Улисс

           Love’s

           Old

           Sweet

           Song

           Comeslo-ove’sold...

           —It’sakindofatour,don’tyousee,MrBloomsaidthoughtfully.Sweeeetsong.There’sacommitteeformed.Partsharesandpartprofits.

           M’Coynodded,pickingathismoustachestubble.

           —O,well,hesaid.That’sgoodnews.

           Hemovedtogo.

           —Well,gladtoseeyoulookingfit,hesaid.Meetyouknockingaround.

           —Yes,MrBloomsaid.

           —Tellyouwhat,M’Coysaid.Youmightputdownmynameatthefuneral,willyou?I’dliketogobutImightn’tbeable,yousee.There’sadrowningcaseatSandycovemayturnupandthenthecoronerandmyselfwouldhavetogodownifthebodyisfound.YoujustshoveinmynameifI’mnotthere,willyou?

           —I’lldothat,MrBloomsaid,movingtogetoff.That’llbeallright.

           —Right,M’Coysaidbrightly.Thanks,oldman.I’dgoifIpossiblycould.Well,tolloll.JustC.P.M’Coywilldo.

           —Thatwillbedone,MrBloomansweredfirmly.

           Didn’tcatchmenappingthatwheeze.Thequicktouch.Softmark.I’dlikemyjob.ValiseIhaveaparticularfancyfor.Leather.Cappedcorners,rivettededges,doubleactionleverlock.BobCowleylenthimhisfortheWicklowregattaconcertlastyearandneverheardtidingsofitfromthatgooddaytothis.

           MrBloom,strollingtowardsBrunswickstreet,smiled.Mymissushasjustgotan.Reedyfreckledsoprano.Cheeseparingnose.Niceenoughinitsway:foralittleballad.Nogutsinit.Youandme,don’tyouknow:inthesameboat.Softsoaping.Giveyoutheneedlethatwould.Can’thehearthedifference?Thinkhe’sthatwayinclinedabit.