Samuel Beckett
Digital Manuscript Project
Molloy

MS-WU-MSS008-3-50-1

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Segment 1

[1339] first sight the heavens seemed uniformly gloomy. [1340] But []by taking a little pains,
for []there were moments in my life []when I []took a little pains, I obtained a result, that is to
say I []came to a decision, in this matter.
[1341] So I was able to continue on my
way, saying, I am going towards the sun, that is to say in theory towards
the East, or perhaps the South-East, for I am no longer with Lousse, but
out in the heart again of []the pre-established harmony, which makes so
sweet a music, which is so sweet a music, for []one who has []an ear for music.

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Segment 2

[1342] People were hastening angrily to and fro, most of them, some in the shelter of the umbrella, others in that perhaps a little
less effective of the rainproof coat.
[1343] []A few had
taken refuge under trees and archways.
[1344] And among those who, more cour-
-ageous or less delicate, came and went, and among those who had stopped,
to avoid getting wet, many a one must have said, They are right, I am
wrong, meaning by they the category to which []he did not belong, or so
I imagine.

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Segment 3

[1345] As many a one too must have said, I am right, they are wrong,
while continuing to storm against the foul weather that []was the occasion of his superiority.
[1346] But at the sight of a young old man of wretched aspect, shivering
all alone in a narrow doorway, I suddenly remembered the project
conceived the day of my encounter with Lousse and her dog and which this
encounter had prevented me from carrying out.

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Segment 4

[1347] So I went and stood beside
[]him, with the air I hoped of one who says, Here's a clever fellow,
let me follow his example.
[1348] But before I could make my little speech,
which I wished to seem spontaneous and so did not make at once, he went
out into the rain and away.
[1349] For this speech was one liable, in virtue
of its content, if not to offend at least to astonish.

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Segment 5

[1350] And that was why
it was important to deliver it at the right moment and in the right tone.
[1351] I apologise for these details, in a moment we'll go faster, much faster.
[1352] And then perhaps relapse again into a wealth of filthy circumstance.
[1353] But which in its turn again will give []way to vast frescoes, dashed off

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