Улисс

           Ringsend:wigwamsofbrownsteersmenandmastermariners.Humanshells.

           Hehalted.IhavepassedthewaytoauntSara’s.AmInotgoingthere?Seemsnot.No-oneabout.HeturnednortheastandcrossedthefirmersandtowardsthePigeonhouse.

           —Quivousamisdanscettefichueposition?

           —C’estlepigeon,Joseph.

           Patrice,homeonfurlough,lappedwarmmilkwithmeinthebarMacMahon.Sonofthewildgoose,KevinEganofParis.Myfather’sabird,helappedthesweetlaitchaudwithpinkyoungtongue,plumpbunny’sface.Lap,lapin.Hehopestowininthegroslots.AboutthenatureofwomenhereadinMichelet.ButhemustsendmeLaViedeJésusbyM.LéoTaxil.Lentittohisfriend.

           —C’esttordant,voussavez.Moi,jesuissocialiste.Jenecroispasenl’existencedeDieu.Fautpasledireàmonpère.

           —Ilcroit?

           —Monpère,oui.

           Schluss.Helaps.

           MyLatinquarterhat.God,wesimplymustdressthecharacter.Iwantpucegloves.Youwereastudent,weren’tyou?Ofwhatintheotherdevil’sname?Paysayenn.P.C.N.,youknow:physiques,chimiquesetnaturelles.Aha.Eatingyourgroatsworthofmouencivet,fleshpotsofEgypt,elbowedbybelchingcabmen.Justsayinthemostnaturaltone:whenIwasinParis;boul’Mich’,Iusedto.Yes,usedtocarrypunchedticketstoproveanalibiiftheyarrestedyouformurdersomewhere.Justice.OnthenightoftheseventeenthofFebruary1904theprisonerwasseenbytwowitnesses.Otherfellowdidit:otherme.Hat,tie,overcoat,nose.Lui,c’estmoi.Youseemtohaveenjoyedyourself.

           Proudlywalking.