―Fudge! said Heron. Ask Dedalus. Who is the greatest writer, Dedalus?

Stephen noted the mockery in the question and said:

―Of prose do you mean?

―Yes.

―Newman, I think.

―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.