And that is what they would be doing now: watching, listening. They too would have noted the change in emphasis from previous such speeches. Shorter than many, and no mention this time of the enemy within; no calls for the people to ‘Be vigilant. The Lords have many friends and sympathizers amongst us.’ No corrosive insinuations: ‘Look around you. How many of your friends and neighbours are not here tonight? How many of your work-mates? Have these people no wish to hear what we intend against our enemies in the east? No wish to support us in our work?’ Followed invariably, with voice lowered and bony finger jabbing the air, by, ‘If they are not here, where are they? What are they doing?’ and then, ‘Be vigilant. Listen for the words of doubt and treachery that will inevitably betray those w
