The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

As the men wait for Tristram to be born, Uncle Toby makes another effort to steer the conversation back to his favorite topic: military science. Walter is briefly interested before he confuses himself by trying to juggle his hat and handkerchief at the same time. Walter refuses to change which hand he uses to reach for the hat and which for the handkerchief even though it would make it easier. Toby waits patiently as Walter struggles. He begins to whistle “Lillabullero,” a marching song, as Walter speculates about the way modern medicine has improved the labor process.

Next, Dr. Slop struggles to undo the knot Obadiah tied around his medical bag. The servant tied the knot to stop the equipment from making noise while he fetched it, as Obadiah wanted to hear himself whistle. This knot may be yet another reason, Tristram suggests, why he has a flat nose. Slop nicks his thumb on a penknife “to the very bone” (133). As he curses at Obadiah, Walter suggests a few curses he has collected. He offers up an excommunication curse from a Catholic bishop named Ernulphus. The curse seems a little strong for Slop, but he directs it at Obadiah anyway.