grip of all grips, because it is said to cover all the preceding grips.  The Most Excellent holds the candidate by the hand, and puts the inside of his right foot to the inside of the candidate’s right foot, and whispers in his ear, “RABBONI.”  In some Lodges the word is not given in a whisper, but in a low voice.  After these ceremonies are over, and the members seated, some noise is intentionally made by shuffling the feet.  M. E. M.—­“Brother Senior, what is the cause of this confusion?” S. W.—­“Is not this the day set apart for the celebration of the copestone, Most Excellent?” M. E. M.—­“I will ask Brother Secretary.  Brother Secretary, is this the day set apart for the celebration of the copestone?” Secretary (looking in his book)—­“It is, Most Excellent.”  M. E. M.—­“Brother Senior Warden, assemble the brethren, and form a procession, for the purpose of celebrating the copestone.”  The brethren then assemble (the candidate stands aside, not joining in the procession), form a procession double file, and march six times around the Lodge, against the course of the sun, singing the following song, and giving all the signs from an Entered Apprentice to that of Most Excellent Master.  When opposite the Most Excellent Master, the first time they march around the Lodge, each member gives the first sign of an Entered Apprentice, and preserves it until he nearly arrives opposite the Most Excellent a second time, then gives the second sign, and continues it in the same manner, and so of all others, up to that of this degree, saying,

    All hail to the morning that bids us rejoice,
    The Temple’s completed, exalt high each voice. 
    The copestone is finished—­our labor is o’er,
    The sound of the gavel shall hail us no more.

    To the power Almighty, who ever has guided
      The tribes of old Israel, exalting their fame;
    To Him who hath governed our hearts undivided,
      Let’s send forth our vows to praise His great name.

    Companions, assemble on this joyful day
    (The occasion is glorious!) the keystone to lay;
    Fulfilled is the promise, by the ancient of days,
    To bring forth the copestone with shouting and praise.

The keystone is now produced and laid on the altar.

    There is no more occasion for level or plumb-line,
      For trowel or gavel, for compass or square;[7]
    Our works are completed, the ark safely seated,[8]
      And we shall be greeted as workmen most rare.

    Names, those that are worthy our tribes, who have shared,
    And proved themselves faithful, shall meet their reward;
    Their virtue and knowledge, industry and skill,
    Have our approbation—­have gained our good will.

    We accept and receive them,[9] Most Excellent Masters,
      Trusted with honor, and power to preside
    Among worthy craftsmen where’er assembled,
      The knowledge of Masons to spread far and wide.