theeveninghourthatstrives

    Homeward,andbringsthesailorhomefromsea,

    Thetypisthomeatteatime,clearsherbreakfast,lights

    Herstove,andlaysoutfoodintins.

    Outofthewindowperilouslyspread

    Herdryingbinationstouchedbythesunslastrays,

    Onthedivanarepiled(atnightherbed)

    Stogs,slippers,camisoles,andstays.

    ITiresias,oldmanwithwrinkleddugs

    Perceivedthese,andforetoldtherest-

    Itooawaitedtheexpectedguest.

    He,theyoungmancarbuncular,arrives,

    Asmallhouseagentsclerk,withoneboldstare,

    Ohelowonwhomassuras

    AsasilkhatonaBradfordmillionaire.

    Thetimeisnowpropitious,asheguesses,

    Themealisended,sheisboredandtired,

    Endeavourstoengageherincaresses

    Whichstillareunreproved,ifundesired.

    Flushedanddecided,heassaultsatonce;

    Explhandsenternodefence;

    Hisvanityrequiresnoresponse,

    Andmakesaweleofindifference.

    (AndITiresiashaveforesufferedall

    Ehissamedivanorbed;

    IwhohavesatbyThebesbelowthewall

    Andwalkedamongthelowestofthedead.)

    Bestowsonefinalpatronisingkiss,

    Andgropeshisway,findiairsunlit...

    Sheturnsandlooksamomentintheglass,

    Hardlyawareofherdepartedlover;

    Herbrainallowsonehalf-formedthoughttopass:

    "Wellnowthatsdone:andImgladitsover."

    Whenlovelywomanstoopstofollyand

    Pacesaboutherroomagain,alone,

    Shesmoothesherhairwithautomatid,

    Andputsarecordonthegramophone.