"Enter freely, of your own will,
and leave a little of the happiness you bring."
-- Count Dracula
Our House Motto
Inside our crest is our household Motto, which reads:
"Et occurrent daemonia onocentauris et pilosus clamabit alter ad alterum ibi cubavit lamia et invenit sibi requiem."
- Isaiah 34:14, Latin Vulgate (405 CE)
This is a quote from the Latin version of the Bible which we take to explain our standing as the last bastion of solace; a haven for those without a home. Note the word "lamia"; yes, this is one of the mythical creatures associated with vampires and succubi.
Moreover, the original Hebrew text of the Tanakh uses the word "lilit", which some scholars believe was the reference to Lilith, who we identify today as the mother of Vampires. Most modern translations of the Bible translate this word to "screech owl" (our representative). However, we use the following quote as our preferred translation of our Motto.
"And there shall the beasts of the desert meet with the jackals, and the wild goat shall cry to his fellow; the lilith also shall settle there, and find for herself a place of rest." - J.N.Darby Translation (1890 CE)
Our Mission Statement
"To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness."
- Confucius (551 BCE - 479 BCE), The Confucian Analects
It is our Household Mission to strive for these five virtues plus one.
~ The First Virtue, Gravity, meaning seriousness. This has its place of importance, especially in politics of the Houses and beyond.
~ The Second Virtue, Generosity of Soul. This is more than just giving gifts or donating money, but donating your time, heart and soul, to what moves you. That kind of giving expects nothing in return, yet that virtue alone is its reward.
~ The Third Virtue, Sincerity. That quality of being honest and trustworthy.
~ The Fourth Virtue, Earnestness. More than sincerity, Earnestness is a strong conviction and determination to do that which is right.
~ The Fifth Virtue, Kindness. We should strive to be kind to our fellow no matter their station in life.
~ The Sixth Virtue. Frivolity, meaning silliness. While you may immediately believe levity is the opposite of the first Five Virtues, I am here to affirm they are not mutually exclusive. Sometimes a good laugh is the finest gift, the most poignant truth, the earnest clamor, and the kindest help we can give.
It is a wise person indeed who can balance and wield all Six Virtues.
Our Slogan
"We confide in our strength, without boasting of it; we respect that of others, without fearing it."
- Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826 CE)
