Улисс

           (StephenturnsandseesBloom.)

           STEPHEN:Atime,timesandhalfatime.

           (ReubenJAntichrist,wanderingjew,aclutchinghandopenonhisspine,stumpsforward.Acrosshisloinsisslungapilgrim’swalletfromwhichprotrudepromissorynotesanddishonouredbills.Aloftoverhisshoulderhebearsalongboatpolefromthehookofwhichthesoddenhuddledmassofhisonlyson,savedfromLiffeywaters,hangsfromtheslackofitsbreeches.AhobgoblinintheimageofPunchCostello,hipshot,crookbacked,hydrocephalic,prognathicwithrecedingforeheadandAllySlopernose,tumblesinsomersaultsthroughthegatheringdarkness.)

           ALL:What?

           THEHOBGOBLIN:(Hisjawschattering,caperstoandfro,gogglinghiseyes,squeaking,kangaroohoppingwithoutstretchedclutchingarms,thenallatoncethrustshisliplessfacethroughtheforkofhisthighs.)Ilvient!C’estmoi!L’hommequirit!L’hommeprimigène!(Hewhirlsroundandroundwithdervishhowls.)Sieursetdames,faitesvosjeux!(Hecrouchesjuggling.Tinyrouletteplanetsflyfromhishands.)Lesjeuxsontfaits!(Theplanetsrushtogether,utteringcrepitantcracks.)Rienvaplus!(Theplanets,buoyantballoons,sailswollenupandaway.Hespringsoffintovacuum.)

           FLORRY:(Sinkingintotorpor,crossingherselfsecretly.)Theendoftheworld!

           (Afemaletepideffluviumleaksoutfromher.Nebulousobscurityoccupiesspace.Throughthedriftingfogwithoutthegramophoneblaresovercoughsandfeetshuffling.)

           THEGRAMOPHONE:

           Jerusalem!

           Openyourgatesandsing

           Hosanna...

           (Arocketrushesuptheskyandbursts.