d we are further honouring the Grand Master of the
Freemasons of Sweden. We all know the deep interest which his
Majesty takes in our Craft, and what excellent Masons the Swedes
are. In proposing this toast it is specially gratifying to me,
for I have looked forward to this occasion for many years,
because it was through the King and his late brother that,
twenty years ago, I was initiated into the mysteries of the
Craft, and I am proud to be one of you, and, still more, to be
at your head. I am grateful to the King for having made me one
of us. Brethren, I know you will drink this toast with
cordiality, and at the same time I feel that it will be right to
give this toast Masonically, for in doing so we do honour to our
guest and to ourselves."

The toast was drunk with Masonic honours.

The King of Sweden, who was loudly cheered on rising, said:--"Most
Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren,--The toast I have the honour of
replying to I acknowledge, not only on my own behalf, but on behalf of
all the foreign Lodges and Masonic congregations whose principles and
constitution are in conformity with yours. On their behalf I would also
express the great satisfaction I feel at the honour and distinction
to-day conferred upon me by your Grand Master and by you in constituting
me a member of your honoured body. I feel much satisfaction in being
present at such an enormous gathering as this, and one assembled for
purposes of so noble a kind. Patriotic feelings are always noble and
honourable, and nowhere have they taken deeper root than in this
country, for whose people, ever since my young days, I have felt the
most profound esteem. But there is one feeling still more noble than
patriotism, and that is the feeling which has its foundation in the Word
of God, and unites us in love and charity to mankind. As we sing at
Masonic gatherings in my own country, 'There is one God, our Father, so
be His sons then, brethren.' This is the bond which exists between us,
the rallying cry which unites us, and the lasting tie which binds us. I
have the greatest pleasure in giving you 'The Health of our Grand
Master, the Prince of Wales.'"

The toast was drunk with full Masonic honours. The Prince of Wales, in
reply, said:--

"Your Majesty and Brethren,--You are well aware that during the
fourteen years I have held the high office of Grand Master I
have striven not to be unmindful