Years ago, when BRITON RIVIERE painted his picture of “Daniel in the Lions’ Den,” which foppishly-speaking men would speak of as “Deniel in the Lions’ Dan,” public curiosity was aroused by the fact that DANIEL was facing the lions with his back to the spectators.  Of course, in this instance, the public mind is not exercised by the problem which was put to the Showman by an inquiring small boy, in the memorable formula of inquiry, “Please, Sir, which is DANIEL, and which is the Lions?” as never, for one moment, could there have existed, in the densest brain, the smallest doubt as to the identity of the Hebrew Seer.  Should the question now be put by an intending purchaser, Mr. WILLIAM AGNEW has only to give an adaptation of the historic reply, and say, “Whichever you like, my little dear; if you pay your money, you may take your choice.”

Now in this grand picture there is no sort of doubt, “no possible doubt whatever,” as to which is DANIEL and which are the Lions; but there must arise in the spectator’s mind the question, Who was the painter’s model for this figure of DANIEL?  To this there can be but one answer, “the G.O.M.”  This is the painter’s model for DANIEL.  Here he stands looking up towards the opening and seeing daylight.  His hands are tied by the bonds of a majority against him.  As for the Lions they may be Irish Lions, who may be thinking of another grand old DAN, The Liberator, but who, once upon a time, in the good old Kilmainham Gaol days, would have fallen upon this G.O.M. and torn him in pieces; not so now.  It is a grand picture.

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“WHO’S YOUR HATTER?” OR, SIDE-LIGHTS ON ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.—­Years ago, the great Ritual Case was that of Mr. BENNETT, of St. Barnabas, Pimlico.  Now the most recent is the Archbishop’s decision in the Lincoln Case.  The two may be quoted henceforth as “’The Lincoln and Bennett Cases,’ which cover a variety of heads.”

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“HERE WE GO UP, UP, UP!”—­Mr. Punch with Time visits the Heavenly Bodies.  Special Stars engaged for Christmas Entertainment.  Look out for Mr. Punch’s Christmas Number, entitled Punch Among the Planets. For once Toby will be Sirius.

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SHORTLY TO APPEAR.—­Companion Volume to Oceana.  New Work, by C.S.  P-RN-LL, entitled, O’Sheana.

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[Illustration:  BANK HOLIDAY WIT.

Mamma.  “COME ALONG, DARLINGS!”

’Arry.  “ALL RIGHT, MISS!  JUST WAIT TILL WE’VE ’AD A DRINK!”]

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THE PARLIAMENTARY “ANCIENT MARINER.”

(FRAGMENTS FROM THE LATEST RENDERING OF THE OLD RIME.)

[Sidenote:  An Ancient Mariner meeteth Three Guests bidden to St. Stephen’s and detaineth one.]