Mulligan addresses Stephen as an ancient Druid, wandering Aengus, and as they leave John Eglington reminds Mulligan about Moore’s gathering tonight. Stephen, as he follows Mulligan out through the library, firms his resolve to no longer be trapped in the role of follower. He notices that Mulligan now walks like Haines. Cashel Boyle O’ Connor Fitzmaurice Tisdall Farrell is in the reading room. The librarian is still talking with the priest. Mulligan tells Stephen he and Haines went over to the Abbey Theatre and chants a ditty about marriage and masturbation. He is aware that Stephen is still dressed in mourning and says even Synge has stopped wearing black. Stephen has upset the theatre fraternity by what he wrote about their patron Lady Gregory. Mulligan then outlines a play he has conceived which is inspired by Stephen’s creative conversation in the library. Stephen’s thought process once again provides fodder for Mulligan’s cleverness. He mocks the Irish bard for being dead drunk and all the girls climbing over him and his vomit. A man, Bloom, walks between them as he leaves the library and Mulligan salutes him. Stephen looks for an omen like in ancient times from the flight of the birds. Mulligan jokes that Bloom gave Stephen a lustful look and Stephen again notices he is trying to carry off an Oxford manner influenced by Haines. Stephen welcomes any offence as it helps him in his resolve to break away from Mulligan. There are no birds but there are two plumes of smoke and Stephen relaxes and remembers words from the Druids and their blessed altars. He will remain an Irishman.