The great success of the Gray's Inn _Maske_, has raised in the mind of
some of the critics the consideration whether a revival of this form of
entertainment could not be established. Ever ready to assist in carrying
out a valuable suggestion, _Mr. Punch_ begs to provide a _Scenario_ for
a modern _Maske:_--
SCENE I.--_The Exterior of the Castles of_ TORIUS _and_ GLADSTONIUS
_with a view of the Palace of Westminster, seen through the gateway.
Enter_ SESSIONIUS, _who looks about him and ponders_.
_Sessionius._ This should not be! Such a time as this puts down a
thousand pleasant schemes of summer! When a Bill, an Opposition, and a
Closure are met within the Hall of great St. Stephen's! Let the Ex-M.P.
bless the summer day, but Whigs, Rads, and Tories, needs must nod to the
Sessions Reign.
_Enter_ VACATIA.
_Vacatia._ Well, o'ertaken Session!
_Sessionius._ What's that I see? How dare you approach. D'ye mean to
give the lie to the prophets, who say I shall not be done until October?
Away, thou tempting fancy! Begone! Stay not a moment!
_Vacatia._ Nay, be not angry! In days gone by thou used to welcome me!
Why is it?
_Sessionius._ Do you not see I cannot move? With Irish Members and
Coercion Bills, I may stay here for ever!
VACATIA _weeps, and is appeased by_ TRIPPIUS, _who explains that they
can go unto the seaside by the Sunday trains. Then all go out. Then
enter the_ EXCURSIONISTS, _who sing strange songs in praise of wine and
tobacco. After a while the fun grows fast and furious, and the Scene
changes to_,--