Улісс

           )Hik!Hek!Hak!Hok!Huk!Kok!Kuk!

           (BenJumboDollard,rubicund,musclebound,hairynostrilled,hugebearded,cabbageeared,shaggychested,shockmaned,fatpapped,standsforth,hisloinsandgenitalstightenedintoapairofblackbathingbagslops.)

           BENDOLLARD:(Nakkeringcastanetbonesinhishugepaddedpaws,yodelsjoviallyinbasebarreltone.)Whenloveabsorbsmyardentsoul.

           (ThevirginsNurseCallanandNurseQuigleyburstthroughtheringkeepersandtheropesandmobhimwithopenarms.)

           THEVIRGINS:(Gushingly.)BigBen!BenmyChree!

           AVOICE:Holdthatfellowwiththebadbreeches.

           BENDOLLARD:(Smiteshisthighinabundantlaughter.)Holdhimnow.

           HENRY:(Caressingonhisbreastaseveredfemalehead,murmurs.)Thineheart,minelove.(Hepluckshislutestrings.)WhenfirstIsaw...

           VIRAG:(Sloughinghisskins,hismultitudinousplumagemoulting.)Rats!(Heyawns,showingacoalblackthroat,andcloseshisjawsbyanupwardpushofhisparchmentroll.)AfterhavingsaidwhichItookmydeparture.Farewell.Faretheewell.Dreck!

           (HenryFlowercombshismoustacheandbeardrapidlywithapocketcombandgivesacow’slicktohishair.Steeredbyhisrapier,heglidestothedoor,hiswildharpslungbehindhim.Viragreachesthedoorintwoungainlystilthops,histailcocked,anddeftlyclapssidewaysonthewallapusyellowflybill,buttingitwithhishead.)

           THEFLYBILL:K.11.PostNoBills.Strictlyconfidential.DrHyFranks.

           HENRY:Allislostnow.

           (Viragunscrewshisheadinatriceandholdsitunderhisarm.)

           VIRAG’SHEAD:Quack!

           (Exeuntseverally.)

           STEPHEN:(OverhisshouldertoZoe.