Order of the Knights of the Black Eagle

...to render thanks to the true brothers, the First and Second Wardens.

Then the Brother Orator gives a discourse on the degree. Finally, the Grand Master strikes one blow and says: "In the name of God and my King, announce on your columns that I have closed the chapter of the Knights of the Black Eagle," which is announced in the usual manner.

The Worshipful Master then asks:

Q.: Brother First Warden, are you a Knight of the Black Eagle?
A.: Yes, Very Grand Master.
Q.: Why did you have yourself received as a Knight of the Black Eagle?
A.: By the ardent desire to attain all that there is of the worshipful order of Masonry.
Q.: How shall I know that you are one?
A.: By my signs, words, and touches rendered.
Q.: Give me the signs, and what do they signify?
A.: They recall our initial obligations and invite us to be always faithful to our order.
Q.: Give the word and the password?
A.: One gives it.
Q.: What time is it?
A.: The crime is punished and the vengeance is accomplished.

Since it is so, the chapter of the Knights of the Black Eagle is closed; let us do our duty. They give each other the kiss of peace, the password, and perform the collection. Together they make the sign, applaud by nine, and withdraw in peace.

They warn the recipient brother of the manner in which he is to stand and to withdraw before exiting.

These degrees are not in common use, and they are only for satisfaction; nevertheless, one can only be admitted after having passed beforehand through the three symbolic degrees. Furthermore, the aspirant must have given proofs of a solid virtue, such that one recognizes in him all the qualities that constitute a true mason. It is forbidden to Mystic masons to adopt as a mystery the signs, words, and touches that have no relation to the truth.

The lodge must be held under a vault as much as possible; it is even called Ocean. One is content to place at the Orient a chair, in front of which is a table, on which one places a Bible, an English sacrificial knife, and a mallet. One places at the Occident a small table or low column, in the middle and facing that of the Orient, with a chair behind; on this table or column, a mallet. On the two sides of the Occident table are two seats for the two wardens, and seats toward the South and the North on two columns for the brothers present.

1. The four cardinal points.
2. Four quarter-circles: one on the part from the Orient to the South, another from the South to the Occident, another from the Occident to the North, and the last from the North to the Orient.
3. Toward the Occident, a vase in which is a flowering branch that rises in the middle of the tableau.

There must be only a single triangular candelabra, on which are placed three lit candles that light the entire lodge; it must be placed in the middle of the four quarter-circles on the carpet, or suspended from the vault in the middle of the said four quarter-circles.

The lodge of Mystic apprentices must be composed, to be regular, of at least five persons: namely, a Master of the Orient, a Master of the Occident, two wardens to watch over the passage of the South and the North, and a fifth brother to watch and execute the orders that will be given to him. However, it is ordered that it be more numerous. The Master of the Orient represents Hiram King of Tyre, places himself in the chair at the Orient, and is decorated with a white cord passed around the neck which must cross over the chest. The Master of the Occident represents Salomon Solomon, places himself in the chair in the middle of the Occident, and is also decorated with a white cord as a sash. The two wardens place themselves at the end of the two columns in their ordinary places and have a red sash at the waist. All the brothers have an apron and white gloves, and all have their hats on their heads.

The Master of the Orient strikes three blows with his mallet, one single and the other two hurried in this manner: 1. 11. They are returned to him by the Master of the Occident. Then everyone rises, removes their hats, and the Master of the Orient pronounces in a loud voice the following prayer:

Supreme Architect who presides over our works, and who has placed me at the Orient...