Ernst and Falk: Dialogues for Freemasons

Falk.

I believe I am. Falk’s hesitant phrasing "I believe I am" is a traditional Masonic response, suggesting that being a Mason is a matter of internal character and continuous striving rather than just a formal title.

Ernst.

That answer belongs to someone who is not exactly sure of his standing.

Falk.

Oh, quite the contrary! I am fairly certain of my standing.

Ernst.

For you surely must know if, and when, and where, and by whom you were initiated. original: "aufgenommen" — This refers to the formal ritual of being admitted or "taken in" to a Masonic lodge.

Falk.

I certainly know that; but that would not mean very much. Falk is beginning to argue that the external ceremonies and names are secondary to the "inner" truth of the order.

The original manuscript includes a vocabulary list at the bottom: Falk, Ernst, Dialogue, Conversation, Lessing, Freemasonry.