IV. DEATH BY WATER

  Phlebas the Phoenician, a fortnight dead,

  Forgot the cry of gulls, and the deep sea swell

  And the profit and loss.

                                           A current under sea

  Picked his bones in whispers. As he rose and fell

  He passed the stages of his age and youth

  Entering the whirlpool.

                                         Gentile or Jew

  O you who turn the wheel and look to windward,                          320

  Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.

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Go to PART V: WHAT THE THUNDER SAID