Улісс
Chapter 9
ThechampionofallIrelandatputtingthesixteenpoundshot.Whatwasyourbestthrow,citizen?
—Nabacleis,saysthecitizen,lettingontobemodest.TherewasatimeIwasasgoodasthenextfellowanyhow.
—Putitthere,citizen,saysJoe.Youwereandabloodysightbetter.
—Isthatreallyafact?saysAlf.
—Yes,saysBloom.That’swellknown.Didyounotknowthat?
SoofftheystartedaboutIrishsportsandshoneengamesthelikeoflawntennisandabouthurleyandputtingthestoneandracyofthesoilandbuildingupanationonceagainandalltothat.AndofcourseBloomhadtohavehissaytooaboutifafellowhadarower’sheartviolentexercisewasbad.IdeclaretomyantimacassarifyoutookupastrawfromthebloodyfloorandifyousaidtoBloom:Lookat,Bloom.Doyouseethatstraw?That’sastraw.Declaretomyaunthe’dtalkaboutitforanhoursohewouldandtalksteady.
AmostinterestingdiscussiontookplaceintheancienthallofBrianO’Ciarnain’sinSraidnaBretaineBheag,undertheauspicesofSluaghnah-Eireann,ontherevivalofancientGaelicsportsandtheimportanceofphysicalculture,asunderstoodinancientGreeceandancientRomeandancientIreland,forthedevelopmentoftherace.Thevenerablepresidentofthenobleorderwasinthechairandtheattendancewasoflargedimensions.
