Note 79 — EPISTLE[73] TO WILLIAM HAYLEY, Esq.

l. 9. Evening’s solemn hours.—It was Mr Hayley’s custom, during his fortnight’s residence at Lichfield, to walk in the side aisles of the Cathedral during choir-service at evening prayers, which are always performed by candle-light in winter. The arches of those aisles were then open at top into the choir. When the church was altered, in the year 1788, the arches were closed up, which prevents all the fine effect of dubious light and shadow, described in the ensuing lines. On week days the choir is but imperfectly illuminated.