"Sine die" -- Annapolis veterans will tell you they are the two sweetest words in Latin.
That is the term used to describe the last day of the 90-day legislative session. It means, roughly, "without fixed day." That is what happens at midnight. The majority leader of either House stands up and moves to "adjourn sine die." Everybody -- lawmakers, lobbyists, reporters, staff -- let out a sigh of relief.
What began in the cold of January now comes to an end on a beautiful April day -- but what happens under the State House dome on this day isn't always pretty.
My colleagues and I will be reporting today from the State House, bringing some of the flavor of this political rite of spring. It's the day when last-minute deals are cut, and the smell of treachery hovers in the air. Bills get hung up over policy differences or personal spite, and many die before accord can be reached.
I'm reporting now from the Senate chamber, where President Thomas V. Mike Miller -- who has been presiding over this body longer than anyone in the history of Maryland -- is trying to assemble his straggling members for what was supposed to be an 11 a.m. session
A clergyman has just led a prayer for unity and faith. Faith has a reasonable chance. Unity is a longshot.