Page 563 - ULYSSES

Ulysses

and esteem. The nec and non plus ultra of emotion were
reached when the blushing bride elect burst her way
through the serried ranks of the bystanders and flung
herself upon the muscular bosom of him who was about

to be launched into eternity for her sake. The hero folded
her willowy form in a loving embrace murmuring fondly
Sheila, my own. Encouraged by this use of her christian
name she kissed passionately all the various suitable areas of
his person which the decencies of prison garb permitted
her ardour to reach. She swore to him as they mingled the
salt streams of their tears that she would ever cherish his
memory, that she would never forget her hero boy who
went to his death with a song on his lips as if he were but
going to a hurling match in Clonturk park. She brought
back to his recollection the happy days of blissful
childhood together on the banks of Anna Liffey when
they had indulged in the innocent pastimes of the young
and, oblivious of the dreadful present, they both laughed
heartily, all the spectators, including the venerable pastor,
joining in the general merriment. That monster audience
simply rocked with delight. But anon they were overcome
with grief and clasped their hands for the last time. A fresh
torrent of tears burst from their lachrymal ducts and the
vast concourse of people, touched to the inmost core,

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