Flowers_ in 1887,
the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn showed what could be done
with the _Success of Arthur_; that is, of Master ARTHUR W. A BECKETT,
Master of the Revels. And indeed what could be done in Old Gray's Inn,
was on that occasion quite a Revel-ation to most of us. _Mr. Punch_
heartily congratulates the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn on
possessing such a Revel-Master--he ought at once to be created Lord
Revel-stoker--who is able to give life and form to so excellent an idea,
who can design such exquisite costumes, compose such appropriate music,
paint such perfect scenery, and instruct amateur pupils in the arts of
elocution, action, singing and dancing.

[Illustration: Embodiment of an Arthurian legend. The Master of the
Revels.]

_Mr. Punch_ is perfectly aware that the costumes were due to Mr. LEWIS
WINGFIELD'S designs and Mr. ALIAS'S workmanship, that the scenery was
painted by the old stager JOHN O'CONNOR, that the music was composed and
arranged by Messrs. PRENDERGAST and BIRCH-REYNARDSON, and that the
dances were invented "with the assistance of MSS." (old English for
"Master of the SeremonieS") and taught by the experienced Mr. D'AUBAN.
But the lawyers of Gray's well know that "_Qui facit per alium facit per
se_,"--and in the case of the costumes, _Qui facit per_ ALIAS _facit per
se_--and so with the merit of what Master ARTHUR W. A BECKETT executes
by his chosen agents he himself is to be credited. It was a great
success, from first to last. Just one word at parting. _Mr. Punch_ hopes
that the _Maske_, as it is, is _not_ to be reproduced on the public
stage. Such a proceeding, by depriving it of its venerable and
appropriate surroundings, would vulgarise an entertainment which should
have remained, within the precincts of Gray's Inn, archaic and unique.

* * * * *

_In Gray's Inn Hall._--_Notes by a Very Ordinary Person._--Crushed.
Difficulty with hat. That's why I dislike a _Matinee_, because you
can't come in a crush hat. But you're sure to go away in a
crush hat. Opera-hat in daytime looks so disreputable: suggestive
of having been out all night. While hiding my hat, lost my book.
Probably under lady's dress. No use trying for it. Band outside
plays National Anthem, and a voice from a dark recess shouts out
some word of command to the Beefeaters--(poor chaps, in this hot
weather "the Overdone-Beefeaters"--fine-looking fellows with prime
joints)--and then ente