Alas, poor Yorick!

The death mask of Laurence Sterne

("Authenticity not verified" ... how very Sternean).

The death mask of Jonathan Swift

Bloody Groundhog Day

Diary entry for 2nd February, 2008.

Celebrated Joyce's birthday in by now time-honoured fashion.

Went out to celebrate; got pissed on white wine; misquoted Ulysses in slurred tones; insulted two bully beef squaddies who, while I was searching for just that right bon mot, fetched me several blows about the head; staggered home, much the worse for wear. That's another pair of trousers beyond repair.

Can't wait for next year when I get to do it all again.

Joyce looks down from Heaven (he's very good about it, he lets God back on His throne on Sundays), shakes his head, smiles and whispers edjit.