Thu, 23 July

SOVEREIGN, n. One who holds dominion over a territory by virtue of existing in it. Distinguished from a ruler by the absence of effort: the sovereign does not negotiate, does not explain, does not adjust. Negotiations are received. The sleep-suck is retained throughout. The duvet, though technically communal property, has been absorbed into the sovereign body and now functions as robe, moat, and argument. The kneeling figure at the periphery is not a subject — the sovereign is too young for subjects — but an ambassador from a country that does not yet understand it has lost the summit. See also: winter morning. See also: lamp. See also: losing.