P-7

The Fourth Working

   [Monday, Jan. 5, 1914 e.v.]

   It now appears to O.S.V. that the suggestion made by Hermes of a further
sacrifice was meant to be obeyed. The attempt to replace the real thing by its
symbol led to (a) O.S.V. having a bad cold which confined him to his bed (b) the
continued ill-temper of L.T. (c) the breaking of the rendezvous proposed in the
letter (d) the complete cessation of good news.
   However, this afternoon die Lunae did the Frater L.T. sacrifice to the glory
of Hermes: and may He restore us to favour and help in the Work of Juppiter.
Whom therefore let us invoke by the secret Rite and this holy Versicle:
   Haud secus ac puerum spumanti semini vates
   Lustrat, dum gaudens accipit alter aquas;
   Sparge, precor, servis hominum rex atque deorum
   Juppiter omnipotens, aurea dona tuis.
   9:00
   This then was done duly, though with maimed Rites, owing to O.S.V.'s malady.
Yet did he take the function of priest.
   The Brethren remained conversing from 10 p.m. (when the Temple was closed)
until about 1 a.m. die Martiis when L.T. beholding Juppiter was this verse: Via
est hodie. Nomen sanctissimorum in felicitate habent viam. Deus dedit signum in
via.