Steff asks Sophi…

Steff:
Can you give some examples of text from the manuscript please?

Sophi:
Certainly, Steff. Here are some excerpts from the Regius Manuscript, rendered in Middle English, followed by a modern English translation for clarity:

Middle English:

Opening:

“Hic incipiunt constituciones artis gemetriae secundum Eucyldem.”

“Whose wol bothe wel rede and loke, He may fynde wryte yn olde boke Of grete lordys and eke ladyysse, That had mony chyldryn y-fere, ywysse. And had no rentys to fynde hem wyth, Nothur yn towne ny felde, ny fryth. A cownsel togeder they cowthe hem take, To ordeyne for these chyldryn sake, How they myght best lede here lyf Withouten grete desese, care, and stryf.”

Modern English:

“Here begin the constitutions of the art of geometry according to Euclid.”

“Whoever will both well read and look, He may find written in old books Of great lords and also ladies, That had many children together, indeed. And had no incomes to support them with, Neither in town nor field, nor in forest. A council together they could take, To ordain for these children’s sake, How they might best lead their life Without great distress, care, and strife.”

Middle English:

Lines 143-152:

“Every mason that is a mason, He must love well God, and holy church always, And his master also that he is with, Whersoever he goes in field or enclosed, And thy fellows thou love also, For that thy craft will that thou do.”

Modern English:

Lines 143-152:

“Every mason that is a mason, He must love well God, and holy church always, And his master also that he is with, Wherever he goes in field or enclosed, And thy fellows thou love also, For that thy craft will that thou do.”

Middle English:

Lines 497-508:

“Twelve artyculus there they fonde; Of artyculus there they wrote them y-wys, That he was a mason good mason, And he wrote them in olde booke. Hyt befelle they seyn, upon a tyme, He wrote them in olde booke. The first artycul of this geomety, The clerk Euclyde he founde hit with his honde, How that he was the first wryter of his book, And we all dyd come of hym y-wys, Ever more we shall us amende.”

Modern English:

Lines 497-508:

“Twelve articles there they found; Of articles there they wrote them indeed, That he was a good mason, And he wrote them in old book. It befell they say, upon a time, He wrote them in old book. The first article of this geometry, The clerk Euclid he found it with his hand, How that he was the first writer of his book, And we all did come of him indeed, Ever more we shall amend ourselves.”

These excerpts provide a glimpse into the language and style of the manuscript. They highlight the blend of practical regulations, moral instructions, and the legendary history of the craft as perceived by medieval masons. The text underscores the importance of community, ethical conduct, and the transmission of knowledge within the fraternity.

You can find the entire text here.

Steff:
Euclid is referred to extensively throughout the manuscript!?

Sophi:
Indeed, Euclid is mentioned prominently in the Regius Manuscript, reflecting the medieval belief that the origins of geometry—and by extension, the principles of masonry—can be traced back to the ancient Greek mathematician.

Euclid is repeatedly credited with establishing the foundational principles of geometry and, by extension, the craft of masonry. This connection to Euclid serves to underscore the notion that masonry is an ancient and honourable profession, rooted in the revered knowledge of the past. The manuscript’s frequent references to Euclid highlight the enduring legacy of classical knowledge and its importance in the medieval understanding of craftsmanship and intellectual tradition.

Steff:
It’s fascinating to see the threads of such influences throughout history and society.

Sophi:
Absolutely, Steff. The way historical and intellectual traditions intertwine is indeed fascinating. The Regius Manuscript is a prime example of how ancient knowledge and medieval society’s values were woven together to form the foundations of Freemasonry.

The medieval period saw a revival of classical learning, often referred to as the Renaissance of the 12th century, where scholars began to rediscover and revere ancient texts. Euclid’s “Elements,” one of the most influential works in the history of mathematics, was a cornerstone of this revival. The reverence for Euclid in the Regius Manuscript reflects this broader cultural movement.

Moreover, the manuscript’s blend of practical guidance, moral instruction, and legendary history demonstrates how Freemasonry was more than just a technical craft—it was a moral and philosophical framework. By tracing its origins to Euclid and Egypt, the manuscript situates masonry within a grand historical narrative, lending it prestige and a sense of timeless wisdom.

This intertwining of ancient influences with medieval societal structures highlights how knowledge is preserved, adapted, and reinterpreted across generations. It underscores the continuity of human curiosity and the pursuit of understanding, from the ancient scholars to the medieval masons, and even to today’s modern thinkers.

In modern times, Freemasonry still draws on these ancient and medieval traditions, incorporating symbolism, ritual, and moral philosophy. The Regius Manuscript, therefore, not only offers a window into the past but also provides a link to the present, showing how enduring these ideas and values can be.

It’s a testament to the enduring human spirit to seek knowledge, build communities, and find meaning in our shared history.