The Waste Land - IV. Death by Water

Phlebas the Phoenician, a fortnight dead,     
Forgot the cry of gulls, and the deep seas 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,
Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.