To the Men and Brethren of the Masonic Lodge at Tarbolton
By Robert Burns
Within your dear mansion may wayward contention
Or withering envy ne’er enter:
May secrecy round be the mystical bound,
And brotherly love be the centre.
Edinburgh, 23 August, 1787
Poem Analysis:
Robert Burns, Scotland’s national bard, is known not only for his poetic genius but also for his deep personal investment in the ideals of fraternity, liberty, and human dignity. Among the many communities to which Burns gave his heart and mind, the Freemasons of Tarbolton occupy a significant place. His brief but resonant poem, To the Men and Brethren of the Masonic Lodge at Tarbolton, offers a powerful glimpse into his Masonic allegiances, his moral ideals, and his poetic economy.
Though modest in length—just four compact lines—the poem pulses with profound meaning. It functions both as a benediction and a credo, speaking to the heart of Masonic values: harmony, secrecy, and brotherhood.
A Prayer for Harmony
The opening lines evoke a warm and affectionate tone. Burns addresses the Masonic Lodge as a “dear mansion,” a metaphor that reflects not only the physical lodge but also the sacred community it represents. The term “mansion” suggests shelter, dignity, and even sanctity—a protected space in which honorable values reside.
“May wayward contention / Or withering envy ne’er enter”
In these lines, Burns appeals for the exclusion of two of humanity’s most destructive traits: contention (needless dispute) and envy. By characterizing contention as “wayward” and envy as “withering,” he imbues them with motion and decay, respectively. “Wayward” suggests irrational or straying behavior, while “withering” denotes something that desiccates and kills—like a blight on human fellowship.
Together, these phrases express Burns’s yearning for peace and moral purity within the brotherhood. He recognizes how quickly discord can poison even the noblest institutions, and he offers a poetic warding against it.
Masonic Imagery and Symbolism
“May secrecy round be the mystical bound”
This line draws from the Masonic tradition of secrecy—a principle deeply embedded in Freemasonry’s rituals, oaths, and structure. However, Burns does not treat secrecy as mere exclusivity or cryptic symbolism; rather, he calls it a “mystical bound.” This is a beautiful turn of phrase. The word “mystical” evokes the spiritual, mysterious, and sacred, while “bound” suggests both a limit and a tie.
The secrecy is not just a protective barrier; it’s the unifying force that maintains the lodge’s cohesion. It is what holds the Masonic circle together—a bond of trust, shared knowledge, and honorable discretion.
The Centrality of Brotherhood
“And brotherly love be the centre.”
The final line is the poem’s moral and emotional heart. Brotherly love—a cornerstone of Freemasonry and a recurring theme in Burns’s works—is elevated as the central principle, the foundation upon which all else must rest. This line echoes the Masonic ideal that fraternity is more than a formal bond; it is an ethical commitment to kindness, equity, and mutual respect.
Burns’s choice of the word “centre” is deliberate and powerful. In the language of geometry and symbol, the center is the point from which everything else radiates. If secrecy is the circle’s boundary, then brotherly love is its nucleus. This duality captures the essence of an ideal Masonic lodge—secure from corruption, but glowing with inner virtue.
The Poem as Benediction
Despite its brevity, the poem functions as a benediction—a poetic blessing. Burns is not merely making a statement; he’s offering a hopeful vision for the community he cherishes. It’s worth noting that he doesn’t preach or command; he wishes. His tone is that of a fellow brother, not a superior moralist. The humility of the form reflects the egalitarian ethos of the Masons, where titles and status matter less than character.
This tone of benevolence reflects Burns’s core values, expressed throughout his wider body of poetry: that goodness, truth, and equality must triumph over pride, conflict, and vanity. As such, the poem serves as a microcosm of his democratic spirit.
Context and Masonic Affiliation
Robert Burns was initiated into Freemasonry in 1781, at the age of 22, in the Lodge at Tarbolton. His connection to Freemasonry was not merely ceremonial—it was deeply personal. He found in it a fraternity that transcended class barriers and celebrated human dignity, education, and moral conduct. Many of his closest friendships and literary supporters came from Masonic circles.
This poem, addressed specifically to his Tarbolton brethren, reflects his enduring loyalty. It can be interpreted not only as a poetic gesture but as a Masonic vow. Burns is expressing what he most wishes for the Lodge: that it remains a sanctuary of peace, sealed by trust, and centered in love.
Literary Style: Economy and Elegance
From a technical perspective, the poem is a study in conciseness and clarity. Burns uses a simple quatrain, employing rhymed couplets (enter / centre) and balanced rhythm. There is no ornamentation or complex metaphor; the poem is direct, sincere, and musical. This plain style enhances the moral seriousness of the message.
Moreover, the structure reflects Masonic ideals—symmetry, proportion, and unity. Each line builds organically on the last, creating a balanced and complete whole. Burns’s poetic architecture mirrors the conceptual architecture of the Lodge.
A Timeless Fraternal Vision
To the Men and Brethren of the Masonic Lodge at Tarbolton may be brief, but it distills much of Robert Burns’s moral philosophy and emotional affinity for the Masonic tradition. In just four lines, he celebrates unity, warns against discord, honors the sacred secrecy of shared bonds, and elevates brotherly love as the highest ideal.
It is both a personal tribute and a universal call—a reminder that even the most cherished institutions depend not on titles or rituals alone, but on the integrity of their members. In today’s world, where polarization and division so often reign, Burns’s quiet prayer for peace and unity remains a relevant and noble aspiration.