Улисс

           BLOOM:IsthisMrsMack’s?

           ZOE:No,eightyone.MrsCohen’s.Youmightgofartherandfareworse.MotherSlipperslapper.(Familiarly.)She’sonthejobherselftonightwiththevethertipsterthatgivesherallthewinnersandpaysforhersoninOxford.Workingovertimebutherluck’sturnedtoday.(Suspiciously.)You’renothisfather,areyou?

           BLOOM:NotI!

           ZOE:Youbothinblack.Haslittlemouseyanyticklestonight?

           (Hisskin,alert,feelsherfingertipsapproach.Ahandglidesoverhisleftthigh.)

           ZOE:How’sthenuts?

           BLOOM:Offside.Curiouslytheyareontheright.Heavier,Isuppose.Oneinamillionmytailor,Mesias,says.

           ZOE:(Insuddenalarm.)You’veahardchancre.

           BLOOM:Notlikely.

           ZOE:Ifeelit.

           (Herhandslidesintohislefttrouserpocketandbringsoutahardblackshrivelledpotato.SheregardsitandBloomwithdumbmoistlips.)

           BLOOM:Atalisman.Heirloom.

           ZOE:ForZoe?Forkeeps?Forbeingsonice,eh?

           (Sheputsthepotatogreedilyintoapocketthenlinkshisarm,cuddlinghimwithsupplewarmth.Hesmilesuneasily.Slowly,notebynote,orientalmusicisplayed.Hegazesinthetawnycrystalofhereyes,ringedwithkohol.Hissmilesoftens.)

           ZOE:You’llknowmethenexttime.

           BLOOM:(Forlornly.)Ineverlovedadeargazellebutitwassureto...

           (Gazellesareleaping,feedingonthemountains.Neararelakes.Roundtheirshoresfileshadowsblackofcedargroves.Aromarises,astronghairgrowthofresin.Itburns,theorient,askyofsapphire,cleftbythebronzeflightofeagles.Underitliesthewomancity,nude,white,still,cool,inluxury.