Yes, says J. J., but the truth of a libel is no defence to an indictment for publishing it in the eyes of the law.

Ha ha, Alf, says Joe.

Still, says Bloom, on account of the poor woman, I mean his wife.

Pity about her, says the citizen. Or any other woman marries a half and half.

How half and half? says Bloom. Do you mean he...

Half and half I mean, says the citizen.

A fellow that’s neither fish nor flesh.

Nor good red herring, says Joe.

That what’s I mean, says the citizen. A pishogue, if you know what that is.

Begob I saw there was