of the world with the Germans marching everywhere and bombing
everything that stands.We cant ask him ourselves but we can get Bren-
dan Quigley to do it. Anyone can see Brendan is the masters pet and
that means he can ask any question he likes.After school we tell Bren-
dan he has to ask the question tomorrow, What use is Euclid and all
those lines that go on forever when the Germans are bombing every-
thing? Brendan says he doesnt want to be the masters pet, he didnt ask
for it, and he doesnt want to ask the question. Hes afraid if he asks that
question Dotty will attack him.We tell him if he doesnt ask the ques-
tion well attack him.
Next day Brendan raises his hand. Dotty gives him the little smile.
Sir, what use is Euclid and all the lines when the Germans are bombing
everything that stands?
The little smile is gone. Ah, Brendan. Ah, Quigley. Oh, boys, oh,
boys.
He lays his stick on the desk and stands on the platform with his
eyes closed. What use is Euclid? he says. Use? Without Euclid the
Messerschmitt could never have taken to the sky.Without Euclid the
Spitfire could not dart from cloud to cloud. Euclid brings us grace and
beauty and elegance.What does he bring us, boys?
Grace, sir.
And?
Beauty, sir.
And?
Elegance, sir.
Euclid is complete in himself and divine in application. Do you
understand that, boys?
We do, sir.
I doubt it,boys,I doubt it.To love Euclid is to be alone in this world.
He opens his eyes and sighs and you can see the eyes are a little
watery.
Paddy Clohessy is leaving the school that day and hes stopped by Mr.
ODea, who teaches the fifth class. Mr. ODea says,You, whats your
name?
Clohessy, sir.
What class are you in?
Fourth class, sir.
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