―Is it Cardinal Newman? asked Boland.
―Yes, answered Stephen.
The grin broadened on Nash’s freckled face as he turned to Stephen and said:
―And do you like Cardinal Newman, Dedalus?
―O, many say that Newman has the best prose style, Heron said to the other two in explanation, of course he’s not a poet.
―And who is the best poet, Heron? asked Boland.
―Lord Tennyson, of course, answered Heron.
―O, yes, Lord Tennyson, said Nash. We have all his poetry at home in a book.
At this Stephen forgot the silent vows he had been making and burst out:
―Tennyson a poet! Why, he’s only a rhymester!
―O, get out! said Heron. Everyone knows that Tennyson is the greatest poet.
―And who do you think is the greatest poet? asked Boland, nudging his neighbour.
―Byron, of course, answered Stephen.
Heron gave the lead and all three joined in a scornful laugh.
―What are you laughing at? asked Stephen.
―You, said Heron. Byron the greatest poet! He’s only a poet for uneducated people.