by Charles F. Franz, 32
I’d rather see a Mason
Than hear one any day.
I’d rather one would walk with me
Than merely show the way.
The eye’s a better pupil
And more willing than the ear.
Fine counsel is confusing
But example’s always clear.
How you walk and act the square
Is all that people see.
And the plumbline you put forth
Is viewed by all you meet.
So if your plumb and square be true,
The center of your circle will be true.
And the best of all the Masons
Are the men who live their creed.
For to see the good in action
Is what everybody needs.
I’d rather learn how to do it
If you’ll let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action
But your tongue too fast may run.
And the charges you deliver
May be very wise and true.
But I’d rather get my lessons
By observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you
And the high advice you give.
But there’s no misunderstanding
How you act and how you live.
Than hear one any day.
I’d rather one would walk with me
Than merely show the way.
The eye’s a better pupil
And more willing than the ear.
Fine counsel is confusing
But example’s always clear.
How you walk and act the square
Is all that people see.
And the plumbline you put forth
Is viewed by all you meet.
So if your plumb and square be true,
The center of your circle will be true.
And the best of all the Masons
Are the men who live their creed.
For to see the good in action
Is what everybody needs.
I’d rather learn how to do it
If you’ll let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action
But your tongue too fast may run.
And the charges you deliver
May be very wise and true.
But I’d rather get my lessons
By observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you
And the high advice you give.
But there’s no misunderstanding
How you act and how you live.