bitchbody. She kicked the bucket. (Tears of molten butter fall from his eyes into the scone.) Our great sweet mother! Epi oinopa ponton.
the mother
(Comes nearer, breathing upon him softly her breath of wetted ashes.) All must go through it, Stephen. More women than men in the world. You too. Time will come.
stephen
(Choking with fright, remorse and horror.) They said I killed you, mother. He offended your memory. Cancer did it, not I. Destiny.
the mother
(A green rill of bile trickling from a side of her mouth.) You sang that song to me. Love’s bitter mystery.
stephen
(Eagerly.) Tell me the word, mother, if you know now. The word known to all men.
the mother
Who saved you the night you jumped into the train at Dalkey with Paddy Lee? Who had pity for you when you were sad among the strangers? Prayer is all powerful. Prayer for the suffering souls in the Ursuline manual, and forty days indulgence. Repent, Stephen.
stephen
The ghoul! Hyena!
the mother
I pray for you in my other world. Get Dilly to make you that boiled rice every night after your brain work. Years and years I loved you, O my son, my firstborn, when you lay in my womb.
zoe
(Fanning herself with the grate fan.) I’m melting!
florry
(Points to Stephen.) Look! He’s white.
