The problem with the second verse of "I vow to Thee", or what I thought back when I decided not to sing it again, was that heaven was heavenly in that it resembled England, whereas, getting a bit C. S. Lewis-ey, I would want references to England being worthy of passionate support because it resembles heaven (and I don't mean naturally, but in its people and what they do). I think it puts the last first. And I don't intend to never question any demands made on me by anyone. Since the dearest and the best to anyone must be other people, the country should not demand that one sacrifices them. I should not be expected to love my country simply because I was born here, but because it stands for something worthy of love. Love is for people, not nebulous concepts of nationality. In the traditions of William Blake, the Levellers, and the plethora of visionaries from the Middle Ages on, for example, it does. In many others, it does not. I ain't falling for no old lies about it being a sweet and fitting thing to die for the fatherland.

Its a lovely tune, and the words are seductive - it used to be one of my favourites.

I rather like "Turn back O man" - it's not British particularly. I know there are some which are, but I'm busy, so I might not be able to find them. Somthing to the tune of the old imperial Russian anthem, I seem to remember. We didn't sing them in church, more's the pity.

Penny