Paragraph 3· Free preview
“Won't you come to Sandymount, Madeline the mare?”
Plain English translation
Stephen becomes absorbed in the rhythm of a snatch of song and analyses it as poetry. Still reluctant to open his eyes, he wonders whether the world might have ceased to exist while he wasn't looking at it, or whether he himself might have become blind. Finally, he opens his eyes and discovers that reality has continued unchanged. The world exists independently of his perception and will continue to exist long after him.