Bloom's Hospitality

This photo is compliments of Lonnie Noland. She took it while she was visiting in Dublin.
-- You're in Dawson street, Mr Bloom said. Molesworth street is opposite. Do you want to cross? There's nothing in the way.
its line and saw again the dyeworks' van drawn up before Drago's.
Where I saw his brillantined hair just when I was. Horse drooping.
Driver in John Long's. Slaking his drouth.
-- There's a van there, Mr Bloom said, but it's not moving. I'll see
you across. Do you want to go to Molesworth street?
guide it forward.
mistrust what you tell them. Pass a common remark.
for him. Have to be spoonfed first. Like a child's hand, his hand.
Like Milly's was. Sensitive. Sizing me up I daresay from my hand.
Wonder if he has a name. Van. Keep his cane clear of the horse's
legs: tired drudge get his doze. That's right. Clear. Behind a bull: in
front of a horse.
Knows I'm a man. Voice.
drawing his cane back, feeling again."

This is the scene in the Lestrygonians episode in which Leopold Bloom helps the blind stripling cross the street. The words on the plaque are a part of the text that follows:

"A blind stripling stood tapping the curbstone with his slender cane.

No tram in sight. Wants to cross.

-- Do you want to cross? Mr Bloom asked.

The blind stripling did not answer. His wallface frowned weakly. He moved his head uncertainly.

The cane moved out trembling to the left. Mr Bloom's eye followed

-- Yes, the stripling answered. South Frederick street.

-- Come, Mr Bloom said.

He touched the thin elbow gently: then took the limp seeing hand to

Say something to him. Better not do the condescending. They

-- The rain kept off.

No answer.

Stains on his coat. Slobbers his food, I suppose. Tastes all different

-- Thanks, sir.

-- Right now? First turn to the left.

The blind stripling tapped the curbstone and went on his way,

------------------

There is actually more text in which Bloom's thoughts are about what it would be like to be blind. This scene demonstrates how much happens in an episode. The episode is about a lot more than a Gorgonzola sandwich and glass of Burgundy that Bloom had at Davy Byrne's pub.