Ernst and Falk: Dialogues for Freemasons, Continuation

Falk.

Wait then, until the smoke clears, and the flame will shine and give warmth. Falk continues the metaphor where "smoke" represents the confusing outward rituals of Freemasonry, and "flame" represents its true, inner purpose.

Ernst.

The smoke will suffocate me before the flame shines for me; and I see clearly that others will be the ones to warm themselves by it—those who can tolerate the smoke better than I can.

Falk.

Surely you are not speaking of people who gladly let themselves be bitten by the smoke, To be "bitten" by smoke refers to the stinging sensation in one's eyes; Falk is suggesting some members endure the "smoke" of the lodge not for truth, but for ulterior motives. so long as it is the smoke of someone else’s rich kitchen? The "rich kitchen" (original: fetten Küche) is a metaphor for material benefits, social networking, or the prestigious banquets associated with some Masonic lodges of the era.

Ernst.

So you do know them after all?

Falk.

I have heard of them.