Sir Andrew Clark was Mr. Gladstone's physician, and was known to the great statesman as a "temperance doctor" who very rarely prescribed alcohol for his patients. On one occasion he surprised Mr. Gladstone by recommending him to take some wine. In answer to his illustrious patient's surprise he said:
"Oh, wine does sometimes help you get through work! For instance, I have often twenty letters to answer after dinner, and a pint of champagne is a great help."
"Indeed!" remarked Mr. Gladstone; "does a pint of champagne really help you to answer the twenty letters?"
"No," Sir Andrew explained; "but when I've had a pint of champagne I don't care a rap whether I answer them or not."
CHARACTER
The Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon was fond of a joke and his keen wit was, moreover, based on sterling common sense. One day he remarked to one of his sons:
"Can you tell me the reason why the lions didn't eat Daniel?"
"No sir. Why was it?"