In the Sublime Degree you were doubtless impressed by the tragedy exemplified therein above all other features of its impressive ceremonies. As the Degree is the climax of initiation, so is that Tragedy the climax of the Degree. To understand and appreciate its richness of profound meaning might well be your ambition.
Since the drama is ritualistic, it is immaterial whether it be historical or not. The hero of this tragedy is a symbol of the human soul. If, therefore, you have been troubled with the thought that some of the events of this drama may not have happened, you may ease your mind. Even if not historically true, they are symbols of what occurs in the life of every man.
It is an inexcusable blunder to treat the drama as a mock tragedy, a serio-comedy. Savage peoples employ initiation ceremonies as an ordeal test of the nerve and courage of their young men, but Freemasonry is not savage. The exemplification of our ritualistic drama should be as sincere, as solemn, as earnest as a prayer before the Altar; he who takes it trivially or with perverted humor, betrays a shallowness of soul which shows him unfit to be a Mason.
Did you ask, while participating in that drama, why you were made to participate? Why you were not permitted to sit as a spectator? It was your drama, not another’s! No man can ever be a mere spectator of drama in his own soul. It was intended that your participation should prepare you to become a Master Mason by teaching you the secret of a Master Mason, by which your soul may rise above its internal enemies if you are to be a Mason in reality as well as in name. The real Master Mason is master of himself.
Did you ask why the three enemies came form his own circle, not from outside? The enemies most feared by the soul are always within: its own ignorance, passions and sins. As the Great Light reminds us, it is not that which kills the body that we need most to shun, but that which has power to destroy the spirit.
Another lesson of profound significance is that of fidelity. Even in the face of certain death as a result of refusal to betray his trust, this ancient Grand Master steadfastly guarded his secret. His standards admitted of no compromise with evil; principle was not sacrificed to expediency.
The most we can obtain from others are such hints and suggestions as these. Let the story of this tragedy be indelibly printed upon your mind; ponder upon it. When you are at grips with your enemies recall it and act according to the light you have found in it. Your inner self will give, in first hand experience, that which the drama gave in the form of Ritual, and you will be wiser and stronger for having the guidance the tragedy provides.