and, and a green cord about my neck.

Q. Why was the sprig of cassia placed in the left hand? A. That I
might deposit it in the grave of Hiram Abiff.

Q. Why was a rope of green color put 'round your neck? A. Because the
body of Hiram Abiff was lowered into the grave by the brethren, at his
second interment, by a rope of that color. There is another reason, to
signify thereby that a Perfect Master by flourishing in virtue, might
hope for immortality.

Q. How did you gain admission? A. By four distinct knocks.

Q. What did they denote? A. Life, virtue, death, and immortality.

Q. How were they answered? A. By four from within.

Q. What was then said to you? A. Who comes there?

Q. Your answer? A. A Secret Master who is well qualified, etc.

Q. What was then said to you? A. I was then asked by what further
right, etc.

Q. Your answer? A. By the right, etc.

Q. What was then said to you? A. Wait until the Right Worshipful and
Respectable Master has been informed of your request and his answer
returned.

Q. What was his answer? A. Introduce him in due and ancient form.

Q. What was that form? A. I was conducted to the West by the Master of
Ceremonies and interrogated by the Master, "What is your request?"

Q. Your answer? A. To receive the degree of Perfect Master.

Q. What was then said to you by the Master? A. Before you can be
admitted to this privilege, it will be necessary for you to join the
funeral procession of Hiram Abiff.

Q. What followed? A. I joined in the procession, which moved four
times 'round the Lodge, the brethren singing a funeral ode; when we
arrived at the grave, the procession moved in an inverted order--the
coffin was lowered with a green rope, and the sprigs of cassia thrown
into the grave.

Q. What followed? A. The Master resumed his station, and the
procession moved to the east.

Q. What followed? A. When he directed the Grand Marshal to inform King
Solomon that the tomb of Hiram Abiff was completed, and request him to
examine the same.

Q. What followed? A. Solomon entered and proceeded with the procession
to the tomb of Hiram Abiff, and having examined the same and read the
inscription J. M. B., he made a sign of admiration, and said in the
joy of his heart, "It is accomplished and complete;" the brethren all
making the same sign.

Q. What followed? A. The brethren resumed their places, and the Master
directed the Master of Ceremonies to cause me to approach the east by