5 – Mason’s boy

Don’t you dare say it, boy!
Don’t.
You.
Dare.

[I already did.]

It’s about the Mason’s art and nothing else
Erect as in raise a building up
“How much do you measure, erect?”
For shame, boy.

[He shakes his head at me. Haha, shakes his head.]

For shame.
Those words are sacred
Handed down from father to son

[And the occasional son-in-law
instead of daughter
because?
Because.
because old, dusty tradition, that’s why]

Since countless generations back
Time immemorial

[Immemorial my ass. You wouldn’t know, then, would you?]

And you had better respect it!
They will be your words, soon enough.
I will not have you embarrass me
in front of the other Master Builders.

[More like Master Bai—]

Stop that grinning!
I know what you’re thinking of
and you’re not half as original as you believe
So don’t even try

[No no, I’m just being traditional…]

Because I swear, boy
If you keep acting like a smug little shit
instead of a proper young man
So
help
me
GOD!
Need I say more?

[Oh how I wish you wouldn’t!]

Now, pick up your tools,
smooth down your shirt,
keep your mouth shut
and come along.

Yes, father.

Good. Now, name them for me.

Straightedge,
compass,
mallet,
brick.
[Of these items, I’m so sick.]

Chisel!

Of course, father. I’m sorry.

I highly doubt that, you little weasel.

[Give me brush,
pigment,
canvas,
easel!]

And the motto?

Mensuro et construo.

Which means… ?

I measure and… build.

Indeed. And that is what you will say when asked.

[Not my words, not now, not ever.
Have your boring, give me clever.
Or inspired, at least!
Vitam pingo or some such.
I paint life!
Someone really ought to.]

Won’t you, boy?

Certainly, father.

Nothing’s ever certain with you, though, is it?

And this life needs a lot more colour.

What’s that?

Nothing, father. Just a crease upon my collar.

Well, straighten it out.
And straighten up.
And straighten yourself out,
while you’re at it.

Yes, father. Like your edifices, my collar and I shall both stand erect!