Robert Burns Society of America
Ritual
Opening
No date
MIGHTY CHIEF, *: The officers of Tarn O'Shanter Cavern, No. …,
are commanded to assume their stations. Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, after
ascertaining whether the outer approaches to the Cavern are secure against all
foes, you will return and keep watch at the inner door until otherwise ordered.
Sergeant retires to outer chamber, returns, stands attention and salutes the
Chief.
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: Mighty Chief, I find that the outer
approaches are sufficiently guarded.
MIGHTY CHIEF: Vice Chief, I desire that all within these cavern
walls shall prove that they are faithful members of the Robert Burns Society of
America.
VICE CHIEF: To assure ourselves, Mighty Chief, that no one is in
our midst who is not a faithful member of either our cavern or some associate
cavern of our National Society, I recommend that our Captain-of-Bagpipes
determine whether all present are qualified to remain.
MIGHTY CHIEF: You have spoken well. Captain-of-Bagpipes proceed to
such duty.
Captain-of-Bagpipes gets permanent and annual pass words from each,
approaches altar at right angles and salutes.
CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES: I am satisfied, Mighty Chief, that all
present are entitled to remain,
MIGHTY CHIEF, * * * *, all rise: Clansmen, we are again assembled
within these cavernous walls for the sake of Auld Lang Syne, and to perpetuate
the memory of him who has long since passed o'er the keystone of that "Brig
o' Doon" from which no traveler e'er returns. We all revere the memory and
writings of that great exponent of Common Humanity whose lot was not cast with
that of Kings, Monarchs, Princes and High Potentates, but who sprang from the
ranks of the meek and lowly, and whose fame has, nevertheless, spread to all
parts of the earth. His name will occupy the tablets of love and memory as long
as mankind exists. * * *. To the memory of
the Immortal Bobby Burns! All hold up right hand
loosely closed, as though in the act of toasting his memory.
I now declare this Tarn O'Shanter Cavern, No …, of the Robert Burns Society
of America duly open for the transaction of such matters as may come before it.
Together let us give the sign of the society.
All give sign. *. Be seated Clansmen.
Initiation
First Part
MIGHTY CHIEF: Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, ascertain if any are
outside our portals who, loving the name and memory of our Immortal Bobby Burns,
desire admission to our Cavern.
Sergeant salutes Mighty Chief, goes to ante-room and returns.
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: I find outside our portals a stranger
who craves admission.
MIGHTY CHIEF: Sergeant, you may proceed with our
Guardian-of-Treasures to the outer walls to meet and interview this stranger
Take good note of his manner of speech, his demeanor and bearing, and be on
guard that you may not be deceived or inveigled into admitting one who may prove
a traitor to our society. If he appears worthy, our Guardian-of-Treasures may
demand from him the customary toll. You may then blindfold him and lead him by a
circuitous route into our presence.
Sergeant and Guardian-of-Treasures repair to ante-room, the
Guardian-of-Treasures collects the necessary fee from candidate, after which he
is blindfolded and asked if he admires Burns and his writings. On answering in
the affirmative, the candidate is brought to the inner door, where three
distinct raps are given.
CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES, stationed near door on inside, in a loud voice:
Who seeks admission to our cavern?
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK, in an audible voice: A stranger who
claims to love and revere the name of the Immortal Bobby Burns.
CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES: Our Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark reports having
in his charge a stranger, who, having learned something of the objects and aims
of our Society, desires admission to our Cavern.
MIGHTY CHIEF: Ascertain and announce the stranger's name.
Captain-of-Bagpipes gets name and announces:
CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES: His name is …, and under the guardianship
of our Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, he seeks permission to affiliate with our
Scottish Society and to become a member of our cavern.
MIGHTY CHIEF: You have all heard the announcement of our Captain-of-Bagpipes.
Are there any present who know of any objection to this stranger becoming a
member of our Cavern? Pause.
There being no objection, Captain-of-Bagpipes, you will open wide the portals
and permit him to be conducted to our presence.
Sergeant brings in candidate, and, after marching him around room in company
with Captain-of-Bagpipes, halts him before the Vice Chief. The
Guardian-of-Treasures returns to his desk.
VICE CHIEF: What seeks this stranger?
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: He craves permission to become a member
of our cavern, and desires a knowledge of the mysteries of our society.
VICE CHIEF: His aim is a praiseworthy one. Addressing
candidate: Though your eyes be shrouded in
darkness, it has been your especial privilege to enter the sacred precincts of
our Scottish cavern. Be, therefore, attentive of ear, obedient to all commands,
and let not your tongue give utterance except when commanded or questioned. Pause—then
in solemn voice: Do you hold in veneration and respect the name of
Bobby Burns, so dear to our society?
Candidate answers:
I do.
VICE CHIEF: It is well, for the name of the Bard of Ayr is the
very foundation stone of our society and the pivot on which revolves its objects
and aims. Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, you may now conduct the stranger to our
Chieftain-of-the-Tartan for further tuition.
Candidate is again marched around room, this time the quartette singing some
appropriate Scottish song, or, if no quartette, an air on the bagpipes by
Captain-of-Bagpipes as he marches with candidate. Halt in front of
Chieftain-of-the-Tartan.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN: What desireth this stranger?
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: Wishing to become one of us, and having
expressed his love and devotion for the sacred and honored name of Bobby Burns,
he awaits further instructions.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN: You have learned thus far that our
Society is founded on the love we bear for that Immortal Scottish poet whose
writings so strongly appeal to Common Humanity, the Brotherhood of Man, and the
frailties to which we are common heir. "MAN'S INHUMANITY TO MAN MAKES
COUNTLESS THOUSANDS MOURN." To be one of us, it must be your bounden duty
to lend your influence, small though it may be, wherever possible, towards
making countless thousands happy, and, as the Immortal Scottish Bard prescribes,
"TO COMFORT THOSE THAT MOURN." You must know that the adoption of
"TAM O' SHANTER," the hero of Burns' world-famed story, as the title
of our Cavern, is not to be construed as counseling you to emulate Tarn's
example in his over-indulgence in the cup that temporarily cheers and his close
acquaintance with "BOLD JOHN BARLEYCORN," but, ever remembering that
"A MAN'S A MAN FOR A' THAT," to take warning by the lesson offered us,
for
"Whosoe'r that tale of truth shall read.
Each man and mother's son take heed.
Whene'r to drink you are inclined.
Or cutty-sarks run in your mind.
Think well, for you may buy the joys too dear—
Pause, and remember Tam o' Shanter's mare."
As a token of appreciation of your having passed the scrutiny of our noble
Vice Chief, and believing you worthy of still further progress, I confer upon
you the decoration of the Tartan, the insignia of this station. Puts
Tartan badge on candidate. Sergeant, you will now consign this
stranger to our Chieftain-of the-Kilt, that he may hearken to further words of
wisdom and advice.
Sergeant conducts candidate around room accompanied by bagpipes or song by
quartette, halting at station of Chieftain-of-the-Kilt.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT: "Stranger, whither wandrest
thou?"
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: Having thus far safely passed the
stations of our noble Vice Chief and Chieftain-of-the-Tartan, he seeks such
additional knowledge as may entitle him to be one of us.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT: My friend, assembled here are those whose
courage and bravery, coupled with their love for the name of the Immortal Bobby
Burns, have entitled them to an honored seat in our Cavern, We are all of us—whether
first seeing the light of day on Scotia's crags and glens or on the bogs of the
Emerald Isle, whether first breathing the breath of life on Albion's fertile
meadows or on fair Columbia's shores—staunch friends of good old bonnie
Scotland, for she gave to us and to the world our beloved Bobby Burns. Here the
Violet, the Rose and the Shamrock together entwine the thistle in adoration of
the name of Scotia's Bard, I counsel you to lay these sentiments to your heart.
In order that you may be received without fear or danger into the presence of
our Chieftain-of-the-Sporran to hearken unto his words of wisdom and advice, I
present you with this emblem of the Scottish kilt, Puts
kilt badge on candidate. Wear it as your further passport and as a
remembrance of this station, Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, lead now this stranger
to the chair of our Chieftain-of-the-Sporran that he may learn still more from
his wise counsel and be further prepared to attain his desires.
Candidate is marched around room as before, accompanied by either bagpipes or
song by quartette, and halted at station of Chieftain-of-the-Sporran.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN: Why stands this stranger before me?
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: Having been decorated with the insignia
of the Tartan and Kilt, he craves permission to join our Cavern. He would have
such further words of advice as you may see fit to give him before being ushered
into the presence of our Mighty Chief.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN: Traveler, I congratulate you in having
thus far so conducted yourself as to reach in safety the respective stations of
our noble Tartan and Kilt under the guidance of our trusty Sergeant, Before
proceeding further, you must know that the members of our society are composed
of staunch adherents of good old Caledonia, and naturally are fond of
sociability and conviviality, when such are in proper season. They love the
spirit of brotherhood which makes the world akin and cements together the
friendship of our caverns, realizing as they do, that while each has his own
shortcomings
"For a' that and a' that.
It's coming yet for a' that
That man to man the warld o'er
Shall brithers be for a' that."
They do not band together as "thirsty neighbors who meet to drown their
cares," nor is it their sole desire
"While at the foaming cup to sit and quaff
Primed by the ale, at every jest to laugh."
With the knowledge you have already gained, you will realize that one of the
aims of our Society is to meet in commemoration of the memory and writings of
him whom we love to refer to in affectionate terms as plain "BOBBY
BURNS." He had his faults like other writers who have given of their best
for the uplifting of mankind, but he told them freely to the world that Humanity
might profit.
We, too, have our failings, and must "remember that we are dust defiled
with sin," and that "to step aside is human." His dislike for
hypocrisy and his sympathy for human failings were evidenced when he wrote
"My son, these maxims make a rule.
And lump them all together,
The rigid righteous is a fool.
The rigid wise another.
The cleanest wheat that e'er was fanned
May have some grains of chaff in,
So ne'er a fellow-creature slight
For random fits o' daffin."
Your wearing of the Tartan and Kilt insignia of our Cavern is convincing
evidence of your worthiness to reach this station. May you also successfully
enter the presence of our Mighty Chief for final examination and instruction,
and to aid you in this undertaking, be further decoiated with this Sporran, the
emblem of this station.
Places Sporran badge on candidate. Sergeant, you may now usher
this stranger into the presence of our Mighty Chief. Farewell!
Arriving at the Mighty Chief's station, after marching candidate again around
room with bagpipe or quartette accompaniment, the Sergeant says:
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: Mighty Chief, this stranger, duly
bedecked with the coveted insignia of the Tartan, Kilt and Sporran of our
Society, thus showing that he has safely passed the interrogations of our noble
Vice Chief and Chieftains, comes now before you in the earnest hope that he may
be admitted as a member of our Cavern.
MIGHTY CHIEF: You have succeeeded in reaching a critical period of
your journey towards the attainment of your desires. You have already expressed
your reverence for the name of him for whom our Society is named. Do you believe
in the existence of One who over-rules our destinies?
Candidate answers.
MIGHTY CHIEF: Before proceeding further, you must solemnly
obligate yourself to abide by our laws, regulations, rules and usages. Be
assured that such obligation will not in the least conflict with your social or
political rights or religious faith. With this understanding, are you willing to
proceed?
Candidate answers: I am.
MIGHTY CHIEF, * * * *, all rise: Clansmen, he consents to assume
the obligation. Sergeant, conduct him to the altar.
Sergeant turns him about face and slowly leads him to the altar.
MIGHTY CHIEF: Summon all to come to attention.
VICE CHIEF: Chieftains, Officers and Clansmen of Tarn o'Shanter
Cavern, No. …, I am commanded by our Mighty Chief to bring you to attention.
Assume your positions around the altar that you may witness the impressive and
solemn obligation that this stranger must take before being one of us.
All form around altar in shape of thistle, the officers standing at points
nearest their stations.
VICE CHIEF: All are in position Mighty Chief.
Mighty Chief decends from his station and approaches altar, when the
respective Chieftains speak as follows:
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN: Balance well the words you are about to
speak!
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT: And ever sacredly remember the obligation
you are about to take.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN: "Engrave these counsels on thy
soul,"
MIGHTY CHIEF, to candidate: You will place your left hand over
your heart, and your right hand on the book of Burns' writings before you, Candidate
does so.
Say "I," mentioning your name, and repeat after me:
Candidate repeats after Mighty Chief, the following:
I, …, do most sacredly and solemnly promise that I will comply with all the
regulations and laws—of the Robert Burns Society of America—that I will obey
the laws—and respect, honor and protect—the flag of the United States of
America,—That I will not knowingly defraud, cheat or wrong—this Society or
any member thereof—but will warn him against any impending danger—that I may
become aware of;—that I will lend him or his family in distress a helping hand—when
in my power so to do—without material injury to myself or others: That loving
and honoring the name of Bobby Burns—I will uphold and spread as far as
possible the moral lessons taught by his writings—and the principles of this
Society,—That I will not knowingly recommend for membership any one of immoral
or undesirable character—neither will I oppose the admission of any one—solely
because of personal feelings,—That I will not, unless by special dispensation—or
lawful act—reveal, disclose or divulge—the passwords, signs or secret work
of this society.
Should I violate this, my solemn pledge—I consent to be expelled—in which
event, may I be denounced—as one unfit and unworthy—to associate with any
true and honest man—whom Burns would have called his brother—and may
resultant misery be my portion,—And should I, by voluntary act—retire from
membership in this Society—I pledge my sacred word of honor—that I will ever
hold it in esteem—and keep its secrets inviolate.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN: We have hearkened unto his declarations,
and bear witness to his avowals.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT: His words are indellibly impressed on our
memories.
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN: His solemn promises are recorded in our
innermost hearts.
FATHER-OF-THE-KIRK: May He who is the mightiest of Mighty Chiefs
keep him steadfast in his pledges.
MIGHTY CHIEF: Lift the veil of darkness that obscures the vision
of our friend, that he may see his surroundings.
Sergeant lifts hoodwink from candidate.
MIGHTY CHIEF: In the words of him whose memory we revere, it is my
pleasure to now greet you as: "My lov'd, my honor'd much respected
friend." Surrounding you in the form of a thistle, that meek and lowly, but
lov'd, honor'd and much respected emblem of old Scotland, are our Brother
Clansmen, all staunch and true to the principles of our Society. Holding
up a thistle. How typical is this Scottish emblem of the humble birth
and rise to world-wide fame of Bobby Burns. It's thorny, jagged points reminding
us of his vicissitudes, his sharpest pangs and "wandering stabs of
remorse" are here eclipsed by the sweet softness of that beautiful silken
floss of purple hue, which, like dissolving views, or as the canopy of heaven,
radiates and brings out in bold relief his better and purer nobleness of nature.
On the breast of each of our Brother Clansmen nestle the thistle and violet in
fond embrace, typical of the bonds of friendship between Old Scotia and Fair
Columbia. May these bonds never be torn asunder!
"Hail Caledonia! Name forever dear,
Before whose sons you're honor'd to appear."
And Hail Columbia! whose bounteous gift to thee.
Is brotherhood of man and sweetest liberty.
I sincerely congratulate you, my friend, in having thus far attained such a
degree of knowledge as to entitle you to this gude blue bonnet of Tam o'
Shanter. Places Tam o' Shanter cap on candidate's head.
Cherish and wear it, not as the crown which rests uneasy on the head
of king or monarch, but as an honor'd covering worn by one who realizes that
"The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor,
Is king o' men for a' that,"
and that "princes and lords are but the breath of kings; an honest man's
the noblest work of God."
You have now proceeded as far in our mysteries as your present state will
permit. Our Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark will accompany you outside our portals,
and when commanded, you will return to our Cavern for further tuition,
Mighty Chief returns to his station and gives * * * *.
VICE CHIEF: Chieftains, Officers and Clansmen, you will return to
your respective places and remain standing. They do so.
The Sergeant marches candidate to base of thistle outline on floor, then
along the entire outline of thistle to the starting point, and thence to the
ante-room, the quartette or ensemble singing something appropriate. When
candidate is out of room and door closed.
Mighty Chief declares the Cavern at ease.
Second Part
Arrange room for Tarn o' Shanter's ride from Ayr through Alloway's haunted
kirk-yard, where his mare is halted, and thence over the Brig o' Doon.
At lower end of room place table and three chairs, lighted candle on table.
Hidden from view of candidate have wind machine, thunder producer, &c., also
Tam's mechanical horse, to be brought forth at proper moment.
At upper end of room place Alloway Kirk scene, with wide open doorway,
arranged with curtain to drop at proper moment. At some convenient distance from
the Kirk have the Brig o' Doon.
A few members dressed as warlocks, ghosts, witches, one representing
"Nannie" in Cuttysark, another as the deil with dog's head, a couple
of open coffins, standing on end, with grotesque figure in each holding lighted
candle or taper. Make effect as weird as possible, and have red fire burning
while candidate observes performance. Souter Johnnie (somewhat inebriated) sits
at table with landlord of inn, (both smoking long clay pipes, if convenient.)
At a given signal the candidate is brought from ante-room hoodwinked and
dressed as Tam o' Shanter, and left standing at the table with Souter Johnnie
and the landlord.
SOUTER JOHNNIE: Now Tam, sit ye doon for a wee assists
candidate to vacant table, his back to audience, and lifts his hoodwink.
We'll tak' anither wee drap o' the nappy afore ye gang hame
Come, landlord, just a doch an' doris for the three of us.
Landlord retires and immediately returns with three mugs.
SOUTER JOHNNIE, raising cup: Here's wishing ye a safe journey
hame, Tam.
LANDLORD, raising his cup: An' here's hoping ye'll pass the Brig
o' Doon afore the warlocks get ye. All drink.
SOUTER JOHNNIE, goes over to candidate, lowers his hoodwink, assists him to
rise and walk a few paces: It's a wild unco' black night. Sound
of thunder and howling wind. An' "the wind blaws as 'twad blaw its last." Wear this around y'r shoulders to
keep the rain oot. Places oil cloth around neck and
shoulders of candidate.
LANDLORD: "Nae man can tether time or tide;
The hour approaches, Tam maun ride."
Wait here till I fetch y'r grey mare Meg, Dark as 'tis, she'll find the way. Retires
and returns with mechanical mare. Whoa! Whoat
Sick a stormy nicht, more thunder and wind
and mony a lonesome lang Scot's mile to gang afore ye meet y'r ain wife Kate. Assists
candidate to mount.
LANDLORD: Noo, Tam, ye'r "weel mounted on y'r grey mare Meg,
and a better never lifted leg." Gude nicht!
SOUTER JOHNNIE: Sae lang, Tam, m' auld crony. Keep y'r ee peeled
as ye draw nigh the kirk.
Candidate is then started off at a brisk gallop arcund room, the horse being
tilted at intervals to make it interesting, though not enough to allow him to
fall, while the members may hoot and yell and throw remarks at him as he passes.
After being jolted around room once or twice he is halted in front of the open
doorway of the haunted kirk, where sounds of bagpipes, discordant music and
revelry, amid howling wind and thunder, are heard. He is then made to sit on
horse backwards, the horse being turned rear end toward kirk, and the candidate
is made to grasp a support on the rear of the horse which causes him to bend
slightly forward with his face towards the horse's tail. Hoodwink is lifted from
candidate's eyes, allowing him to view what transpires through the open doorway
of the kirk, where the warlocks, witches, &c,, are dancing and prancing
around in lively reels, quadrilles, hornpipes, &c,, the deil with dog's head
mask blowing the bagpipes, and "Nannie," in her cuttysark, being the
most lively and prominent dancer. At this juncture, the one who manipulates the
mechanical horse (speaking for Tam) yells out: "Weel done, Cuttysark."
Immediately all cease dancing and playing, yell and point with forefinger at
Tam, and make as though going for him wind and thunder still continuing.
"Nannie" pounces through the doorway, curtain drops, and lights are
turned on, exposing "Nannie" with hands outstretched in a clawing,
threatening attitude, who rushes for Tam, while Tam is galloped around room, and
still riding backwards, finally comes to the "Brig o' Doon."
"Nannie," while appearing to pursue Tam at a fast gait, keeps a little
distance behind the mare until the middle of the bridge is almost reached, when
she grabs the mare's tail and yanks it out, which automatically discharges a
blank cartridge and at the same time causes a plentiful supply of water to be
ejected into candidate's face and produces an odor that is far from pleasant. At
this moment, candidate's hoodwink is again lowered, and after going a little
distance the horse is made to prance and is so tilted as to make candidate fall
to floor, members seeing that he does not get hurt. He is instructed in a
whisper to lay quiet, is then placed on a bier and carried to a point between
the Chief's chair and center of room, and the officers gather around bier.
MIGHTY CHIEF: What means this commotion? What has happened?
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: At early break of dawn, after the
terrible storm of yester' night, the return home of Tarn o'Shanter's grey mare,
"with foaming flanks and champing bit, riderless and tailless, led to a
search for Tam, which resulted in the discovery of this, his body, in the River
Doon.
MIGHTY CHIEF: "He "whose blossom buds in guilt,
Shall to the ground be cast,
And like the ruthless stubble toss'd
Before the sweeping blast."
VICE CHIEF: "O, Tam, hadst thou but been sae wise.
As ta'en thy ain "wife Kate's advice."
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN: "She tauld thee "weel thou wast
a skellum,
A blethering, blustering, drunken blellum."
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN: "She prophesy'd that, late or soon.
Thou would be found deep drown'd in Doon."
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT: "Or cateh'd wi' warlocks in the mirk,
By Alloway's auld haunted kirk,"
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KIRK: "O, Thou, Unknown Almighty Cause
Of all our hope and fear,
In whose dread presence even now.
Poor Tam is summoned to appear;
Thou giv'st the word, Thy creature man.
Is to existence brought;
Again Thou say'st 'ye sons of men.
Return ye into naught;'
Thou layest them with all their cares,
In everlasting sleep,
As with a flood Thou tak'st them off
With overwhelming sleep;
They flourish like the morning flow'r
In beauty's pride array'd.
But long ere night, cut down it lies
All wither'd and decayed."
Candidate is then conveyed on bier, accompanied by tolling of gong, into
ante-room, where his hoodwink is taken off, as well as his Tam o' Shanter
equipment. He remains there till called for next part.
Third Part
The Cavern is cleared of all scenery and paraphernalia used in second part,
and remains as in first part, with the following exceptions: On right side of
altar is placed the American Flag, and on left side the Scottish Flag, the folds
of each resting on the open book of Burns' writings. When all is ready,
Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark goes to candidate in ante-room and escorts him to
inner door, giving 3 raps, which is answered from within in a similar manner by
the Captain-of-Bagpipes. The door is opened wide by Captain-of-Bagpipes, who
says:
CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES: Why this disturbance? Is not our friend
satisfied with what he has already seen and heard of the mysteries of our
Society?
SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK: While duly thankful for what he has
been permitted to see and hear, he still seeks further knowledge.
CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES, turning to Mighty Chief and saluting: Mighty
Chief, is it your desire that he be allowed to proceed further into our
mysteries?
MIGHTY CHIEF: Clansmen, all, this is a question of grave import! I
leave it to you. What is the desire of this Cavern?
All together: In the immortal name of Bobby Burns, let him
proceed!
MIGHTY CHIEF: My friend, I again bid you a kindly welcome, and may
your ears and eyes unerringly aid you to a perpetual recollection of the aims
and objects of our Society. Captain-of-Bagpipes, you will allow our friend to
proceed.
Captain-of-Bagpipes salutes and returns to his seat. Sergeant conducts
candidate once slowly around room while an appropriate march is played on piano
or organ, then proceeding with him at right angle to base of thistle, and thence
to altar.
Mighty Chief gives * * * *, All rise.
MIGHTY CHIEF: Chieftain-of-the-Tartan, what do you observe?
Chieftain-of-the-Tartan descends from his station to the right side of altar,
and pointing with right hand to the American Flag, says:
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN: I observe that glorious, starspangled
banner of freedom and liberty, so dear to the hearts of all Americans whether by
birth or choice. How it thrills our hearts with love and patriotism. Each of its
stars as it rests in its soft background of ethereal blue, like the spaceless
firmament on high, reminds us that in every state and territory where Old Glory
waives, there shall be found, as true as those stars and as straight as those
bars, loyal and staunch member's; ox the Robert Burns Society of America, ever
standing together, and ready to lay down their lives if necessary, for their
homes, their families, and the Red, White and Blue.
MIGHTY CHIEF: And, Chieftain-of-the-Kilt, what do you observe?
Chieftain-of-the-Kilt, descends from his station to left-hand side of the
altar, and with his left hand to the Scottish Flag, says:
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT: I see the beloved flag of Old Scotia. How
beautiful to look upon! As we glance at its graceful folds, we scent the sweet
heather of the Highlands far away, and in fancy see the "wee, modest,
crimson-tipped" daisy lifting its "unassuming head in humble
guise" o'er the verdant meadows of the Lowlands. What pleasant memories it
recalls to those of us who were born under it, and how it enthuses those of us
who can trace in the remotest past some sprig of Scottish ancestry! To those of
us who can neither claim Scottish birth or descent, it is loved, honored and
recognized as the banner of that country which gave to the world that plowman
poet whose name shall live through all ages.
MIGHTY CHIEF: And Chieftain-of-the-Sporran, what do you observe?
Chieftain-of-the-Sporran descends from his station to altar, and pointing to
open book of Burns' writings, says:
CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN: I behold a book of more worth than the
costliest of gems, of inestimable value to mankind, because it contains the
writings and songs which have made imperishable the memory of that matchless
poet and lyric minstrel, the chosen Bard of the Scottish people, and is the very
foundation stone of our Society. Like those open pages, his life was an open
book, diffusing to the world with powerful spell and untold charm, lessons of
love for the beautiful in nature, of forgiveness and charity for the frailties
of humanity, of friendship and help to the poor and needy, and disdain for the
hypocritical righteous. On each side of the book, their graceful folds
intermingling as in one common, sweet, accord, like hands across the sea, I see
the glorious banners of Columbia and Caledonia, so typical of the bonds of union
that shall never be assundered as long as our Society exists.
Mighty Chief raps once *, the 3 Chieftains return to their respective
stations, and all are seated with the exception of candidate and sergeant who
remain standing at the altar.
MIGHTY CHIEF: My friend, you have this evening been privileged to
witness an exemplification of the principles of our Society whieh we trust will
be of invaluable benefit to you in after life. You have almost accomplished the
attainment of your desire to be one of us, and will now be conducted to our Vice
Chief who will instruct you in the secret work of this Society, giving you the
passwords and signs.
Sergeant conducts candidate to Vice Chief.
VICE CHIEF: It is with pleasure that I perform this duty.
Before you can be admitted to onr Cavern after the doors are officially
closed, you must give 3 distinct raps *** on
the outer door, which will be answered from within by 2 raps **
when the Guard-of-the-Portals will open the door sufficiently to receive from
you in a whisper the permanent pass word, which is The Guard-of-the-Portals will
then admit you to the ante-room, when you will proceed to the inner door and
give 2 distinct raps **, which will be
answered from within by 1 rap * and the
wicket opened. You will then give your name, the number and address of your
Cavern, and the semi-annual pass word, which is On being admitted into the
Cavern you will approach the altar at right angles, remaining there until
noticed by the Mighty Chief, who will raise his hand, thus: shows
candidate, when you will give the sign of the Society in this manner:
describing in the air with both hands, the palms downward, the form or outline
of a thistle, to which the Mighty Chief will respond by simply raising his right
forearm, the palm of his hand towards you, when you will be seated. As you may
be required at any time to prove that you are a member in good standing of our
Society, you should always have with you your official receipt showing that all
dues, assessments, etc. have been fully paid. Especially will this be required
when visiting a sister Cavern, and in case a further test is desired, you should
be prepared to answer the questions asked you. If asked whether you are a member
of the Robert Burns Society of America, whether inside or outside of the Cavern,
your answer must be a sentence containing the word "TAM." For example,
"Yes I'm a TAM," or "Yes, I know something of TAM," or
"TAM is a friend of mine," or any other sentence which may come to
your mind containing the word "TAM." You must also remember in
visiting and being admitted into any associate Cavern of our Society where you
are not known, to first give the Visitiug Brother's Sign, which is done by
halting at some distance from and facing the altar, remaining there until
noticed by the Mighty Chief, when you will describe in the air with the right
hand, palm downward, the figure 3 thus, which you will perceive is one-half of
the outline or shape of a thistle. This sign will disclose to the members that
you are a visiting brother clansman, when the Mighty Chief will give 4 raps ****
and all will rise and extend to you the welcome sign, both arms outstretched and
with open hands, thus: shows candidate. The
Mighty Chief will then rap once * when all
members of that associate Cavern will be seated. You will then march direct to
the altar and give the regular sign of the Society as you would do in your own
Cavern and as already explained. The saluting sign when about to address the
Mighty Chief while the Cavern is in session, is made by raising the right hand
with the four fingers extended like the prongs of a thistle, and the thumb
turned inwards, in this manner: shows candidate
bringing the tip of the forefinger to the right side of the forehead.
Before leaving the Cavern while in session, you must first ask the Mighty
Chief it you may retire, and upon receiving his permission, approach the altar
in the usual manner and give the usual sign of the Society as already described.
One Brother Clansman of our Society may accost another with the hailing words
"Hello Tam," The emblem of our Society is a hand holding a horse's
tail by the stump end, this design being in the center of a circle on the lower
part of a thistle outline, and the end of the tail extending a little below said
circle, with the words "Remember Tam o' Shanter's Mare" around the
said circle; while across the top part of the thistle outline are the initials
"R. B. S. A. "meaning "Robert Burns Society of America," and
under such initials the date "Jan. 25," designating the anniversary of
Burns' birth. No one not a duly qualified member of our Society will be
permitted to wear this emblem, whether in form of button, badge, pin, charm,
ring or any other form. You will now be returned to the Mighty Chief, who will
conferupon you the membership of this Society.
Sergeant conducts candidate to Mighty Chief.
MIGHTY CHIEF: I congratulate you upon having made such
advancement. You have learned that our Society is founded in commemoration of
him whose poetic achievements have endeared him to not only those of Scottish
nativity and extract, but also among the peoples of all nations where the
English language is spoken or understood. It is the purpose of this Society to
keep alive and expand that sentiment. Robert Burns was born on the Twenty-Fifth
of January, in the year of our Lord, 1759, in a lowly cottage situated a short
distance from and between the Scottish town of Ayr and the old Alloway Kirk near
the banks of the "Bonnie Doon." Your memorable canter this evening
from "Auld Ayr, whom ne'er a town surpasses, for honest men and bonnie
lasses," through Alloway kirk yard to the Brig o' Doon, which was really an
admirable fete of equestrianism on your part, will serve to bring to your mind
the locality of Burns' birth-place, at the same time forcibly reminding you of
his warning to "Remember Tam o' Shanter's Mare." It is the duty of
every member of our Society to remember the 25th day of January as a day of
rejoicing and a day to commemorate. Year by year it is becoming more the custom
to commemorate this day by some form of entertainment, and if at all possible,
without injury to yourself or others, you should consider it your duty to attend
any banquet, entertainment or gathering that may be given or take place under
the auspices of our Society, in any locality in which you may be on the 25th of
January. It must also be your duty to speak a good word for our Society whenever
opportunity offers, and to lend your help in securing desirable new members who
possess the necessary qualifications. With these objects in view, I present you
with a copy of our By-Laws and a form of application. If more are needed you can
procure same from our Keeper-of-Archives. And now, after giving you these final
words of advice, I have the honor of conferring upon you the membership of our
Society.
Father- of-the-Kirk approaches and with outstretched arms and hands over head
of candidate, says:
FATHER-OF-THE-KIRK: "Be bles't with health, and peace, and
sweet content." Returns to his station.
Mighty Chief gives four raps ****—all rise—candidate is turned face to
audience.
MIGHTY CHIEF: Chieftains, Ofificers and Clansmen, I now declare
Mr. …, a duly elected and fully qualified member of TAM O' SHANTER CAVERN, NO
…, of the ROBERT BURNS SOCIETY OF AMERICA. Extend to him the welcome sign. All
give the welcome sign—arms outstretched with open hands. To enable
all to further congratulate our newly
made brother, I declare this Cavern at ease. Clansmen, all, in the name of
our beloved Bobby Burns, extend to him the hand of fellowship and welcome.
After sufficient time has been allowed for extending congratulations to the
new member, the Mighty Chief raps for order, and then proceeds with the regular
order of business.
Closing
MIGHTY CHIEF, *: We are now about to separate and follow the
various paths of our every-day lives. In returning to our respective walks and
intermingling with those of the outside world, let us bear in mind the
principles of our Society, exercising that charitable sentiment and that love
for Common Humanity that are taught in Burns' writings. Our regular meeting
nights are …, and our next meeting will be held on … evening, the … of …,
* * * *, all rise. Clansmen, as a fitting
close to our deliberations of this evening, and a parting remembrance of our own
Bobby Burns, let us join voices and hands, singing "Auld Lang Syne." All
sing, accompanied by piano or organ if possible. I now declare this
session of Tam o' Shanter Cavern, No. …, of the Burns Society of America duly
closed.
*.