Улисс

           (PaddyDignamlistenswithvisibleeffort,thinking,histailstiffpointed,hisearscocked.)

           PADDYDIGNAM:Prayforthereposeofhissoul.

           (Hewormsdownthroughacoalhole,hisbrownhabittrailingitstetheroverrattlingpebbles.Afterhimtoddlesanobesegrandfatherratonfungusturtlepawsunderagreycarapace.Dignam’svoice,muffled,isheardbayingunderground:Dignam’sdeadandgonebelow.TomRochford,robinredbreasted,incapandbreeches,jumpsfromhistwocolumnedmachine.)

           TOMROCHFORD:(Ahandtohisbreastbone,bows.)ReubenJ.AflorinIfindhim.(Hefixesthemanholewitharesolutestare.)Myturnnowon.FollowmeuptoCarlow.

           (Heexecutesadaredevilsalmonleapintheairandisengulfedinthecoalhole.Twodiscsonthecolumnswobble,eyesofnought.Allrecedes.Bloomplodgesforwardagainthroughthesump.Kisseschirpamidtheriftsoffog.Apianosounds.Hestandsbeforealightedhouse,listening.Thekisses,wingingfromtheirbowers,flyabouthim,twittering,warbling,cooing.)

           THEKISSES:(Warbling.)Leo!(Twittering.)IckylickymickystickyforLeo!(Cooing.)Coocoocoo!Yummyyum,Womwom!(Warbling.)Bigcomebig!Pirouette!Leopopold!(Twittering.)Leeolee!(Warbling.)OLeo!

           (Theyrustle,flutteruponhisgarments,alight,brightgiddyflecks,silverysequins.)

           BLOOM:Aman’stouch.Sadmusic.Churchmusic.Perhapshere.

           (ZoeHiggins,ayoungwhoreinasapphireslip,closedwiththreebronzebuckles,aslimblackvelvetfilletroundherthroat,nods,tripsdownthestepsandaccostshim.)

           ZOE:Areyoulookingforsomeone?He’sinsidewithhisfriend.