I had one of these the night before last - yes, an anxiety dream. And it took what is a standard form for me: I was suddenly thrust into the position of having to do some lectures on a subject I didn't know. In this instance, it was Sammy Finer's Government I lectures and what had fallen to me was... American government. Naturally, I had no time to prepare myself. The lectures were imminent, like beginning today.
Then it got worse. Having started out in Manchester, where I was at least known - and, by my waking interpretation, I might have been cut some slack on the basis of my previous track record - the dream moved on, as dreams do, and I was having to do these lectures in the University of Cambridge, where I am a stranger.
So, how come? - tell me that. I would be anxious enough anyway if, fully awake, I were having to lecture on a subject more or less new to me and with ample time for preparation. But 'they' make it especially hard for a person by chucking the kitchen sink at him. It isn't right.
