Улисс

           THEBUCKLES:Loveme.Lovemenot.Loveme.

           ZOE:Silentmeansconsent.(Withlittlepartedtalonsshecaptureshishand,herforefingergivingtohispalmthepasstouchofsecretmonitor,luringhimtodoom.)Hothandscoldgizzard.

           (Hehesitatesamidscents,music,temptations.Sheleadshimtowardsthesteps,drawinghimbytheodourofherarmpits,theviceofherpaintedeyes,therustleofherslipinwhosesinuousfoldslurksthelionreekofallthemalebrutesthathavepossessedher.)

           THEMALEBRUTES:(Exhalingsulphurofrutanddungandrampingintheirloosebox,faintlyroaring,theirdruggedheadsswayingtoandfro.)Good!

           (ZoeandBloomreachthedoorwaywheretwosisterwhoresareseated.Theyexaminehimcuriouslyfromundertheirpencilledbrowsandsmiletohishastybow.Hetripsawkwardly.)

           ZOE:(Herluckyhandinstantlysavinghim.)Hoopsa!Don’tfallupstairs.

           BLOOM:Thejustmanfallsseventimes.(Hestandsasideatthethreshold.)Afteryouisgoodmanners.

           ZOE:Ladiesfirst,gentlemenafter.

           (Shecrossesthethreshold.Hehesitates.Sheturnsand,holdingoutherhands,drawshimover.Hehops.Ontheantleredrackofthehallhangaman’shatandwaterproof.Bloomuncovershimselfbut,seeingthem,frowns,thensmiles,preoccupied.Adooronthereturnlandingisflungopen.Amaninpurpleshirtandgreytrousers,brownsocked,passeswithanape’sgait,hisbaldheadandgoateebeardupheld,huggingafullwaterjugjar,histwotailedblackbracesdanglingatheels.