When I heard the word stream uttered with such a revolting primness, what I think of is urine and not the contemporary novel. And besides, it isn't new, it is far from the dernier cri. Shakespeare used it continually, much too much in my opinion, and there's Tristam Shandy, not to mention the Agamemnon.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker expresses their disdain for the term "stream" being used in a sanitized and prudish manner. They associate the word with something natural and bodily - urine - rather than its intended meaning in reference to contemporary literature. Claiming that it is not a new or fashionable term, the speaker cites examples from Shakespeare's works and other literary pieces. Overall, the quote highlights the speaker's dissatisfaction with the word's usage and emphasizes its long-standing presence in literary history.

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