roses are dipped one at a time and held by Queen until several have been dipped, then handed directly to a Queen or Past Queen who begins christening immediately.
Q., taking exemplifying candidate by hand: Arise, and go in search of the Ladies of the Household who will give you instruction for your labor.
Queen turns and starts toward throne, Attendants turn in place and precede Queen to throne, face each other and bow as Queen passes between them and ascends throne Remaining officers, Unit members, and Ladies of the Household, resume places in Temple. Past Queens remain near kneeling candidates to assist them in rising.
Attendants immediately march toward Princess Tirzah’s station to conduct Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate, who leave the Crescent at right of Princess Nydia. Attendants lead Princess Badoura and candidate around outside of Crescent, then enter at left of Princess Zuleima, proceeding across to Princess Nydia's station. As Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate are being conducted to Princess Nydia, remaining candidates are directed by Princess Marshal to seats at right of Princess Tirzah.
Attendants time march so they do not reach Princess Nydia's station before remaining candidates are seated.
Princess Nydia starts knitting a bit of lace immediately after Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate leave Crescent and pass in back of her chair).
Princess Tirzah, Past Queens, and assistants if needed, return pillows back of Ladies in Waiting after which they return to their places in Temple.
Having reached Princess Nydia's station, Attendants march on either side of chair to rear; turn and face Princess Badoura, who pauses in front of Princess Nydia.
P.B: Princess Nydia
P.N., who is blind, places knitting in basket, rises, smiles, and extends her hand which Princess Badoura clasps momentarily: Oh? has Princess Badoura come to visit me?
P.B.: Yes, Princess Nydia, and I have brought a companion.
P.N.: A companion? Who is she?
P.B.: A poor, weary daughter of the desert who has been received as a servant in Her Majesty’s household, and now comes to you for instruction.
P.N.: Poor? Why do you call her poor? Can she see?
P.B.: Yes, her sight is not impaired.
P.N.: Then truly she is not poor! She is favored by the gods. The angels in heaven have no greater blessing. Poor she is not, but weary she may be. Have her take my seat and rest herself, and let me see her.
Princess Nydia steps to left ol her chair, Princess Badoura seats candidate Princess Nydia takes hand of candidate momentarily then, with both hands, lightly traces outline of candidate’s face.
P.N.: Now that I have seen you, I shall remember you. And you can see! How fortunate you are! It must be a great source of pleasure to see the trees waving in the breeze, the flowers in full bloom, and the birds flying gracefully in the air. I have a sister called Patience, who is very kind to me, and through her eyes and faithful description I have beheld many beautiful sights, and glorious sunsets, snow-capped mountains, and birds with gorgeous plumage. Thus, one morning, early, upon the headland overlooking the ocean, she held my hand and my soul saw the sun rise from out the sea, as if from mermaids hands: and yet, you see, I am blind.
Like a blind spinner in the sun,
I tread my days,
I know that all my threads will run
Appointed ways,
I know each day will bring its task,
And, being blind, no more I ask.
But whether this be seal, or sign,
Within, without,
It matters not: the bond divine I never doubt
I know He sent me here, and still,
And glad, and blind, I wait His will
I listen, listen, day by day
To hear the tread
Of those who bear the web away,
And cut the thread,
And bring God’s blessing in the sun;
“Come, poor blind spinner, work is done”
And now, will you take this bit of lacework to Her Majesty? Hands candidate completed bit of lace in which a few stitches have been dropped. Tell her it is from Nydia, the blind, say it is a token of the love and devotion I bear Her Majesty. Say also, that I am aware of its imperfection, you see, there are some stitches dropped: but she will have compassion, she will understand.
Attendants turn and march directly to throne, Princess Badoura and candidate follow, leaving Crescent at right of Princess Nydia, keeping two feet behind Attendants. Upon reaching throne, Attendants stop, salute, side step, leaving space for Princess Badoura and candidate to be seen by Queen.
Q.: Princess Badoura, what tidings?
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, we visited Princess Nydia, the blind lace maker at the station of faith, who bade us bring this bit of lacework to Your Majesty, as a token of her love and esteem. Takes lacework from candidate. She also bade us say to you that she is aware of its imperfection, but hopes you will understand. Takes lacework to Queen.
Q.: Indeed it is a dainty gift, and how very like the donor Examines closely. Some stitches dropped. I am glad of that, it only proves its cost. How well I know that poor blind Nydia’s love is knit therein. No human wrought device is perfect. The work of human hands may be good, but never perfect Perfection is of God; that is the law Go now to Princess Zuleika, at the station of hope, for a second lesson.
Attendants step together, salute Queen, turn, march past Princess Tirzah, on around outside of Crescent to left of Princess Zuleima, enter Crescent, and go across to Princess Zuleika, march to rear of chair, turn, face Princess Badoura, who pauses in front of Princess Zuleima.
P.B.: Princess Zuleika.
P.Z.: Princess Badoura, with hope for your happiness, I greet you! Who is your companion?
P.B.: A poor weary daughter of the desert, who has become a servant in Her Majesty’s household and now comes to you for instruction.
P.Z.: Weary she may be, but I doubt her need of sympathy. Can she distinguish flowers by their fragrance?
P.B.: I am quite sure she can.
P.Z.: Then she is not poor. She needs no sympathy. The gods have been kind to her; she can distinguish flowers by their fragrance. Could I do that I would ask no greater boon I am florist to the Queen. Each day I send a bouquet of fresh flowers to Her Majesty, and being denied the sense of smell, I am in doubt how to select them. I have a sister called Joy, who often aids me in my choice. She says it is a fine intoxication to stand among the flowers at evening’s close and inhale their fragrance. To me they have no fragrance. Hence, you see, I am bereft. And now will you take these flowers to Her Majesty with my love and devotion, Hands basket of flowers to candidate. Tell her they are from Zuleika, who represents hope. They were grown near together, in the same kind of soil, nurtured with the same care, watered by the same showers, fanned by the selfsame breezes, and received light and heat from the selfsame sun. Ask her to tell you by what law they have the power to select each for itself, its own separate color and its own separate fragrance.
Attendants turn as before, and march directly to throne Princess Badoura and candidate leave Crescent between Princess Nydia and Princess Zuleika.
Q.: Princess Badoura, what tidings?
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, we visited Princess Zuleika, your florist, at the station of hope, who bade us bring these flowers as a token of her love and devotion. Takes basket of flowers from candidate. She asked us to tell you that they were grown near together; in the same kind of soil, nurtured with the same care, watered by the same showers, fanned by the same breezes, and received light and heat from the same sun She bade us ask you by what law they have the power to select, each for itself, its own separate color and its own separate fragrance Takes basket of flowers to Queen.
Q.: How beautiful they are, and how fragrant, also how perfect. You have found another of God’s laws, the law of natural selection. These flowers have the God-given right to select and appropriate from the soil, breeze, rain, and sunlight that which will form perfect flowers, and to reject all else. You, too, have the power, when freed from adverse environment, as you are here, to choose and appropriate every virtue that will tend to make a perfect woman, and to reject all else. Go now to the station of charity for further instruction.
Same kind of march as before, now going to station of Princess Zenobia.
P.B.: Princess Zenobia.
P.Z.: I give you joyous welcome, Princess; who is your companion?
P.B.: A poor weary daughter of the desert who has become a servant in Her Majesty’s household, and now comes to you for instruction.
P.Z.: Why do you call her poor? Can she distinguish fruits by their taste?
P.B.: I am quite sure she can.
P.Z.: Then she is not poor. She can distinguish fruits by their taste. Could I do that I would crave no greater boon. Alas, I have no sense of taste! I am Her Majesty’s horticulturist, and have supervision over all the orchards. To provide fruit for Her Majesty’s table is my daily duty. Because of the abundance of fruit and its generous distribution, my station is called charity. Yet, because of my affliction, I am often in doubt what fruit to send Her Majesty. I have a sister called Mercy who says it is one of life’s sweetest joys to eat the delicious fruits from my orchards. She often aids me in my selection. Take this basket of fruit to Her Majesty. Hands basket of fruit to candidate. Say it is from Zenobia, in token of her love and devotion. Ask her about the law of continuity by reproduction. She will know, she will understand.
Same kind of march to throne, Princess Badoura and candidate leaving Crescent between Princess Zuleika and Princess Zenobia.
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, we visited Princess Zenobia, at the station of charity, who bade us bring this basket of delicious fruit in token of her love and devotion takes basket of fruit from candidate, and to ask you concerning the law of continuity by reproduction. Takes basket of fruit to Queen.
Q.: What a choice assortment of fruit, and how perfect? You have discovered another of God’s laws: the law of continuity by reproduction, which is a proof of immortality Go now to the station of trust for further instruction.
When going to Princess Zora, line of march is reversed Attendants turn, march past Princess Badoura’s station, then around outside of Crescent to right of Princess Nydia, then across to Princess Zora.
P.B.: Princess Zora.
P. Z.: Princess Badoura, I am at your service Who is your companion?
P.B.: A poor weary daughter of the desert, who has become a servant in Her Majesty’s household, and comes to you for instruction.
P.Z.: I shall willingly instruct her in her labors, for that indeed is my office. Why do you call her poor? Can she weep?
P.B.: I am quite sure she can.
P.Z.: Can she laugh?
P.Z.: Then she is not poor! I am the housekeeper of Her Majesty and have supervision over all her household. I do my work the best I can each day from a sense of duty not in hope of reward or fear of censure, neither of which could I understand, for I am a stoic. I have no sensibilities, no sensitiveness, no emotions. I am often weary and in need of rest. Sorrow and joy are only words to me. I never grieve and I never rejoice I cannot cry, I cannot laugh, I only trust, and trusting go my way and do my best. I have a sister called Devotion, who laughs and cries and sings and mourns, and I often wish I were like her. Sometimes I think I would give my life to be able to shed tears as other women do. But I cannot I have no feeling, I only trust. Now, will you please take this bread to Her Majesty? Hands basket of bread to candidate. Tell her that it was made from flour of the choicest wheat grown in her own fields Say it is from Zora in token of her love and devotion, and ask her about the law of trusting. She will know, she will understand.
Attendants turn, pass Princess Badoura's station and march directly to throne, Princess Badoura and candidate follow, leaving Crescent between Princess Zora and Princess Zuleima.
Q.: Princess Badoura, what tidings?
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, we visited Princess Zora, at the station of trust, who bade us bring you this bread in token of her love and devotion.
Takes basket with bread from candidate, also to ask Your Majesty concerning the law of trusting. Takes basket with bread to Queen.
Q.: Faithful, generous Zora! Always striving to do her duty. Trust is a divine attribute and one of God’s greatest gifts to the human race. Without trust there could be no civilization, no commerce no society, and no government. Go now to the station of harmony for another lesson.
Same kind of march as for Princess Zora, going now to Princess Zuleima. Princess Zuleima starts writing music immediately after Princess Badoura and candidate pass in back of her chair.
P.B., touching Princess Zuleima on shoulder: Princess Zuleima.
P.Z., startled, puts manuscript in basket, rises, smiles, offers hand to Princess Badoura, then to candidate, then looks intently at Princess Badoura's lips: Who is she?
P.B.: A poor weary daughter of the desert who has become a servant in Her Majesty’s household and now comes to you for instruction.
P.Z.: Turn your face more toward me so that I can see what you are saying. Is she a servant?
P.B., repeats slowly and distinctly: A poor weary daughter of the desert, who has become a servant in Her Majesty’s household and now comes to you for instruction.
P.Z., looking pityingly at candidate: How is she poor? Is she deaf?
P.B., distinctly: No, she can hear..
P.Z.: Please have music played and let her tell me if she can hear it.
Music.
P.B.: Could you hear that?
Candidate: Yes
P.Z.: Ah, you are not poor! God has been generous to you. I would almost give up my hope of heaven to hear like you, for then I would have my heaven on earth. To be able to hear is my constant prayer I can talk, and sometimes I can read what my friends are saying by the motion of their lips, but I cannot hear a sound Alas, I am bereft! I have been deaf for years and yet, somehow, I comprehend the law of harmony. I am musician to Her Majesty. I have a sister called Melody who plays my music on the harp, and sometimes, when she plays, I place my hand upon the instrument to feel the vibration, and thereby my soul discerns the music. Please take this music to Her Majesty. Hands finished scroll of music to candidate. Say it is from Zuleima, as a token of her love and devotion. Ask her about the law of harmony, she will tell you, she will understand.
Same kind of march for Attendants, as from Princess Zora, Princess Badoura and candidate leaving Crescent at Princess Zuleima’s left.
Q.: Princess Badoura, what tidings?
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, we visited Princess Zuleima, at the station of harmony who sent you this music as a token of her love and devotion Takes music from candidate and bade us ask you about the law of harmony. She said you would understand. Takes music to Queen.
Q.: Ah, poor Zuleima! How faithful she is. She composes music, although she is bereft. She cannot hear a sound. Harmony is one of Gods laws. Without harmony there would be no music, and without music the world would be a dreary place indeed. Now you must visit noble Princess Tirzah and Princess Royal, for examination and instruction.
Attendants step together and salute Queen Preceded by Attendants Princess Badoura and candidate turn, and going by way of Princess Badoura’s station, march around outside of Crescent to Princess Tirzah.
Arriving at Princess Tirzahs station, Attendants stand on either side of Princess Badoura and candidate. Princess Marshal rises and leads remaining candidates into the form of a crescent in back of Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate. If there is not sufficient room, or if class is large, Princess Marshal may instruct the remaining candidates to stand in front of their chairs and face Princess Tirzah.
If several candidates, change to plural language.
P.T.: Princess Badoura, I greet you. Who is your companion?
P.B.: A servant in Her Majesty’s household, and by her order sent to you for examination and instruction.
P.T. to candidate: Was it by your own request that you became a servant in Her Majesty’s household?
Candidate: It was.
P.T.: Have you taken the solemn and binding obligation of a Daughter of the Nile?
Candidate: I have.
P.T.: Have you been christened with the waters of the sacred River?
Candidate: I have.
P.T.: Have your eyes, ears, and lips, been sealed against all manner of gossip and scandal?
Candidate: They have.
P.T.: Has a pure white rose, emblematic of purity and innocence, been placed upon your head, that you may have only pure thoughts?
Candidate: It has.
P.T.: Princess Badoura, by what authority does this servant wear the sacred veil of devotion, worn only by the devotees of our Order?
P.B.: By the order of Her Majesty.
P.T.: Then, though she is a servant, she is one of us, all of us are servants Remove that garb of the desert.
Princess Tirzah steps to exemplifying candidate to remove veil, steps back into position, holding veil loosely in hands. Princess Badoura removes cord and hands it to one Attendant, then removes robe and hands it to the other; to be placed on either side of Princess Tirzah’s station.
P.T.: Go now, and visit Princess Royal for further instruction.
While Attendants turn west and conduct Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate to Princess Royals station, Princess Marshal will lead remaining candidates to form a crescent, or crescents, back of Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate. Princess Tirzah replaces veil informally over Bible and rose, entering and leaving Crescent at right of Princess Nydia.
P.R.: Princess Badoura, I greet you. Who is your companion?
P.B.: A servant in Her Majesty’s household and by her order comes to you for examination and instruction.
P.R.: Then, though she is a servant, she is one of us, all of us are servants. As a Daughter of the Nile, she lacks only the jewel of the Order, which I now, with pleasure, present. Pins jewel on candidate Only Past Queens of the Temple may assist. Now, to me, you represent a true Daughter of the Nile, which is to say, a noble woman, and it is with pride and pleasure I send you thus adorned with the jewel of our sacred Order. Go now to Her Majesty.
Attendants lead Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate to throne by way of Princess Badoura’s station, salute the Queen, and are seated. Princess Marshal follows, leading remaining candidates to form a crescent, or crescents, back of Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate, by marching directly toward throne end of Temple, to a point in line with Princess Badoura, then turning and marching in the form of a crescent to a point in line with other side of Princess Badoura and exemplifying candidate.
Q.: Princess Badoura, what tidings?
P.B., salutes: Your Majesty, we visited Princess Tirzah, also Princess Royal who gave us a jewel, an emblem of the Order.
Q.: It is well.
Princess Marshal provides a chair for exemplifying candidate, to be seated before throne by Princess Badoura. Other candidates remain standing during Queen’s lecture and Secret Work by Junior Past Queen.
Princess Badoura and Princess Marshal return directly to stations.
Song “Weary Pilgrim”, Tune optional.
Weary pilgrim from the desert,
Though thy way seemed long and drear,
Know that every journeys ending
Is replete with love and cheer
If with faith and trust you journey,
Holding love and truth most sweet,
You will find the flowers of friendship
Softly blooming at thy feet.
The unfolding of hearts blossoms
Sends forth fragrance to a friend
So, with truest welcome giving,
Loving greetings we extend
May the shelter of our household
Give thee peace and sweet repose,
And thy pathway through life’s desert
Ever blossom like a rose
Queen standing is optional. If Queen rises, she stands directly in front of chair while giving lecture.
Q.: I will now explain to you the purpose and principles of Daughters of the Nile, the faith of its Founders and the hope of its adherents.
The Founders of this great Order realized that the benign influence of good, pure-minded women upon society is a guiding star and an insistent power for good, which serves to counteract the influences for evil of the less pure-minded, and acts as an anchor to all weak and wavering souls in times of temptation. Believing that power to be handicapped by want of concerted action, they resolved to combine as much of it as possible by associating together all good women who might wish to better humanity.
In your initiation, you were conducted to the door and caused to give five distinct raps with your own hand, to announce your voluntary desire for admission, also because five is the mystic number of this Order, and alludes to the five sensory organs through which the handiwork of the Supreme Architect of the Universe is made manifest to the soul.
You wore a garb of humility to indicate the sincerity of your purpose and your willingness to be judged by your reputation rather than by your raiment.
You were in search of water, because water is the most essential element for sustaining life, it also typifies the thirst of the heart for the higher life on earth, and the thirst of the soul for the waters of life eternal.
You were caused to kneel and attend prayer, to teach you to depend upon a power greater than yourself for aid and guidance, and to remind you to cultivate the habit of prayerful thoughts.
In your obligation you took the vow of secrecy for two reasons, first, because no human effort for good can be effective if its tenets are cast to the world at large to be trodden underfoot by the careless multitude, second, that you may realize the love and devotion binding each Daughter of the Nile to every member of the Order.
The veil of devotion was placed upon your head to indicate the love you will entertain for Daughters of the Nile, and to assure you that same sacred feeling is shared by all who have assumed our vows.
You were christened with the water of the Nile, to remind you that so-called sacred river, in its fullness, sustains millions of God’s creatures, and because it represents religion. Religion is the innate longing of the human soul to know its cause, a stream that ever strives to reach the mighty sea from whence it came.
Your eyes, ears, and lips, were sealed against all manner of gossip and scandal, in order that you will not degrade yourself by pulling another woman down, and that you will speak well, or not at all, of any woman, more especially of a Daughter of the Nile.
A white rose was placed upon your head, as an emblem of purity and innocence, to shield your mind from impure thoughts.
You visited the five Ladies in Waiting, representing faith, hope, charity, trust, and harmony, also representing the five senses. They teach you that a bodily defect or bereavement is not necessarily a handicap to physical achievement, much less to a mental or moral attainment. They also inspire you with confidence in your own ability for good true work.
You were introduced to noble Princess Tirzah, who received you as a member of Her Majesty’s household. You were also introduced to Princess Royal, who recognized you as a member, and presented you with a jewel, which proclaims you a faithful Daughter of the Nile.
May the lessons you have here been taught sink deep into your heart, your conscience, and your memory. May you be able to substitute faith for doubt, hope for despair, charity for censure, trust for suspicion, and harmony for discord.
May you realize the honor and distinction conferred upon you by being made a member of the Daughters of the Nile, an organization which stands for the elevation of civilization and citizenship, the highest and best in all human achievement, and culture of that divine spark called the soul.
When you go forth among your friends and companions be careful of your speech and courteous in your manner, lest you give offense. By cheerful speech and deeds of kindness you may surround yourself with such a wall of friends that no harm can come to you.
When the day is done and you seek your well-earned rest, how sweet is the assurance you had that day cast a ray of light into the gloom of some sad life, that you had extended a helping hand and assisted some timid climber one step higher on the ladder which leads to the higher life, that you had eased some aching heart, dried some bitter rears, sweetened some cup of sorrow.
May you study the five virtues faith, hope, charity, trust, and harmony, and may you profit by the lessons inculcated therein.
And now, may peace and harmony prevail and love endure.
Junior Past Queen.
J.P.Q.: I will now instruct you in the secret work of the Order, after which you will be conducted to the throne to receive the password from the Queen, the grip from the Junior Past Queen, and then to the Princess Recorder’s desk to sign the bylaws.
 
 
Secret Work

When Junior Past Queen asks Princess Marshal to assist in giving the Secret Work, Princess Marshal rises and goes to left of Junior Past Queen, who then instructs candidates to repeat the responses of Princess Marshal.
Princess Badoura returns directly to side of exemplifying candidate as Junior Past Queen demonstrates Supreme Honors. She then conducts each candidate to Queen, starting with exemplifying candidate.
Princess Marshal conducts candidates to desk of Princess Recorder and then to seats. With large class Princess Tirzah assists by conducting candidates to seats after leaving Princess Recorders desk.
Queen gives password, refraining from taking the hand or otherwise touching the new members, who are requested to repeat the password, then Junior Past Queen gives grip of the Order to each newly initiated member.
Princess Badoura returns directly to station. Princess Marshal and Princess Tirzah resume stations after all candidates are seated.
 
 
Closing
 
Q.: Princess Royal, what is the hour?
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty, it is the hour of retirement.
Q.: Lady of the Keys.
L. of K., salutes: Your Majesty.
Q.: Inform the Lady of the Gates that I am about to close this Temple, Daughters of the Nile, instruct her to lower the drawbridge and stand the gates ajar, that the Daughters may depart to their several places of abode.
Lady of Keys goes to door and opens it.
L. of K: Lady of the Gates, Her Majesty is about to close this Temple, Daughters of the Nile, and instructs you to lower the drawbridge and stand the gates ajar, that the Daughters may depart to their several places of abode.
Returns to station and salutes: Your Majesty, your orders have been obeyed.
Q.: Princess Royal, how should a Temple, Daughters of the Nile, be closed?
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty, a Temple, Daughters of the Nile, should be closed with music, prayer, and good counsel.
Q.: Princess Tirzah, have you a word of counsel?
P.T., salutes: Ladies of the Household, we are about to leave this sacred place, where peace and harmony prevail and love endures, to mingle again with the world at large. Take with you, then, the memory of the grand principles inculcated and the sweet, helpful lessons taught herein, and apply them in your daily life. Be heroic in the cause of justice and right. Demand of society one standard of morality for men and for women alike. Judge carefully, not hastily. First, find the cause, the intent, and the force of environment, before you censure or condemn. Let your condemnation fall only upon the depraved, vicious, and evil-minded.
To those who fall through stress of circumstances or evil environment while striving for the right, extend your sympathy. The virtue was in striving, though they lost.
And should you find a woman in sorrow or distress, take a part of her load and bear it for her, strength shall be given you.
As the growth of fruit and the blooming of flowers depend upon the sunshine and rain, so do the growth and culture of the soul depend upon the sunshine of joy in the face, and tears of gratitude in the eyes, of some human recipient of our kindness.
Q.: Princess Royal, have you a word of counsel?
P.R., salutes: Your Majesty, just a thought. Ladies of the Household, be not weary in well doing, for know you this, you cannot stand still for long; you must advance. No day comes back, and life is short at best. That which makes life most worth living, indeed the very cream of existence, is the sure knowledge of having remembered our obligation, and kept our vows, of having met ingratitude with forbearance, selfishness with kindness, and penitence with love.
Queen calls up Temple ***.
Q.: Princess Chaplain, the Temple is now assembled for our devotion, and awaits your will and pleasure.
Princess Chaplain, carrying a small Bible, advances to a position midway between her station and altar then reads a short selection from the Bible before continuing on to altar. Selection may be made by Queen or Chaplain.
Instrumental music only.
P.C.: O, Thou Great and Loving Father, we come to Thee as timid, helpless children to a loving parent. Be Thou our friend and helper in all our endeavors to reach a higher plane of life. Fill our hearts with a desire for right living, to the exclusion of all selfishness, envy jealousy and self-love. Lead us with a hand of love in the path of duty. Bear with us when we stumble or fall. Be Thou our guide in the hour of adversity, our help in the hour of extremity. And may Thy peace and loving kindness be and abide with us forever. Amen.
Princes Chaplain returns to station after response.
Closing Ode.
Q.: I will ask a favor of you, that you be as faithful and punctual in your attendance at the Temple as your other duties will permit Princess Tirzah, attend the altar.
Princess Tirzah salutes Queen, enters Crescent between stations of Princess Zuleika and Princess Zenobia, salutes Bible, folds veil and puts to side, places rose on veil, closes Bible, and places veil with rose on top, steps back two paces, bows, picks up Bible, turns, and retraces steps to station.
Q.: Now may we all henceforth walk in the five-fold path of right thinking, teaching, acting, speaking, and living.
I now declare ... Temple No. ... closed.
Lady of the Keys, you will so inform the Lady of the Gates.
Queen raps gavel *.
Lady of the Keys opens door after sound of gavel and informally announces to Lady of the Gates that ... Temple is closed.