Yesterday, Evensong at London’s Saint Paul’s Cathedral followed by a Bach recital on its grand organ: A high spot in the capital, now bathed in the truest of blue skies…

“England hath need of thee: she is a fen
Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen,
Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower,
Have forfeited their ancient English dower
Of inward happiness. We are selfish men;
O raise us up, return to us again,
And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power! “

(Wordsworth)