The Old Hall is full tonight. Those outside who turn and see the line of festal light will not know that the windows are illumined by the brilliance of the company within. This audience is indeed most intimidatingly distinguished. These facts do proper honour to the memory of Francis Mann. He would have welcomed too the happy coincidence, given that Lady Fox is in the chair, that we also have the opportunity to celebrate the appointment of one of this century's greatest judges to the Order of Merit. Three such appointments were announced today. I hope we are allowed to think that Lord Denning has succeeded to the place of Sir Isaiah Berlin, one champion of liberty and human dignity following another.