Tomorrow’s spectacle is better understood as poetry than in the severely rational terms of democratic theorists who accept no need for religion and ritual.
At times, says the Education Secretary, the post he holds requires “a bold and vociferous and constant presence”. But “at other times less so”.
Europe has no Madisons to make the case for federalism, while the Leavers patronise us by pretending that leaving is without risk.
Our real interests derive from forging understandings and ties with countries which have traditionally considered themselves British in all but name.
I have lost count of the number of times I have heard its demise confidently predicted or stridently recommended. Houdini-like, it has so far escaped this awaited fate.