THE COMPANION/AGE.
217
amongst tliem relating, according to some, to Hiram, according to others, to Adonliiram;
wherein are represented crimes and punishments but I leave this fable for what it is worth." ^
It is unfortunate that Perdiguier should have been so reserved on this
subject (he was
;
himself a Son of Solomon), but it is also quite possible that beyond the Hiramic legend there
was nothing of a traditionary nature to impart, and being aware that many versions of this
myth had been published
in
main
interest, especially as its
works professedly masonic, he thought
it
would present
little
features are reproduced in the legend of IMaitre Jacques.
In introducing the tradition concerning this master he says, " Maitre Jacques is a personage
about whom very little is known, and each of the societies has invented a more or less probable
story concerning
him
many Companions du
;
one which enjoys an extended acceptance with very
from this that I extract, withotd changing a single tcord,
nevertheless there
Devoir
;
—
it is
is
the following details."
From the language employed, I think it must be conceded that my
contention as to the existence of manuscript copies of these traditions, is fully justified.^
previous
THE LEGEND OF IMAITEE JACQUES.
"
Maitre Jacques, one of the
in a sm