FLOREAT MASCHERA!
A Great deal of curiosity has been expressed about the Gray's Inn Maske of Flowers, which has puzzled a number of people. The better informed have replied, when asked, "What was it?" "Oh, don't you know what a Maske is? Why Comus was a Maske, don't you know?" To save time and temper, Mr. Punch begs to inform all inquirers that:—
1. "Gray's Inn" is the Inn where the poet Gray always stopped when he came to town. It has always been associated with Poets.
2. This Maske of Flowers is not Mr. Cyril Flower, M.P.'s.
3. It is highly improbable that the Benchers of the Four Inns of Court will appear in Fancy Costume at four o'clock in the morning, and serenade the occupants of the Western Face of Gray's Inn Square from the Gardens.
4. The Maske is not so called from everybody in Gray's Inn appearing in "big heads."
5. The Lord Chancellor is not introduced as Harlequin, and does not dance a pas seul with "Mr. Solicitor," founded upon some of the more intricate steps of the pavan, or peacock's strut.
6. That it is not the duty of the Master of the Revels to teach the Masters of the Bench how to execute with spirit a Morisco.
Having said what the Maske will not be, Mr. Punch goes a step further—and stops, thinking it will be better to reserve particulars until after the Performance.