IV. Death By Water

The Waste Land

Phlebas the Phoenician, a fortnight dead,Forgot the cry of gulls, and the deep sea swellAnd the profit and loss.A current under seaPicked his bones in whispers.  As he rose and fellHe passes the stages of his age and youthEntering the whirlpool.Gentile or JewO you who turn the wheel and look windward,Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.