Queen of the Sahara
Initiation Ritual


 
n.d.


This side degree has been prepared by the author, at our suggestion, to supply a "long felt want" in lodges and societies where ladies are admitted to membership – the object being fun and recreation, after the more serious deliberations of the evening are concluded.
The degree is designed and adapted for candidates of the gentler sex only, and should not be attempted without careful rehearsal-its success being dependent upon the unremitting dignity maintained by those who take part as officers, and a perfect familiarity with the dialogue and action.
 
Officers’ Costumes etc.
 
The officers necessary in conferring this degree are
The K.I. - King Incognito.
The Q.C. - Queen Consort.
The G.M.P. - Grand Master of the Palace.
The G.M. - Grand Majordomo.
The G.I. - Grand Interpreter.
The S.D. - Senior Deaconess.
The G. - Guard.
 
Costumes etc.
 
The K.I. is a "dummy." It may be made of an old coat, or linen duster, stuffed with straw, and surmounted by a stuffed bag of proper size and shape to represent the head. This figure is placed in the chair of the presiding officer and dressed in a "Kingly robe " of purple calico, reaching to the floor, a mask and wig being adjusted nicely, with a crown of gilt paper.
With a little ingenuity the head may be attached to a rod and made to turn towards any person who may be speaking, by means of a cord which can be manipulated by the G.I. Much depends upon having this "officer" gotten up in good form.
To conceal the lower part of the dummy a table may be placed in front of it, covered with dark cloth.
The Q.C. may be personated by either a lady or gentleman, dressed appropriately in a long, flowing robe of turkey red calico, made so as to be easily removed. A wide ruching should be attached to the neck of the robe (Queen E1izabeth style) and about the wrists. A feminine mask and wig, a crown of tin, a large fan, and a poker or rolling pin, for a scepter, completes the costume.
The G.M.P. and G.M. may be arrayed in almost any fantastic costume. Masks are not necessary. The G.M.P. carries a staff in his hand (a garden hoe will do). The G.M. should have a gong (of sheet iron, if no better can be had) at his station, ready for use.
The G.I. is a very dignified and solemn individual. He should have a loose while flowing robe, gray wig and whiskers, if practicable; large green spectacles, a square cap, or mitre; made of white paper, and a huge book, in which a copy of this pamphlet may be concealed.
The S.D. requires no special costume; though, if thought best, she may wear a mask and domino lo conceal her identity from the candidate. The lady who assists the S.D. in preparing the candidate may also wear a mask and domino.
The Guard requires no special costume. He should, however, be armed with a heavy sabre, which is to be rattled fiercely when the candidate approaches.
The Candidate is prepared for initiation by being hoodwinked, and having a stout rope fastened firmly about her waist, by means of which she may be led by the S.D.
 
 
Properties
 
The following “properties” must be in place before the candidate is admitted:
Poker, or rolling-pin - at Q.C's station.
Garden hoe,
Extra chair,
Broom,
Wash Board,
Spring clothes-pin – at G.M.P.’s station.
Gong and stick,
Extra chair,
Glass of water,
Crackers – at G.M.’s station.
Large volume, with copy of this pamphlet,
Cushion for candidate to kneel upon – at G.I.’s station
Hood-wink and rope – in ante-room.
NOTE.-Those acting as OFFICERS will see that their costumes are in readiness The G.M. will see that all things are in order before the ceremony begins.
 
 
The Ceremony of Initiation
 
Before any preperations arc made for conferring this degree the candidate is politely escorted to the ante room, and the doors of the lodge closed. A select committee of two ladies, one of whom should be the S.D., is then appointed by the G.M. to prepare the candidate for introduction. The committee, having put on masks and dominos. retire at once to the ante room to prepare the candidate. The K.I. is now placed in position, the officers assume their respective costumes and stations, and all necessary preparations arc made for the ceremony, under direction of the Grand Majordomo.
All being in readiness, the G.M. proceeds to his station and sounds the gong - "long and loud" - terminating with a short, sharp rap, which seats the lodge in order.
G.M., rising: Grand Master of the Palace!
G.M.P.: Grand Majordomo!
G.M.: The lodge awaits your pleasure!
G.M.P.: 'T is well. You will ascertain if any be in waiting to ask favor of the King.
The G.M. then proceeds to the door of ante room and knocks thrice, which is answered by three knocks from the S.D.
G.M.: Who's there?
S.D., from without: One - two – three!
G.M.: Two only are absent from the household; who is the third?
S.D.: A child of humility.
G.M.: Who is this child of humility?
S.D.: A poor way-farer of the gentler sex - a stranger in our courts.
G.M.: Whence cometh this stranger?
S.D.: From the great Sahara.
G.M.: What seeketh she here?
S.D.: Food and shelter, and an audience with the King.
G.M.: Shelter and food she shall have, but the King's favor is not for strangers and spies.
S.D.: She is no spy, good sir; she is of our own tribe and caste!
G.M.: How know you that?
S.D.: By the cryptograph!
G.M.: The cryptograph! Ah!
G.M.P.: The cryptograph! Ah!
Members, in chorus, clapping their hands: Ah!
G.M. to S.D.: The stranger is welcome to the outer court opening the door. Let her enter; but caution her to beware the King's displeasure.
The S.D. now enters, leading the candidate, the third lady following and closing the door. After advancing a few steps they are halted by the G.M. near his station, as follows:
G.M.: Halt! Stop where you are! A signal from the tower announces that the King is at supper! When the King eats his loyal subjects must do likewise. Sit thee down, gentle stranger the candidate is seated. Here are bread and wine, tokens of the King's hospitality. Gives the candidate a cracker and a glass of water. Eat, drink, and refresh thyself! The King commands it; candidate obeys and, while thou tarriest, answer me this: Why seekest thou the King's favor?
Very soft, plaintive music may be played on the organ during this colloquy, with good effect.
S.D.: Good sir, thou hast a gentle heart and a kindly hand, and we thank thee; but our errand is with the King.
G.M.: Thou art strangers here; perhaps I can assist and counsel thee. Tell me: What dost thou desire of the King?
S.D.: Good sir, thou art inquisitive! Curiosity is the privilege of women. Again I tell thee, our errand is with the King.
G.M.: By my faith, thou speaketh bravely; but how canst thou find the King without my help?
S.D.: Let us go, good sir, and we will find the way. We each have a tongue.
G.M.: Yes, thou art women! Well, arise and go thy way; I will not hinder thee. Candidate arises. But remember, this is the vesper hour. Beware the King's displeasure!
The members now sing softly "In the Sweet, By and By," or any other appropriate selection, during which the candidate is conducted twice around the lodge, without interruption, and arriving finally at the G.M.P.'s station. At this point the singing ceases. The G.M. meantime has resumed his station, and the third lady has taken a seat among the members, leaving the candidate in sole charge of the S.D.
S.D., to candidate: Ah! Here is a kindly looking old man, who seems to have authority. Let us inquire our way.
Knocks.
G.M.P.: Who comes here?
S.D.: A child of humility, who seeks an audience with the King.
G.M.P., astonished: An audience with the King! Impossible!
No one can see the King at this un seemly hour.
S.D.: But, good sir, she has journeyed far and her errand is important.
G.M.P.: How know you that?
S.D.: By the cryptograph!
G.M.P.: The cryptograph ! Ah!
Members, in chorus: Ah!
G.M.P.: Then must I listen to her appeal. Whence cometh this child of humility?
S.D.: From the great Sahara.
G.M.P.: What is her age?
S.D.: A question ill becoming thy gray hairs, good sire; age is the prerogative of men.
G.M.P.: Ah, well; it matters not, if she be discreet and truthful in other things.
S.D.: I will vouch for her honesty, good sire, on all other subjects.
G.M.P.: 'T is well, then; and in due time the King may give her audience, hut she must first give evidence of her womanly skill. Can she wash, iron, scrub, cook, sew on buttons and darn stockings?
S.D.: Good sire, I pray thee remember that she is blind.
G.M.P.: So may she ever be, to the faults of others. To candidate: Gentle stranger: thou seekest audience with the King. Dost thou know what manner of man the King is? Let me tell thee. Our King is a model of meekness and propriety. He speaketh no idle word. He listeneth not to slander. He maketh no false promises. He envieth not the exalted. He despiseth not the lowly. He flattereth not. He thinketh no evil, doeth no wrong, knoweth no fear , maketh no error. In the exercise of his kingly office he is impartial, firm and just, never influenced by threat or censure, always consistent, steadfast, inflexible! Long live the King!
Members, in chorus: Long live the King!
G.M.P. continuing: Knowing all this, gentle stranger, dost thou still desire to confront the King?
S.D.: Yes, good sire. If the King have a heart he will surely grant our simple request.
G.M.P.: 'T is well. Raps with his staff upon the floor three times, upon which alt arise. Companions of the King's household! What say you?
Members all whistle in response until called to order by a loud stroke of the G.M.'s gong, upon which all sit down.
G.M.P.: As there is no dissenting voice, the usual tests will be applied. Bring forth the cryptograph!
G.M.: The cryptograph! Ah!
Members, in chorus: Ah!
G.M.P.: Our Grand Interpreter will read the law.
G.I., reading in a solemn voice: Listen to the chronicle of the King!
The King was in his counting-house, counting out his money;
The Queen was in the parlor, eating bread and honey;
The maid was in the garden, hanging out the cloths,
When down came a black-bird and NIPPED OFF HER NOSE.
At this moment the spring clothes-pin is put upon the candidate's nose by the S.D.
G.M.P. to candidate: My young friend: this is no idle jest. It is done to impress an important lesson upon thee; that thou art to keep thy nose out of other people's affairs, and attend strictly to thine own.
The clothes-pin is now removed by the S.D.
G.M.P. continuing: Our Senior Deaconess will now conduct thee to the palace acquarium for immersion in the cold bath, emblematical of purification and regeneration. Have no fears, gentle stranger; no harm shall befall thee – a cold bath will awaken and refresh thee.
A buzzing and confusion now takes place among the members, gradually increasing until the G.M.P. brings the lodge to order by a sharp rap with his staff.
G.M.P., rising: Grand Majordomo!
G.M., rising: Grand Master of the Palace!
G.M.P.: What is the occasion of this disturbance?
G.M.: A report is being circulated, sire, that there is a mouse in the room!
At this announcement the lady members scream with fright, exclaiming: "There it is! "Oh! Kill it, somebody.! etc., etc., and the lodge is in a state of uproar.
S.D. to candidate, in a low tone: Stand up in this chair. Quick! Oh, this is so unfortunate!
The candidate climbs into a chair near G.M.P.'s station, assisted by the S.D.
G.M.P., with a succession of raps: Silence! Silence! I command order in the palace!
Gradually the confusion ceases. It is astonishing what great commotion one little
mouse can make. Compose yourselves, ladies; there is no danger.
G.M. to G.M.P.: Excellent sire: It has been discovered that there was no mouse after all. It was only a ball of yarn rolling along the floor.
G.M.P.: No mouse after all? Not even a mouse! And the whole palace has been thrown into a state of uproar. To candidate: Gentle stranger, we may learn a lesson from this unexpected occurrence. Let us be very slow to credit the little rumors we hear against our fellow creatures. Though all cry mouse! mouse! there may be no mouse after all. To the lodge: Companions: So much time has been lost by this interruption that we will omit the cold bath. I will now proceed to invest this stranger with the implements necessary to give her favor with the King. Bring forth the cryptograph!
G.M.: The cryptograph! Ah!
Members, in chorus: Ah!
G.M.P.: Our Grand Interpreter will read the law!
G.I., reading solemnly: Listen to the chronicle of the King:
There was an old woman tossed up in a basket
Ninety times as high as the moon;
And where she was going, I couldn't but ask it,
For in her hand she carried a broom.
G.M.P., repeating: In her hand she carried a broom.
To candidate: In accordance with the decree I now present thee with a weapon which may strengthen thy cause with the King placing a broom in her right hand. In thy hands may it be wielded with energy and discretion, and never raised in anger against a helpless fellow creature, especially of the male persuasion. I also give thee a shield for thy defence, places the washboard in her left hand which, if properly used, will protect thee against hunger and want. There is now only one thing needful to enable thee to gain admission to the King's presence, and that is the royal pass-word. In order that thou mayst understand the significance of this mysterious word, we will again consult the ancient record. Bring forth the cryptograph!
G.M.: The cryptograph! Ah!
Members, in chorus: Ah!
G.M.P.: Our Grand Interpreter will read the oracle!
G.I., reading solemnly: Listen to the chronicle of the King:
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;
All the King's horses and all the King's men
Can never raise Humpty Dumpty again.
G.M.P.: Gentle stranger: the mystic word has been thrice spoken: it is "Humpty Dumpty." Whensoever thou meetest one of the royal guards, mention but this word and thy safety is assured. Descend from thy perch, child of humility, and pursue thy journey. Sits.
The candidate, being assisted from the chair in which she has been standing, is now conducted ina circuitous route around the lodge by the S.D. During this journey she is three times challenged by the guard, at different points, in the following manner:
Guard: Halt! Who comes there?
S.D.: Humpty Dumpty.
Guard: The royal word; pass on!
Obstacles may be placed in the way if thought best, but great care must be taken not to injure or shock the candidate. The S.D. should occasionally speak a word of encouragement as they proceed. Arriving finally at the station of the K.I., the S.D. addresses the candidate as follows:
S.D.: We have now arrived at the apartments of the King, I do believe. Let us knock and make inquiry. Knocks on floor with broom handle.
Guard: Who comes there?
S.D.: Humpty Dumpty.
G.: What seekest thou!
S.D.: The King's apartments.
G.: These are the King's apartments. What is thy desire?
S.D.: An audience with the King.
G.: An unseemly hour; but since thou hast the royal pass-word I must admit thee. Enter if thou wilt, but beware the King's displeasure!
The curtain is now, drawn back, and the candidate and S.D. advance a few steps to a position in front of the K.I., the S.D. standing on the left of the candidate.
Q.C., gruffly: What intruder is this? Who dares approach our royal presence?
S.D.: Humpty Dumpty.
Q.C.: Thou hast the royal word. Who art thou?
S.D.: A child of humility, your Highness, seeking an audience with the King.
Q.C., aside: Ah, ha! As I live, a woman! It is well that I stayed at home. Aloud: Well, upstart! What desireth thou of the King?
S.D.: Art thou the King?
Q.C.: What mattereth that to thee? Thou art in the King's presence. Speak thy desire!
S.D.: But thou art not the King.
Q.C.: Thou darest question my authority? The King himself hath not such effrontery! I am the Queen. Speak thy errand!
S.D.: Our errand is with the King.
Q.C.: By my faith, thou art persistent. I am half inclined to humor thee.
S.D.: It is not for myself I plead, your Highness, but for this poor blind stranger, who hath journeyed many miles to see the King and ask of him a trifling favor.
Q.C.: Blind? Blind, sayst thou? Ah, my child, "None are so blind as those who can't see!"
A member, interrupting: Pardon me, your majesty; "None are so blind as those who won’t see," is the adage.
The G.M.P. may perform this part.
Q.C., rising, very much excited: Insolent man! How darest thou criticise the Queen? In a louder voice: What ho, there, guards! Seize the mutinous wretch! A struggle and clanking of chains are now heard near the G.M.P.’s station.
Member, pleading: Spare me, good Queen. I meant thee no disrespect!
Q.C.: Away with him! Put him to death!
Member: Most gracious Queen! I beg thee spare my life, that I may look upon thy fair face and lovely form! No queen was ever so beautiful as thou art! In mv eves thou art indeed an angel of loveliness!
Q.C., with emotion: Release him, guards! No man shall die who hath such gift of speech, and such appreciation. Sits. Ah, me! To S.D.: Ah, yes! I had almost forgotten thee. Who is this poor blind stranger?
S.D.: A child of humility, your Majesty, from the great Sahara.
Q.C.: If she be blind how can she see the King?
S.D.: Thou canst restore her sight is thou wilt, gracious Queen.
Q.C.: Surely thou hast great faith in my power. How can I do this miracle?
S.D.: By the cryptograph.
Q.C.: The cryptograph! Ah!
Members, in chorus: Ah!
Q.C.: Be it so, then. Bring forth the cryptograph. Our Grand Interpreter will read the oracle.
G.I., solemnly: Listen to the chronicle of the King:
Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been?
I’ve been to London, to see the Queen.
And did you see her, you impudent thing?
Oh yes I did see her, and also the King.
Q.C.: Gentle stranger, thou hast heard the decree, and since thou seemest a discreet person, thou shalt see the King. But thou must first promise three things. The vows which I shall require of thee will in no wise conflict with thy duty, thy conscience, or thy religion. Dost thou consent?
S.D.: Most amiable Queen; thy assurances give us great courage. We consent.
Q.C.: Tis well. Our grand Majordomo will instruct thee.
The G.M., assisted by the S.D., now causes the candidate to kneel on a cushion in front of the K.I.
G.M. to Q.C.: Most gracious Queen. Thy orders are obeyed. Resumes his station.
Q.C. to candidate: Gentle stranger, thy faith hath saved thee. Repeat after me. The candidate obeys.
I do promise that, if my sight he restored lo me, I will not make eyes at the King, that I will not respond should the King make eyes at me, and that I will never, by word, smile, or gesture, try to attract the King's admiration.
Q,C.: In token of thy sincerity, kiss the back of thy right hand. The candidate obeys. Lay down thy weapons, my child; thy vows will protect thee now. The broom and the wash-board are taken out of the way by the S.D. Our Grand Majordomo will assemble the royal household!
The G.M. sounds the gong, upon which all the members rise, and the lights are turned down.
Q.C. to the King: Illustrious King! Behold this very discreet person who kneels before thee, seeking thy favor! The hood-wink is loosened by the S.D. Child of humility! Behold the King! The hood-wink is removed, at the same instant the gong is struck once by the G.M., and the members give one loud clap of the hands.
Q.C. to candidate: Arise! Daughter of Sahara! Make known thy errand, but remember thy vows! The candidate arises, assisted by the S.D.
S.D. to King: Most Illustrious King. We have journeyed far to ask thy favor. One word from thy gracious lips is all we ask.
Q.C.: Don't put it on quite so thick, please. Remember thy vows.
S.D.: Oh King. Thou hast a kindly eye –
Q.C.: Never mind the King's eyes. His Majesty hath no need of flattery.
S.D., continuing: - and a generous hand is thine!
Q.C.: Entirely too familiar, young woman. Come to the point.
S.D.: Illustrious King, if we could but hear thy gentle voice.
Q.C.: Never mind his gentle voice.
S.D.: Oh, gracious King! Turn not a deaf ear to our entreaties!
Q.C.: Never mind the King's ears. State thy errand.
S.D.: Most Powerful King! This gentle, diffident child hath not courage to speak in thy presence, but she hath made known her desire to me. Her simple request is this: that thou will give her the EARTH!
Q.C., rising quickly: Oh, is that all? Well, child of humility, thou shalt have it! I like thee for thy modest candor. Thou shalt have the earth, and all shall obey thee.
S.D.: Thanks, most gracious Queen - but the King? What sayeth the King?
Q.C., removing her robe: Oh, bother the King! He hath not the nerve to question my commands. Approaching the candidate: Here is my robe of state. Put it on; it will become thee. The candidate puts on the robe, assisted by the S.D. Here is my crown, placing it on the candidate's head and here my royal sceptre giving it to the candidate. Take thy seat upon the throne and assert thy authority! None shall dare dispute thee, not even the King himself! Thy simple request is granted. The earth is thine!
The candidate is now seated in the Queen's chair and the lights are turned up.
G.M.P., in a loud voice: Behold the Queen of Sahara!
G.M., striking the gong once: Behold the Queen of Sahara!
G.M.P., shouting: Down with the King!
Members, all rising and shouting: Down with the King, Down with the King!
The "King" is now seized by the G.I. and thrown out into the middle of the room, where it is torn and trampled lo pieces by the members. A loud stroke on the gong by the G.M. restores order, and all resume their seats.
G.M.P., rising: Most Gracious Queen! Thy subjects desire to do thee homage, and to acknowledge thee a Queen of Sahara! Our Grand Interpreter will escort thee to the audience room to receive our welcome.
The new "Queen" is now escorted to the middle of the room by the G.I. and S.D. As she rises from her seat and gives her hand to the G.I. the G.M. peals the gong, shouting:
G.M.: Long live the Queen of Sahara!
Members, clapping their hands: Long live the Queen!
Arriving at the middle of the room the "Queen" receives the congratulations of the members, and the ceremony is concluded with refreshments and a general good time.

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