Chapter 6
Towardsdawnheawoke.Owhatsweetmusic!Hissoulwasalldewywet.Overhislimbsinsleeppalecoolwavesoflighthadpassed.Helaystill,asifhissoullayamidcoolwaters,sciousoffaimusic.Hismindwaswakingslowlytoatremulousmknowledge,aminspiration.Aspiritfilledhim,pureasthepurestwater,sweetasdew,movingasmusic.Buthowfaintlyitwasihed,howpassionlessly,asiftheseraphimthemselveswerebreathinguponhim!Hissoulwaswakingslowly,fearingtoawakewholly.Itwasthatwindlesshourofdawnwhenmadnesswakesandstrangeplantsopentothelightahfliesforthsilently.
Anentmentoftheheart!Thenighthadbeenented.Inadreamorvisionhehadknowasyofseraphiclife.Wasitaninstantofentmentonlyhoursandyearsandages?
Theinstantofinspirationseemednowtobereflectedfromallsidesatonultitudeofcloudycircumstancesofwhathadhappenedorofwhatmighthavehappeheinstantflashedforthlikeapointoflightandnowfromcloudoncloudofvaguecircumstanfusedformwasveilingsoftlyitsafterglow.O!Inthevirginwomboftheimaginationthewordwasmadeflesh.Gabrieltheseraphhadetothevirginschamber.Anafterglowdeepehinhisspirit,whehewhiteflamehadpassed,deepeningtoaroseandardentlight.Thatroseandardentlightwasherstrangewilfulheart,stranomanhadknownorwouldknow,wilfulfrombeforethebeginningoftheworld;andluredbythatardentrose-likeglowthechoirsoftheseraphimwerefallingfromheaven.
Areyounotwearyofardentways,
Lureofthefallenseraphim?
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Theversespassedfromhismindtohislipsand,murmuringthemover,hefelttherhythmientofavillanellepassthroughthem.Therose-likeglowsentforthitsraysofrhyme;ways,days,blaze,praise,raise.Itsraysburheworld,edtheheartsofmenandaheraysfromtherosethatwasherwilfulheart.
Youreyeshavesetmaablaze
Andyouhavehadyourwillofhim.
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Aherhythmdiedaway,ceased,beganagaintomovea.Andthen?Smoke,inseasdingfromthealtaroftheworld.
Abovetheflamethesmokeofpraise
Goesupfromorimtorim
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Smokewentupfromthewholeearth,fromthevapouryos,smokeofherpraise.Theearthwaslikeaswingingswayingser,aballofinse,anellipsoidalfall.Therhythmdiedoutatohecryofhisheartwasbroken.Hislipsbegantomurmurthefirstversesoveraheonstumblingthroughhalfverses,stammeringandbaffled;thenstopped.Theheartscrywasbroken.
Theveiledwindlesshourhadpassedandbehindthepahenakedwindowthemlightwasgathering.Abellbeatfaintlyveryfaraway.Abirdtwittered;twobirds,three.Thebellandthebirdceased;andthedullwhitelightspreaditselfeasta,ctheworld,ctheroselightinhisheart.
Fearingtoloseall,heraisedhimselfsuddenlyonhiselbowtolookforpaperandpencil.Therewasheroable;onlythesoupplatehehadeatentheriforsupperandthedlestickwithitstendrilsoftallowanditspapersocket,sihelastflame.Hestretchedhisarmwearilytowardsthefootofthebed,gropingwithhishandinthepocketsofthecoatthathungthere.Hisfingersfoundapendthenacigarettepacket.Helaybad,tearihepacket,placedthelastcigaretteonthewindowledgeaowriteoutthestanzasofthevillanelleinsmalllettersontheroughcardboardsurface.
Havingwrittehelaybathelumpypillow,murmuringthemagain.Thelumpsofknottedfloderhisheadremindedhimofthelumpsofknottedhorsehairinthesofaofherparlouronwhichheusedtosit,smilingorserious,askinghimselfwhyhehade,displeasedwithherandwithhimself,fouheprintoftheSacredHeartabovetheuedsideboard.Hesaroachhiminalullofthetalkandbeghimtosingoneofhiscurioussongs.Thenhesawhimselfsittingattheoldpiano,strikingchordssoftlyfromitsspeckledkeysandsinging,amidthetalkwhichhadrisenagainintheroom,toherwholeanedbesidethemantelpieceadaintysongoftheElizabethans,asadalothtodepart,thevictorytofAgincourt,thehappyairofGreensleeves.Whilehesangaened,olisten,hisheartwasatrestbutwhenthequaintoldsongshadendedandheheardagainthevoitheroomherememberedhisownsarcasm:thehousewhereyoungmenarecalledbytheirchristiannamesalittletoosoon.
Atcertaininstantshereyesseemedabouttotrusthimbuthehadwaitedinvain.Shepassednowdanglightlyacrosshismemoryasshehadbeenthatnightattheivalball,herwhitedressalittlelifted,awhitespraynoddinginherhair.Shedancedlightlyintheround.Shewasdangtowardshimand,asshecame,hereyeswerealittleavertedandafaintglowwasonhercheek.Atthepauseintheofhandsherhandhadlaininhisaninstant,asoftmerdise.
--Yreatstrangernow.
--Yes.Iwasborntobeamonk.
--Iamafraidyouareaheretic.
--Areyoumuchafraid?
Foranswershehaddancedawayfromhimalongtheofhands,danglightlyanddiscreetly,givingherselftohewhitesprayoherdangandwhenshewasinshadowtheglowwasdeeperonhercheek.
Amonk!Hisownimagestartedforthaprofahecloister,ahereticis,willingandwillingnottoserve,spinninglikeGherardinodaBoSanDonnino,alithewebofsophistryandwhisperinginherear.
No,itwasnothisimage.Itwasliketheimageoftheyoungpriestinwhosepanyhehadseenherlast,lookingathimoutofdoveseyes,toyingwiththepagesofherIrishphrase-book.
--Yes,yes,theladiesareingroundtous.Iseeiteveryday.Theladiesarewithus.Thebesthelpersthelanguagehas.
--Andthechurch,FatherMoran?
--Thechuringroundtoo.Thewoiheretoo.Doaboutthechurch.
Bah!hehaddooleavetheroomindisdain.Hehaddonewellnottosaluteheroepsofthelibrary!Hehaddooleavehertoflirtwithherpriest,totoywithachurchwhichwasthescullery-maidofchristendom.
Rudebrutalangerroutedthelastlingeringinstaasyfromhissoul.Itbrokeupviolentlyherfairimageandflungthefragmentsonallsides.Onallsidesdistortedreflesestartedfromhismemory:theflirlintheraggeddresswithdampcoarsehairandahoydensfacewhohadcalledherselfhisowngirlandbeggedhishahekit-girlihousewhosaheclatterofherplates,withthedrawlofatrysihefirstbarsofByKillarneysLakesandFells,agirlwhohadlaughedgailytoseehimstumblewhentheirongratingipathnearCorkHillhadcaughtthebrokensoleofhisshoe,agirlhehadgla,attractedbyhersmallripemouth,asshepassedoutofJacobsbiscuitfactory,whohadcriedtohimoverhershoulder:
--Doyoulikewhatyouseeraighthairandcurlyeyebrows?
Ahefeltthat,howeverhemightrevileandmockherimage,hisangerwasalsoaformofhomage.Hehadlefttheclassroomindisdainthatwasnotwhollysincere,feelingthatperhapsthesecretofherracelaybehindthosedarkeyesuponwhichherlonglashesflungaquickshadow.Hehadtoldhimselfbitterlyashewalkedthroughthestreetsthatshewasafigureofthewomanhoodofhertry,abat-likesoulwakingtothesciousnessofitselfindarknessandsecredloneliarryingawhile,lovelessandsinless,withhermildloverandleavinghimtowhisperofiransgressionsiicedearofapriest.Hisangeragainstherfouincoarserailingatherparamour,whosenameandvoidfeaturesoffendedhisbaffledpride:apriestedpeasant,withabrotherapoliinDublinandabrotherapotboyinMoycullen.Tohimshewouldunveilhersoulsshynakedoonewhowasbutschooledinthedischargingofaformalriteratherthantohim,apriestoftheeternalimagination,transmutingthedailybreadofexperieotheradiantbodyofeverlivinglife.
Theradiantimageoftheeucharistunitedagaininaninstanthisbitteranddespairingthoughts,theircriesarisingunbrokeninahymnofthanksgiving.
Ourbrokencriesandmournfullays
Riseinoneeucharisti
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Whilesacrifighandsupraise
Thechaliceflowingtothebrim.
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Hespoketheversesaloudfromthefirstliillthemusidrhythmsuffusedhismind,turningittoquietindulgehencopiedthempainfullytofeelthemthebetterbyseeihenlaybahisbolster.
Thefullmlighthade.Nosoundwastobeheard;buthekhatallaroundhimlifewasabouttoawakeninonnoises,hoarsevoices,sleepyprayers.Shrinkingfromthatlifeheturowardsthewall,makingacowloftheblaandstaringatthegreatoverblownscarletflowersofthetatteredaper.Hetriedtowarmhisperishingjoyintheirscarletglow,imaginingarosewayfromwherehelayupwardstoheavenallstrewnwithscarletflowers.Weary!Weary!Hetoowaswearyofardentways.
Agradualwarmth,alanguorouswearinesspassedoverhimdesdingalonghisspinefromhiscloselycowledhead.Hefeltitdesdand,seeinghimselfashelay,smiled.Soonhewouldsleep.
Hehadwrittenversesfaienyears.Tenyearsbeforeshehadwornhershaiseaboutherhead,sendingspraysofherwarmbreathintothenightair,tappingherfootupontheglassyroad.Itwasthelasttram;thelankbrownhorseskandshooktheirbellstotheclearnightinadmonition.Theductortalkedwiththedriver,bothnoddingofteninthegreenlightofthelamp.Theystoodoepsofthetram,heontheupper,sheonthelower.Shecameuptohisstepmanytimesbetweentheirphrasesadownagainandowiceremainedbesidehimfettingtogodownandthedowbe!Letbe!
Tenyearsfromthatwisdomofchildrentohisfolly.Ifheseheverses?Theywouldbereadoutatbreakfastamidthetappingofegg-shells.Follyindeed!Herbrotherswouldlaughandtrytowrestthepagefromeachotherwiththeirstronghardfihesuavepriest,heruncle,seatedinhisarm-chair,wouldholdthepageatarmslength,readitsmilingandapproveoftheliteraryform.
No,no;thatwasfolly.Evehertheversesshewouldnotshowthemtoothers.No,no;shecouldnot.
Hebegahathehadwrongedher.Asenseofherinnocemovedhimalmosttopityher,aninnocehehadneveruoodtillhehadetotheknowledgeofitthroughsin,aninnocewhichshetoohadnotuoodwhileshewasiorbeforethestrangehumiliatiourehadfirsteupohenfirsthersoulhadbeguntoliveashissoulhadwhenhehadfirstsinned,andatenderpassionfilledhisheartasherememberedherfrailpallorandhereyes,humbledandsaddehedarkshameofwomanhood.
Whilehissoulhadpassedfromecstasytolanguorwherehadshebeen?Mightitbe,ieriouswaysofspirituallife,thathersoulatthosesamemomentshadbeensciousofhishomage?Itmightbe.
Aglowofdesirekindledagainhissoulandfiredandfulfilledallhisbody.sciousofhisdesireshewaswakingfromodoroussleep,thetemptressofhisvillanelle.Hereyes,darkandwithalookoflanguor,wereopeningtohiseyes.Hernakednessyieldedtohim,radiant,warm,odorousandlavish-limbed,enfoldedhimlikeashiningcloud,enfoldedhimlikewaterwithaliquidlife;andlikeacloudofvapourorlikewaterscircumfluentinspacetheliquidlettersofspeech,symbolsoftheelementofmystery,flowedforthoverhisbrain.
Areyounotwearyofardentways,
Lureofthefallenseraphim?
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Youreyeshavesetmaablaze
Andyouhavehadyourwillofhim.
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Abovetheflamethesmokeofpraise
Goesupfromorimtorim.
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Ourbrokencriesandmournfullays
Riseinoneeucharisti.
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Whilesacrifighandsupraise
Thechaliceflowingtothebrim.
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Andstillyouholdinggaze
Withlanguorouslookandlavishlimb!
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Whatbirdswerethey?Hestoodoepsofthelibrarytolookatthem,leaningwearilyonhisashplant.TheyflewroundandrouingshoulderofahouseinMolesworthStreet.TheairofthelateMarcheveningmadecleartheirflight,theirdarkquiveringbodiesflyingclearlyagainsttheskyasagainstalimp-hungclothofsmokytenuousblue.
Hewatchedtheirflight;birdafterbird:adarkflash,aswerve,aflutterofwings.Hetriedtotthembeforealltheirdartingquiveringbodiespassed:six,ten,eleven:andwonderedweretheyoddoreveninwelve,thirteen:fortwocamewheelingdownfromtheuppersky.Theywereflyinghighandlowbuteverroundandroundinstraightandcurvinglinesandeverflyingfromlefttht,cirgaboutatempleofair.
Helistehecries:likethesqueakofmicebehindthewainscot:ashrilltwofoldthenoteswerelongandshrillandwhirring,uhecryofvermin,fallingathirdorafourthandtrilledastheflyingbeaksclovetheair.Theircrywasshrillandclearandfineandfallinglikethreadsofsilkenlightunwoundfromwhirringspools.
Theinhumanclamoursoothedhisearsinwhichhismotherssobsandreproachesmurmuredinsistentlyandthedarkfrailquiveringbodieswheelingandflutteringandswervingroundanairytempleofthetenuousskysoothedhiseyeswhichstillsawtheimageofhismothersface.
Whywashegazingupwardsfromthestepsoftheporch,hearingtheirshrilltwofoldcry,watgtheirflight?Foranauguryofgoodorevil?AphraseofeliusAgrippaflewthroughhismindahereflewhitherandthithershapelessthoughtsfromSwedenbonthecorrespondenceofbirdstothingsoftheintelledofhowthecreaturesoftheairhavetheirknowledgeandknowtheirtimesandseasonsbecausethey,unlikemaheorderoftheirlifeandhavenotpervertedthatorderbyreason.
Andfesmenhadgazedupwardashewasgazingatbirdsinflight.Thenadeabovehimmadehimthinkvaguelyofanaempleandtheashplantonwhichheleanedwearilyofthecurvedstickofanaugur.Asenseoffearoftheunknowheheartofhisweariness,afearofsymbolsandportents,ofthehawk-likemanwhosenameheboresoutofhiscaptivityonosier-wovenwings,ofThoth,thegodofwriters,writingwithareeduponatabletandbearingonhisnarrowibisheadthecuspedmoon.
Hesmiledashethoughtofthegodsimageforitmadehimthinkofabottle-nosedjudgeinawig,puttingasintoadotwhichheheldatarmslength,andhekhathewouldnothaverememberedthegodshatitwaslikeanIrishoath.Itwasfolly.Butwasitforthisfollythathewasabouttoleaveforeverthehouseofprayerandprudeowhichhehadbeenbornandtheorderoflifeoutofwhichhehade?
Theycamebackwithshrillcriesoverthejuttingshoulderofthehouse,flyingdarklyagainstthefadingair.Whatbirdswerethey?Hethoughtthattheymustbeswallowswhohadebathesouth.Theogoawayfortheywerebirdsevergoinganding,buildingeveranunlastinghomeuheeavesofmenshousesandeverleavingthehomestheyhadbuilttowander.
Benddownyourfaces,OonaandAleel.
Igazeupoheswallowgazes
Upouheeavebefore
Hewaheloudwaters.
Asoftliquidjoylikethenoiseofmanywatersflowedoverhismemoryainhisheartthesoftpeaceofsilentspacesoffadingtenuousskyabovethewaters,ofoicsilence,ofswallowsflyingthroughthesea-duskovertheflowingwaters.
Asoftliquidjoyflowedthroughthewordswherethesoftlongvowelshurtlednoiselesslyandfellaway,lappingandflowingbadevershakiebellsoftheirwavesinmutechimeandmutepeal,andsoftlowswooningcry;athattheauguryhehadsoughtinthewheelingdartingbirdsandinthepalespaceofskyabovehimhadeforthfromhisheartlikeabirdfromaturret,quietlyandswiftly.
Symbolofdepartureorofloneliheversesedintheearofhismemoryposedslowlybeforehisrememberiheseofthehallonthenightoftheopeningofthenationaltheatre.Hewasalohesideofthebaly,lookingoutofjadedeyesatthecultureofDublinIallsandatthetawdryse-clothsandhumandollsframedbythegarishlampsofthestage.Aburlypolisweatedbehindhimandseemedateverymomentabouttoact.Thecatcallsandhissesandmogcriesranisroundthehallfromhisscatteredfellowstudents.
--AlibelonIreland!
--MadeinGermany.
--Blasphemy!
--Weneversoldourfaith!
--NoIrishwomaneverdidit!
--Wewantnoamateuratheists.
--Wewantnobuddingbuddhists.
Asuddenswifthissfellfromthewindowsabovehimandhekhattheelectriclampshadbeenswitchedoninthereadersroom.Heturothepillaredhall,nowcalmlylit,wentupthestaircaseandpassedinthroughthecligturnstile.
lywassittingoverhediaries.Athickbook,opehefrontispiece,laybeforehimonthewoode.Heleanedbahischair,ininghisearlikethatofafessortothefaceofthemedicalstudentwhowasreadingtohimaproblemfromthechesspageofajournal.StephensatdownathisrightandthepriestattheothersideofthetableclosedhiscopyofTheTabletwithanangrysnapandstoodup.
lygazedafterhimblandlyandvaguely.Themedicalstudeoninasoftervoice:
--Pawntokingsfourth.
--Wehadbettergo,Dixon,saidStepheninwarning.Hehasgooplain.
Dixonfoldedthejournalandrosewithdignity,saying:
--Ourmeiredingoodorder.
--Withgunsandcattle,addedStephen,pointingtothetitlepageoflysbookonwhichrintedDiseasesoftheOx.
AstheypassedthroughalahetablesStephensaid:
--ly,Iwanttospeaktoyou.
lydidnotaurn.Helaidhisbookontheterandpassedout,hiswell-shodfeetsoundingflatlyonthefloor.OaircasehepausedandgazingabsentlyatDixoed:
--Pawntokingsbloodyfourth.
--Putitthatwayifyoulike,Dixonsaid.
Hehadaquiettonelessvoidurbanemannersandonafingerofhisplumphandhedisplayedatmomentsasigring.
Astheycrossedthehallamanofdwarfishstaturecametowardsthem.Uhedomeofhistinyhathisunshavenfacebegantosmilewithpleasureandhewasheardtomurmur.Theeyesweremelancholyasthoseofamonkey.
--Goodevenilemen,saidthestubble-grownmonkeyishface.
--WarmweatherforMarch,saidly.Theyhavethewindowsopenupstairs.
Dixonsmiledandturnedhisring.Theblackish,monkey-puckeredfacepurseditshumanmouthwithgentlepleasureanditsvoicepurred:
--DelightfulweatherforMarch.Simplydelightful.
--Therearetwoniceyoungladiesupstairs,captain,tiredofwaiting,Dixonsaid.
lysmiledandsaidkindly:
--Thecaptainhasonlyonelove:sirWalterScott.Isntthatso,captain?
--Whatareyoureadingnotain?DixoheBrideofLammermoor?--IloveoldScott,theflexiblelipssaid,Ithiessomethinglovely.ThereisnowritertouchsirWalterScott.
Hemovedathinshrunkenbrownhalyintheairiohispraiseandhisthinquickeyelidsbeatoftenoverhissadeyes.
SaddertoStephensearwashisspeech:agenteelat,lowandmoist,marredbyerrors,and,listeningtoit,hewonderedwasthestorytrueandwasthethinbloodthatflowedinhisshrunkenframenobleandeofauouslove?
Theparktreeswereheavywithrain;andraiillahelake,lyinggreylikeashield.Agameofswahereaerandtheshorebehwerefouledwiththeirgreen-whiteslime.Theyembracedsoftly,-impelledbythegreyrainylight,thewetsileheshield-likewitnessinglake,theswans.Theyembracedwithoutjoyorpassion,hisarmabouthissistersneck.Agreywoollencloakwasedathwartherfromhershouldertoherwaistandherfairheadwasbentinwillingshame.Hehadloosered-brownhairandtendershapelystrongfreckledhands.Face?Therewasnofaceseehersfacewasbentuponherfairrain-fragranthair.ThehandfreckledandstrongandshapelyandcaressingwasDavinshand.
Hefrownedangrilyuponhisthoughtandontheshrivelledmannikinwhohadcalleditforth.HisfathersjibesattheBantrygangleapedoutofhismemory.Heheldthematadistandbroodeduneasilyonhisownthoughtagain.Whyweretheynotlyshands?HadDavinssimplicityandinnocestunghimmoresecretly?
HewalkedonacrossthehallwithDixon,leavinglytotakeleaveelaboratelyofthedwarf.
Uheemplewasstandinginthemidstofalittlegroupofstudents.Ohemcried:
--Dixon,eovertillyouhear.Templeisingrandform.
Templeturnedonhimhisdarkgipsyeyes.
--Youreahypocrite,OKeeffe,hesaid.AndDixonisasmiler.Byhell,Ithinkthatsagoodliteraryexpression.
Helaughedslyly,lookinginStephensface,repeating:
--Byhell,Imdelightedwiththatname.Asmiler.
Astoutstudentwhostoodbelowthemoepssaid:
--ebaistress,Temple.Wewanttohearaboutthat.
--Hehad,faith,Templesaid.Andhewasamarriedmantoo.Andallthepriestsusedtobediningthere.Byhell,Ithinktheyallhadatouch.
--Weshallcallitridingahacktosparethehunter,saidDixon.
--Tellus,Temple,OKeeffesaid,howmanyquartsofporterhaveyouinyou?
--Allyourintellectualsoulisinthatphrase,OKeeffe,saidTemplewithopens.
HemovedwithashamblinggaitroundthegroupandspoketoStephen.
--DidyouknowthattheForstersarethekingsofBelgium?heasked.
lycameoutthroughthedooroftheentrancehall,hishatthrustbathenapeofhisnedpighisteethwithcare.
Ahewiseacre,saidTemple.DoyouknowthatabouttheForsters?
Hepausedforananswer.lydislodgedafigseedfromhisteethonthepointofhisrudetoothpidgazedatitily
--TheForsterfamily,Templesaid,isdesdedfromBaldwintheFirst,kingofFlanders.HewascalledtheForester.ForesterandForsterarethesamename.AdesdantofBaldwintheFirst,captainFrancisForster,settledinIrelandandmarriedthedaughterofthelastchieftainofbrassil.ThentherearetheBlakeForsters.Thatsadifferentbranch.
--FromBaldhead,kingofFlanders,lyrepeated,rootingagaindeliberatelyathisgleamingueeth.
--Wheredidyoupickupallthathistory?OKeeffeasked.
--Iknowallthehistoryofyourfamily,too,Templesaid,turningtoStephen.DoyouknowwhatGiraldusCambrensissaysaboutyourfamily?
--IshedesdedfromBaldwintoo?askedatallptivestudentwithdarkeyes.
--Baldhead,lyrepeated,sugatacrevihisteeth.
--Pernobilisetpervetustafamilia,TemplesaidtoStepheoutstudentwhostoodbelowthemoepsfartedbriefly.Dixonturowardshim,sayinginasoftvoice:
--Didanangelspeak?
lyturnedalsoandsaidvehementlybutwithoutanger:
--Goggins,youretheflamidirtydevilIevermet,doyouknow.
--Ihaditonmymindtosaythat,Gogginsansweredfirmly.Itdidnooneanyharm,didit?
--Wehope,Dixonsaidsuavely,thatitwasnotofthekindknowntosceasapaulopostfuturum.
--DidntItellyouhewasasmiler?saidTemple,turningrighta.DidntIgivehimthatname?
--Youdid.Werenotdeaf,saidthetallptive.
lystillfrowhestoutstudentbelowhim.Then,withasnortofdisgust,heshovedhimviolentlydoweps.
--Goawayfromhere,hesaidrudely.Goaway,youstinkpot.Andyouareastinkpot.
Gogginsskippeddownontothegravelandatourohisplacewithgoodhumour.TempleturnedbacktoStephenandasked:
--Doyoubelieveinthelawofheredity?
--Areyoudrunkorwhatareyouorwhatareytosay?askedly,fagroundonhimressionofwonder.
--Themostprofouenceeverwritten,Templesaidwithenthusiasm,isthesenteheendofthezoology.Reproduisthebeginningofdeath.
HetouchedStephentimidlyattheelbowandsaideagerly:
--Doyoufeelhowprofoundthatisbecauseyouareapoet?
--lypointedhislongforefinger.
--Lookathim!hesaidwithstotheothers.LookatIrelandshope!
Theylaughedathiswordsaure.Templeturnedonhimbravely,saying:
--ly,yourealwayssneeringatme.Iseethat.ButIamasgoodasyouanyday.DoyouknowwhatIthinkaboutyounowasparedwithmyself?
--Mydearman,saidlyurbanely,youareincapable,doyouknow,absolutelyincapableofthinking.
--Butdoyouknow,Templewenton,whatIthinkofyouandofmyselfparedtogether?
--Outwithit,Temple!thestoutstudentcriedfromthesteps.Getitoutinbits!
Templeturnedrighta,makingsuddenfeeblegesturesashespoke.
--Imaballocks,hesaid,shakinghisheadindespair.IamandIknowIam.AndIadmititthatIam.
Dixonpattedhimlightlyontheshoulderandsaidmildly:
--Anditdoesyoueverycredit,Temple.
--Buthe,Templesaid,pointingtoly,heisaballocks,too,likeme.Onlyhedoesntknowit.AndthatstheonlydifferenceIsee.
Aburstoflaughtercoveredhiswords.ButheturnedagaintoStephenandsaidwithasuddeneagerness:
--Thatwordisamostiingword.ThatstheonlyEnglishdualnumber.Didyouknow?
--Isit?Stephensaidvaguely.
Hewaswatglysfirm-featuredsufferingface,litupnowbyasmileoffalsepatiehegrossnamehadpassedoveritlikefoulouredoveranoldstoneimage,patientofinjuries;and,ashewatchedhim,hesawhimraisehishatinsaluteanduheblackhairthatstoodstifflyfromhisforeheadlikeaniron.
ShepassedoutfromtheporchofthelibraryandbowedacrossStepheolysgreeting.Healso?Wastherenotaslightflushonlyscheek?OrhaditeforthatTempleswords?Thelighthadwaned.Hecouldnotsee.
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Anentmentoftheheart!Thenighthadbeenented.Inadreamorvisionhehadknowasyofseraphiclife.Wasitaninstantofentmentonlyhoursandyearsandages?
Theinstantofinspirationseemednowtobereflectedfromallsidesatonultitudeofcloudycircumstancesofwhathadhappenedorofwhatmighthavehappeheinstantflashedforthlikeapointoflightandnowfromcloudoncloudofvaguecircumstanfusedformwasveilingsoftlyitsafterglow.O!Inthevirginwomboftheimaginationthewordwasmadeflesh.Gabrieltheseraphhadetothevirginschamber.Anafterglowdeepehinhisspirit,whehewhiteflamehadpassed,deepeningtoaroseandardentlight.Thatroseandardentlightwasherstrangewilfulheart,stranomanhadknownorwouldknow,wilfulfrombeforethebeginningoftheworld;andluredbythatardentrose-likeglowthechoirsoftheseraphimwerefallingfromheaven.
Areyounotwearyofardentways,
Lureofthefallenseraphim?
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Theversespassedfromhismindtohislipsand,murmuringthemover,hefelttherhythmientofavillanellepassthroughthem.Therose-likeglowsentforthitsraysofrhyme;ways,days,blaze,praise,raise.Itsraysburheworld,edtheheartsofmenandaheraysfromtherosethatwasherwilfulheart.
Youreyeshavesetmaablaze
Andyouhavehadyourwillofhim.
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Aherhythmdiedaway,ceased,beganagaintomovea.Andthen?Smoke,inseasdingfromthealtaroftheworld.
Abovetheflamethesmokeofpraise
Goesupfromorimtorim
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Smokewentupfromthewholeearth,fromthevapouryos,smokeofherpraise.Theearthwaslikeaswingingswayingser,aballofinse,anellipsoidalfall.Therhythmdiedoutatohecryofhisheartwasbroken.Hislipsbegantomurmurthefirstversesoveraheonstumblingthroughhalfverses,stammeringandbaffled;thenstopped.Theheartscrywasbroken.
Theveiledwindlesshourhadpassedandbehindthepahenakedwindowthemlightwasgathering.Abellbeatfaintlyveryfaraway.Abirdtwittered;twobirds,three.Thebellandthebirdceased;andthedullwhitelightspreaditselfeasta,ctheworld,ctheroselightinhisheart.
Fearingtoloseall,heraisedhimselfsuddenlyonhiselbowtolookforpaperandpencil.Therewasheroable;onlythesoupplatehehadeatentheriforsupperandthedlestickwithitstendrilsoftallowanditspapersocket,sihelastflame.Hestretchedhisarmwearilytowardsthefootofthebed,gropingwithhishandinthepocketsofthecoatthathungthere.Hisfingersfoundapendthenacigarettepacket.Helaybad,tearihepacket,placedthelastcigaretteonthewindowledgeaowriteoutthestanzasofthevillanelleinsmalllettersontheroughcardboardsurface.
Havingwrittehelaybathelumpypillow,murmuringthemagain.Thelumpsofknottedfloderhisheadremindedhimofthelumpsofknottedhorsehairinthesofaofherparlouronwhichheusedtosit,smilingorserious,askinghimselfwhyhehade,displeasedwithherandwithhimself,fouheprintoftheSacredHeartabovetheuedsideboard.Hesaroachhiminalullofthetalkandbeghimtosingoneofhiscurioussongs.Thenhesawhimselfsittingattheoldpiano,strikingchordssoftlyfromitsspeckledkeysandsinging,amidthetalkwhichhadrisenagainintheroom,toherwholeanedbesidethemantelpieceadaintysongoftheElizabethans,asadalothtodepart,thevictorytofAgincourt,thehappyairofGreensleeves.Whilehesangaened,olisten,hisheartwasatrestbutwhenthequaintoldsongshadendedandheheardagainthevoitheroomherememberedhisownsarcasm:thehousewhereyoungmenarecalledbytheirchristiannamesalittletoosoon.
Atcertaininstantshereyesseemedabouttotrusthimbuthehadwaitedinvain.Shepassednowdanglightlyacrosshismemoryasshehadbeenthatnightattheivalball,herwhitedressalittlelifted,awhitespraynoddinginherhair.Shedancedlightlyintheround.Shewasdangtowardshimand,asshecame,hereyeswerealittleavertedandafaintglowwasonhercheek.Atthepauseintheofhandsherhandhadlaininhisaninstant,asoftmerdise.
--Yreatstrangernow.
--Yes.Iwasborntobeamonk.
--Iamafraidyouareaheretic.
--Areyoumuchafraid?
Foranswershehaddancedawayfromhimalongtheofhands,danglightlyanddiscreetly,givingherselftohewhitesprayoherdangandwhenshewasinshadowtheglowwasdeeperonhercheek.
Amonk!Hisownimagestartedforthaprofahecloister,ahereticis,willingandwillingnottoserve,spinninglikeGherardinodaBoSanDonnino,alithewebofsophistryandwhisperinginherear.
No,itwasnothisimage.Itwasliketheimageoftheyoungpriestinwhosepanyhehadseenherlast,lookingathimoutofdoveseyes,toyingwiththepagesofherIrishphrase-book.
--Yes,yes,theladiesareingroundtous.Iseeiteveryday.Theladiesarewithus.Thebesthelpersthelanguagehas.
--Andthechurch,FatherMoran?
--Thechuringroundtoo.Thewoiheretoo.Doaboutthechurch.
Bah!hehaddooleavetheroomindisdain.Hehaddonewellnottosaluteheroepsofthelibrary!Hehaddooleavehertoflirtwithherpriest,totoywithachurchwhichwasthescullery-maidofchristendom.
Rudebrutalangerroutedthelastlingeringinstaasyfromhissoul.Itbrokeupviolentlyherfairimageandflungthefragmentsonallsides.Onallsidesdistortedreflesestartedfromhismemory:theflirlintheraggeddresswithdampcoarsehairandahoydensfacewhohadcalledherselfhisowngirlandbeggedhishahekit-girlihousewhosaheclatterofherplates,withthedrawlofatrysihefirstbarsofByKillarneysLakesandFells,agirlwhohadlaughedgailytoseehimstumblewhentheirongratingipathnearCorkHillhadcaughtthebrokensoleofhisshoe,agirlhehadgla,attractedbyhersmallripemouth,asshepassedoutofJacobsbiscuitfactory,whohadcriedtohimoverhershoulder:
--Doyoulikewhatyouseeraighthairandcurlyeyebrows?
Ahefeltthat,howeverhemightrevileandmockherimage,hisangerwasalsoaformofhomage.Hehadlefttheclassroomindisdainthatwasnotwhollysincere,feelingthatperhapsthesecretofherracelaybehindthosedarkeyesuponwhichherlonglashesflungaquickshadow.Hehadtoldhimselfbitterlyashewalkedthroughthestreetsthatshewasafigureofthewomanhoodofhertry,abat-likesoulwakingtothesciousnessofitselfindarknessandsecredloneliarryingawhile,lovelessandsinless,withhermildloverandleavinghimtowhisperofiransgressionsiicedearofapriest.Hisangeragainstherfouincoarserailingatherparamour,whosenameandvoidfeaturesoffendedhisbaffledpride:apriestedpeasant,withabrotherapoliinDublinandabrotherapotboyinMoycullen.Tohimshewouldunveilhersoulsshynakedoonewhowasbutschooledinthedischargingofaformalriteratherthantohim,apriestoftheeternalimagination,transmutingthedailybreadofexperieotheradiantbodyofeverlivinglife.
Theradiantimageoftheeucharistunitedagaininaninstanthisbitteranddespairingthoughts,theircriesarisingunbrokeninahymnofthanksgiving.
Ourbrokencriesandmournfullays
Riseinoneeucharisti
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Whilesacrifighandsupraise
Thechaliceflowingtothebrim.
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Hespoketheversesaloudfromthefirstliillthemusidrhythmsuffusedhismind,turningittoquietindulgehencopiedthempainfullytofeelthemthebetterbyseeihenlaybahisbolster.
Thefullmlighthade.Nosoundwastobeheard;buthekhatallaroundhimlifewasabouttoawakeninonnoises,hoarsevoices,sleepyprayers.Shrinkingfromthatlifeheturowardsthewall,makingacowloftheblaandstaringatthegreatoverblownscarletflowersofthetatteredaper.Hetriedtowarmhisperishingjoyintheirscarletglow,imaginingarosewayfromwherehelayupwardstoheavenallstrewnwithscarletflowers.Weary!Weary!Hetoowaswearyofardentways.
Agradualwarmth,alanguorouswearinesspassedoverhimdesdingalonghisspinefromhiscloselycowledhead.Hefeltitdesdand,seeinghimselfashelay,smiled.Soonhewouldsleep.
Hehadwrittenversesfaienyears.Tenyearsbeforeshehadwornhershaiseaboutherhead,sendingspraysofherwarmbreathintothenightair,tappingherfootupontheglassyroad.Itwasthelasttram;thelankbrownhorseskandshooktheirbellstotheclearnightinadmonition.Theductortalkedwiththedriver,bothnoddingofteninthegreenlightofthelamp.Theystoodoepsofthetram,heontheupper,sheonthelower.Shecameuptohisstepmanytimesbetweentheirphrasesadownagainandowiceremainedbesidehimfettingtogodownandthedowbe!Letbe!
Tenyearsfromthatwisdomofchildrentohisfolly.Ifheseheverses?Theywouldbereadoutatbreakfastamidthetappingofegg-shells.Follyindeed!Herbrotherswouldlaughandtrytowrestthepagefromeachotherwiththeirstronghardfihesuavepriest,heruncle,seatedinhisarm-chair,wouldholdthepageatarmslength,readitsmilingandapproveoftheliteraryform.
No,no;thatwasfolly.Evehertheversesshewouldnotshowthemtoothers.No,no;shecouldnot.
Hebegahathehadwrongedher.Asenseofherinnocemovedhimalmosttopityher,aninnocehehadneveruoodtillhehadetotheknowledgeofitthroughsin,aninnocewhichshetoohadnotuoodwhileshewasiorbeforethestrangehumiliatiourehadfirsteupohenfirsthersoulhadbeguntoliveashissoulhadwhenhehadfirstsinned,andatenderpassionfilledhisheartasherememberedherfrailpallorandhereyes,humbledandsaddehedarkshameofwomanhood.
Whilehissoulhadpassedfromecstasytolanguorwherehadshebeen?Mightitbe,ieriouswaysofspirituallife,thathersoulatthosesamemomentshadbeensciousofhishomage?Itmightbe.
Aglowofdesirekindledagainhissoulandfiredandfulfilledallhisbody.sciousofhisdesireshewaswakingfromodoroussleep,thetemptressofhisvillanelle.Hereyes,darkandwithalookoflanguor,wereopeningtohiseyes.Hernakednessyieldedtohim,radiant,warm,odorousandlavish-limbed,enfoldedhimlikeashiningcloud,enfoldedhimlikewaterwithaliquidlife;andlikeacloudofvapourorlikewaterscircumfluentinspacetheliquidlettersofspeech,symbolsoftheelementofmystery,flowedforthoverhisbrain.
Areyounotwearyofardentways,
Lureofthefallenseraphim?
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Youreyeshavesetmaablaze
Andyouhavehadyourwillofhim.
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Abovetheflamethesmokeofpraise
Goesupfromorimtorim.
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Ourbrokencriesandmournfullays
Riseinoneeucharisti.
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Whilesacrifighandsupraise
Thechaliceflowingtothebrim.
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Andstillyouholdinggaze
Withlanguorouslookandlavishlimb!
Areyounotwearyofardentways?
Tellnomoreofenteddays.
Whatbirdswerethey?Hestoodoepsofthelibrarytolookatthem,leaningwearilyonhisashplant.TheyflewroundandrouingshoulderofahouseinMolesworthStreet.TheairofthelateMarcheveningmadecleartheirflight,theirdarkquiveringbodiesflyingclearlyagainsttheskyasagainstalimp-hungclothofsmokytenuousblue.
Hewatchedtheirflight;birdafterbird:adarkflash,aswerve,aflutterofwings.Hetriedtotthembeforealltheirdartingquiveringbodiespassed:six,ten,eleven:andwonderedweretheyoddoreveninwelve,thirteen:fortwocamewheelingdownfromtheuppersky.Theywereflyinghighandlowbuteverroundandroundinstraightandcurvinglinesandeverflyingfromlefttht,cirgaboutatempleofair.
Helistehecries:likethesqueakofmicebehindthewainscot:ashrilltwofoldthenoteswerelongandshrillandwhirring,uhecryofvermin,fallingathirdorafourthandtrilledastheflyingbeaksclovetheair.Theircrywasshrillandclearandfineandfallinglikethreadsofsilkenlightunwoundfromwhirringspools.
Theinhumanclamoursoothedhisearsinwhichhismotherssobsandreproachesmurmuredinsistentlyandthedarkfrailquiveringbodieswheelingandflutteringandswervingroundanairytempleofthetenuousskysoothedhiseyeswhichstillsawtheimageofhismothersface.
Whywashegazingupwardsfromthestepsoftheporch,hearingtheirshrilltwofoldcry,watgtheirflight?Foranauguryofgoodorevil?AphraseofeliusAgrippaflewthroughhismindahereflewhitherandthithershapelessthoughtsfromSwedenbonthecorrespondenceofbirdstothingsoftheintelledofhowthecreaturesoftheairhavetheirknowledgeandknowtheirtimesandseasonsbecausethey,unlikemaheorderoftheirlifeandhavenotpervertedthatorderbyreason.
Andfesmenhadgazedupwardashewasgazingatbirdsinflight.Thenadeabovehimmadehimthinkvaguelyofanaempleandtheashplantonwhichheleanedwearilyofthecurvedstickofanaugur.Asenseoffearoftheunknowheheartofhisweariness,afearofsymbolsandportents,ofthehawk-likemanwhosenameheboresoutofhiscaptivityonosier-wovenwings,ofThoth,thegodofwriters,writingwithareeduponatabletandbearingonhisnarrowibisheadthecuspedmoon.
Hesmiledashethoughtofthegodsimageforitmadehimthinkofabottle-nosedjudgeinawig,puttingasintoadotwhichheheldatarmslength,andhekhathewouldnothaverememberedthegodshatitwaslikeanIrishoath.Itwasfolly.Butwasitforthisfollythathewasabouttoleaveforeverthehouseofprayerandprudeowhichhehadbeenbornandtheorderoflifeoutofwhichhehade?
Theycamebackwithshrillcriesoverthejuttingshoulderofthehouse,flyingdarklyagainstthefadingair.Whatbirdswerethey?Hethoughtthattheymustbeswallowswhohadebathesouth.Theogoawayfortheywerebirdsevergoinganding,buildingeveranunlastinghomeuheeavesofmenshousesandeverleavingthehomestheyhadbuilttowander.
Benddownyourfaces,OonaandAleel.
Igazeupoheswallowgazes
Upouheeavebefore
Hewaheloudwaters.
Asoftliquidjoylikethenoiseofmanywatersflowedoverhismemoryainhisheartthesoftpeaceofsilentspacesoffadingtenuousskyabovethewaters,ofoicsilence,ofswallowsflyingthroughthesea-duskovertheflowingwaters.
Asoftliquidjoyflowedthroughthewordswherethesoftlongvowelshurtlednoiselesslyandfellaway,lappingandflowingbadevershakiebellsoftheirwavesinmutechimeandmutepeal,andsoftlowswooningcry;athattheauguryhehadsoughtinthewheelingdartingbirdsandinthepalespaceofskyabovehimhadeforthfromhisheartlikeabirdfromaturret,quietlyandswiftly.
Symbolofdepartureorofloneliheversesedintheearofhismemoryposedslowlybeforehisrememberiheseofthehallonthenightoftheopeningofthenationaltheatre.Hewasalohesideofthebaly,lookingoutofjadedeyesatthecultureofDublinIallsandatthetawdryse-clothsandhumandollsframedbythegarishlampsofthestage.Aburlypolisweatedbehindhimandseemedateverymomentabouttoact.Thecatcallsandhissesandmogcriesranisroundthehallfromhisscatteredfellowstudents.
--AlibelonIreland!
--MadeinGermany.
--Blasphemy!
--Weneversoldourfaith!
--NoIrishwomaneverdidit!
--Wewantnoamateuratheists.
--Wewantnobuddingbuddhists.
Asuddenswifthissfellfromthewindowsabovehimandhekhattheelectriclampshadbeenswitchedoninthereadersroom.Heturothepillaredhall,nowcalmlylit,wentupthestaircaseandpassedinthroughthecligturnstile.
lywassittingoverhediaries.Athickbook,opehefrontispiece,laybeforehimonthewoode.Heleanedbahischair,ininghisearlikethatofafessortothefaceofthemedicalstudentwhowasreadingtohimaproblemfromthechesspageofajournal.StephensatdownathisrightandthepriestattheothersideofthetableclosedhiscopyofTheTabletwithanangrysnapandstoodup.
lygazedafterhimblandlyandvaguely.Themedicalstudeoninasoftervoice:
--Pawntokingsfourth.
--Wehadbettergo,Dixon,saidStepheninwarning.Hehasgooplain.
Dixonfoldedthejournalandrosewithdignity,saying:
--Ourmeiredingoodorder.
--Withgunsandcattle,addedStephen,pointingtothetitlepageoflysbookonwhichrintedDiseasesoftheOx.
AstheypassedthroughalahetablesStephensaid:
--ly,Iwanttospeaktoyou.
lydidnotaurn.Helaidhisbookontheterandpassedout,hiswell-shodfeetsoundingflatlyonthefloor.OaircasehepausedandgazingabsentlyatDixoed:
--Pawntokingsbloodyfourth.
--Putitthatwayifyoulike,Dixonsaid.
Hehadaquiettonelessvoidurbanemannersandonafingerofhisplumphandhedisplayedatmomentsasigring.
Astheycrossedthehallamanofdwarfishstaturecametowardsthem.Uhedomeofhistinyhathisunshavenfacebegantosmilewithpleasureandhewasheardtomurmur.Theeyesweremelancholyasthoseofamonkey.
--Goodevenilemen,saidthestubble-grownmonkeyishface.
--WarmweatherforMarch,saidly.Theyhavethewindowsopenupstairs.
Dixonsmiledandturnedhisring.Theblackish,monkey-puckeredfacepurseditshumanmouthwithgentlepleasureanditsvoicepurred:
--DelightfulweatherforMarch.Simplydelightful.
--Therearetwoniceyoungladiesupstairs,captain,tiredofwaiting,Dixonsaid.
lysmiledandsaidkindly:
--Thecaptainhasonlyonelove:sirWalterScott.Isntthatso,captain?
--Whatareyoureadingnotain?DixoheBrideofLammermoor?--IloveoldScott,theflexiblelipssaid,Ithiessomethinglovely.ThereisnowritertouchsirWalterScott.
Hemovedathinshrunkenbrownhalyintheairiohispraiseandhisthinquickeyelidsbeatoftenoverhissadeyes.
SaddertoStephensearwashisspeech:agenteelat,lowandmoist,marredbyerrors,and,listeningtoit,hewonderedwasthestorytrueandwasthethinbloodthatflowedinhisshrunkenframenobleandeofauouslove?
Theparktreeswereheavywithrain;andraiillahelake,lyinggreylikeashield.Agameofswahereaerandtheshorebehwerefouledwiththeirgreen-whiteslime.Theyembracedsoftly,-impelledbythegreyrainylight,thewetsileheshield-likewitnessinglake,theswans.Theyembracedwithoutjoyorpassion,hisarmabouthissistersneck.Agreywoollencloakwasedathwartherfromhershouldertoherwaistandherfairheadwasbentinwillingshame.Hehadloosered-brownhairandtendershapelystrongfreckledhands.Face?Therewasnofaceseehersfacewasbentuponherfairrain-fragranthair.ThehandfreckledandstrongandshapelyandcaressingwasDavinshand.
Hefrownedangrilyuponhisthoughtandontheshrivelledmannikinwhohadcalleditforth.HisfathersjibesattheBantrygangleapedoutofhismemory.Heheldthematadistandbroodeduneasilyonhisownthoughtagain.Whyweretheynotlyshands?HadDavinssimplicityandinnocestunghimmoresecretly?
HewalkedonacrossthehallwithDixon,leavinglytotakeleaveelaboratelyofthedwarf.
Uheemplewasstandinginthemidstofalittlegroupofstudents.Ohemcried:
--Dixon,eovertillyouhear.Templeisingrandform.
Templeturnedonhimhisdarkgipsyeyes.
--Youreahypocrite,OKeeffe,hesaid.AndDixonisasmiler.Byhell,Ithinkthatsagoodliteraryexpression.
Helaughedslyly,lookinginStephensface,repeating:
--Byhell,Imdelightedwiththatname.Asmiler.
Astoutstudentwhostoodbelowthemoepssaid:
--ebaistress,Temple.Wewanttohearaboutthat.
--Hehad,faith,Templesaid.Andhewasamarriedmantoo.Andallthepriestsusedtobediningthere.Byhell,Ithinktheyallhadatouch.
--Weshallcallitridingahacktosparethehunter,saidDixon.
--Tellus,Temple,OKeeffesaid,howmanyquartsofporterhaveyouinyou?
--Allyourintellectualsoulisinthatphrase,OKeeffe,saidTemplewithopens.
HemovedwithashamblinggaitroundthegroupandspoketoStephen.
--DidyouknowthattheForstersarethekingsofBelgium?heasked.
lycameoutthroughthedooroftheentrancehall,hishatthrustbathenapeofhisnedpighisteethwithcare.
Ahewiseacre,saidTemple.DoyouknowthatabouttheForsters?
Hepausedforananswer.lydislodgedafigseedfromhisteethonthepointofhisrudetoothpidgazedatitily
--TheForsterfamily,Templesaid,isdesdedfromBaldwintheFirst,kingofFlanders.HewascalledtheForester.ForesterandForsterarethesamename.AdesdantofBaldwintheFirst,captainFrancisForster,settledinIrelandandmarriedthedaughterofthelastchieftainofbrassil.ThentherearetheBlakeForsters.Thatsadifferentbranch.
--FromBaldhead,kingofFlanders,lyrepeated,rootingagaindeliberatelyathisgleamingueeth.
--Wheredidyoupickupallthathistory?OKeeffeasked.
--Iknowallthehistoryofyourfamily,too,Templesaid,turningtoStephen.DoyouknowwhatGiraldusCambrensissaysaboutyourfamily?
--IshedesdedfromBaldwintoo?askedatallptivestudentwithdarkeyes.
--Baldhead,lyrepeated,sugatacrevihisteeth.
--Pernobilisetpervetustafamilia,TemplesaidtoStepheoutstudentwhostoodbelowthemoepsfartedbriefly.Dixonturowardshim,sayinginasoftvoice:
--Didanangelspeak?
lyturnedalsoandsaidvehementlybutwithoutanger:
--Goggins,youretheflamidirtydevilIevermet,doyouknow.
--Ihaditonmymindtosaythat,Gogginsansweredfirmly.Itdidnooneanyharm,didit?
--Wehope,Dixonsaidsuavely,thatitwasnotofthekindknowntosceasapaulopostfuturum.
--DidntItellyouhewasasmiler?saidTemple,turningrighta.DidntIgivehimthatname?
--Youdid.Werenotdeaf,saidthetallptive.
lystillfrowhestoutstudentbelowhim.Then,withasnortofdisgust,heshovedhimviolentlydoweps.
--Goawayfromhere,hesaidrudely.Goaway,youstinkpot.Andyouareastinkpot.
Gogginsskippeddownontothegravelandatourohisplacewithgoodhumour.TempleturnedbacktoStephenandasked:
--Doyoubelieveinthelawofheredity?
--Areyoudrunkorwhatareyouorwhatareytosay?askedly,fagroundonhimressionofwonder.
--Themostprofouenceeverwritten,Templesaidwithenthusiasm,isthesenteheendofthezoology.Reproduisthebeginningofdeath.
HetouchedStephentimidlyattheelbowandsaideagerly:
--Doyoufeelhowprofoundthatisbecauseyouareapoet?
--lypointedhislongforefinger.
--Lookathim!hesaidwithstotheothers.LookatIrelandshope!
Theylaughedathiswordsaure.Templeturnedonhimbravely,saying:
--ly,yourealwayssneeringatme.Iseethat.ButIamasgoodasyouanyday.DoyouknowwhatIthinkaboutyounowasparedwithmyself?
--Mydearman,saidlyurbanely,youareincapable,doyouknow,absolutelyincapableofthinking.
--Butdoyouknow,Templewenton,whatIthinkofyouandofmyselfparedtogether?
--Outwithit,Temple!thestoutstudentcriedfromthesteps.Getitoutinbits!
Templeturnedrighta,makingsuddenfeeblegesturesashespoke.
--Imaballocks,hesaid,shakinghisheadindespair.IamandIknowIam.AndIadmititthatIam.
Dixonpattedhimlightlyontheshoulderandsaidmildly:
--Anditdoesyoueverycredit,Temple.
--Buthe,Templesaid,pointingtoly,heisaballocks,too,likeme.Onlyhedoesntknowit.AndthatstheonlydifferenceIsee.
Aburstoflaughtercoveredhiswords.ButheturnedagaintoStephenandsaidwithasuddeneagerness:
--Thatwordisamostiingword.ThatstheonlyEnglishdualnumber.Didyouknow?
--Isit?Stephensaidvaguely.
Hewaswatglysfirm-featuredsufferingface,litupnowbyasmileoffalsepatiehegrossnamehadpassedoveritlikefoulouredoveranoldstoneimage,patientofinjuries;and,ashewatchedhim,hesawhimraisehishatinsaluteanduheblackhairthatstoodstifflyfromhisforeheadlikeaniron.
ShepassedoutfromtheporchofthelibraryandbowedacrossStepheolysgreeting.Healso?Wastherenotaslightflushonlyscheek?OrhaditeforthatTempleswords?Thelighthadwaned.Hecouldnotsee.
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声明：本站所收录之:A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man- Chapter 6、言情小说、玄幻、网游小说、及短篇作品、均为本站作者及网友上传。
并不代表本站立场!本站亦无法严格审:A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man最新章节其版权归属。如您对A Portrait of the Artist as a Young ManTXT下载持有版权方面的异议，请联系本站客服。我们将于72小时内处理。
Copyright (C) 2019 All Rights Reserved 版权所有：松语文学
并不代表本站立场!本站亦无法严格审:A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man最新章节其版权归属。如您对A Portrait of the Artist as a Young ManTXT下载持有版权方面的异议，请联系本站客服。我们将于72小时内处理。
Copyright (C) 2019 All Rights Reserved 版权所有：松语文学