and in order for business."

RECEPTION.--The candidate, being hoodwinked, is led by the Master of
Ceremonies to the door--the alarm is given--the door is opened without
any ceremony, and the candidate is led to the east, and thus
addressed: Most Equitable.--"What is your desire?" Candidate.--"I come
to prefer the complaints of the people of Israel against the
Samaritans, who have refused to pay the tribute imposed on them for
defraying the expense of the sacrifices offered to God in the temple."
M. E. (who represents Zerubbabel).--"I have no power over the
Samaritans; they are subject to King Darius, who is at Babylon; it is
to him that such complaints must be preferred; but as we are all
interested in this thing, I will arm you, and cause you to be
accompanied by four Knights, that you may more easily surmount any
difficulty which may present itself in your journey to the court of
the King of Persia." The bandage is now removed from the eyes of the
candidate; he is armed with a sword and buckler, and decorated as a
Knight of the East. The four Knights who accompany him are armed in a
similar manner. They commence their journey, and are attacked by some
armed ruffians, whom they repulse. They arrive at the door of the
cabinet of Darius. The candidate enters with one of the Knights, and
thus addresses the King:--"Mighty King! the Samaritans refuse to pay
the tribute imposed on them by Cyrus, King of Persia, for defraying
the expenses of the sacrifices which are offered in the temple which
we have rebuilt; the people of Israel entreat that you will compel
the Samaritans to perform their duty." Darius.--"Your request is just
and equitable; I order that the Samaritans shall immediately pay the
tribute imposed on them. My Chief Minister shall deliver to you my
decree for this purpose. Go in Peace!" The candidate retires; the
Chief Minister follows, and delivers the decree to him. After
surmounting various obstacles, candidate is met on his return by the
Knights with lighted torches, and is thus conducted with triumph into
the presence of Zerubbabel, and says:--"I deliver to you the decree of
Darius, King of Persia, which we have obtained after defeating our
enemies, and encountering many dangers in our journey." Most Equitable
reads the decree as follows:--"We, Darius, 'King of Kings!' willing to
favor and protect our people at Jerusalem, after the example of our
illustrious predecessor, King Cyrus, do will and ordain that t