The Scottish Enlightenment

Transcript

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Introduction

The knights companions of the

Cape began to call themselves by that name

about the year 1764. The original constituents

of the order occasionally admitted by a prescribed

form such other members as they found agree-

able. The purpose and intention of the Society

from the beginning was: after the business

of the day was over to pass the evening socially

with a set of select companions in an agree-

able but at the same time a rational and

frugal manner; for this purpose beer

or porter were their liquors from four pence

to six pence each the extent of their usual

expence, conversation and a song theire

amusement, gaming generally prohibited

and a freedom for each to come and depart at

their pleasure was always considered as es-

sentiall to the constitution of the Society.

Upon these principles with some few va-

riations in different periods of time incident

to every association of mankind they have

gradually encreased and that a requisite

order among so considerable a number might

be

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be more fully established. In the year 1768

proper officers having been chosen for conduct-

ing the affairs of the Society, such regulations

as were necessary for the benefit thereof were

agreed to be put in writing. Their method

of entering members and the practice intro-

duced by a late worthy knight of each assum-

ing a particular tittle was established into

a rule of the Society (this gentleman who

was one of the founders of the order is men-

tioned here only because he having died before

the roll was extended his name is not to be

found therein, it is Sir Poker).

A mace and seal were likewise appoin-

ted to be constructed and diplomas were

ordered to be issued. Without being possessed

of one regularly signed by the sovereign,

and sealed with the seal of the order bearing

their motto of Concordia Fratrum Decus

no person was to be entituled to the privilege

of a member. And after due considera-

tion and many meetings had for that

purpose on the 26^th January 1769 a body

of

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of laws was drawn up on vellum and is

signed by the respective members always before

receiving their diplomas of which laws and

names so subscribing the following is an

exact copy.

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Tenth Grand Cape

In honour of James Thomson author of the

Seasons etc.

Held upon the anniversary of the birth of

that Bard.

At Capehall in Austine’s.

Saturday 22d September 1770

In consequence of the Society’s resolution on

the 22d September in the preceeding year

per sederunt in this book folio.

In celebration of this day the

hall was illuminated and emblematically

ornamented with flowers representing

the seasons etc. An ode wrote for the

occasion by Sir Forgetfull set to music

and conducted by Sir Stair was performed

by the musical gentlemen of the Society.

After which an ex tempore oration

pointing

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pointing out the capital merits of the Bard

was delivered by Sir Crassus. To this

succeeded all the songs in Thomsons works

by way of garland adapted to Scottish

music by Sir Stair and sung by him and the

other respective musical knights.

And in every demonstration of heart

felt joy, rational happiness and

decent harmony characteristic of the

Bard. The evening entertainment

concluded with a glass to the particular

memorys of departed bards, great

genius’s and good men.

At this festival there were present

Sir Tumble Senior	Speak	Dyke
Sir Lad Deputy Senior	Silence	Surprise
Sir Waterhole	Fender	Wager
Sir Scrape	Coup	Beefstakes
Sir Nun and Abbess Rector	Vote	Crassus
Sir Broun Stout Secretary	Sark	Ship
Sir Dry Cape	Blue Eye	Too Thach
Sir Chaunter	Buildings	Stair
Sir Snore	Launcet	Accident
Sir Tree	Slipper	Commission
	Hay Loft	Clamour
In all 32
Bill £ 4.1s.

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