Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

Page 22 text:

Twixt the sensations of the undergrowth and the sounds of the music, the remainder of their sen- ses were hardly prepared for what they were next to behold. Drawn by the music to a clearing in the forest, there were wisps of smoke swaying to and fro, not concealing, yet not revealing, the wonders to be found in its midst. With the music everpresent in the background, the mist began to rise, and a form began to appear. First, the most perfectly shaped legs, carelessly laid on a couch of white satin. The more the smoke lifted, the more of this wonderful sight they beheld. And still they gazed and still their wonder grew. Not a sound passed between them, only the music with its frenzied tempo. The result of this metamor- phosis delighted Pilgrim, for there before him lay the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Flung there on the satin couch, her eyes closed, she was the embodiment of all things that were rightwith the world. Her blond hair cascaded over the cushion and onto the ground, now graz- ing her forehead, now gliding along her cheeks. The tresses framed a sculptured face of winging eyebrows, deep set eyes, a nose made for per- fumes and powders and just a hint of a mouth. She slept half childlike and half as a lioness, at- testing to the rhythm of life that beat within her. Her form rising and falling in syncopated time with the music; she was her environment and her environment gave her life. •

Page 21 text:

They trod onward into the forest all the while feel- ing the lush, moist undergrowth encompass their steps. The land seemed to have a personality of its own in that each footfall produced a different sen- sation. Their euphoric state was further increased as they heard soft strains of music coming from a clearing. First a lute then a lyre then both together. The melody, charming both Pilgrim and Hypocrisy, begantoquickenintempoandintensifiedtoa point of departure from anything they had ever heard. It was as if demons, spirits or other forces of the netherworld had composed and performed it solely forthe pair ' s entertainment.

Page 23 text:

As the rhythm of the music tapered, you could hear the rus- tlingof her crepe gown against the couch. Smooth, yet uncoordinated, movements told the breathless onlookers that she was awakening. Her eyes still closed: she uttered her first words in a soft, breathy tone, as if not to disturb the slightest bit of air surrounding her. So nice, so very nice, that you have come to me. Silence belied their admiration for her. She said, And now fair men, who are you and from whence do you come? Then said Hypocrisy, We travel on the great road. Lady, that is beyond the forest. My charge is called Pilgrim, and I am Hypocrisy, his guide. Pray tell, by what are you called? She said, I am known as Worldly Wise. But tell me Sir Pilgrim, you are so much younger do you not find it dull to travel with a man so much older than yourself? Then said Pilgrim, But he has brought me here and this, I feel, may reimburse meforthose times that were not so full of joy. Worldly Wise replied, Then tell me of your woes on the road, that I might comfort you. They tell me that the travel is wrought with hazards and never one returns unharmed. Said Pilgrim, It may be true that there were times that I felt it all for naught, but now I have a vi- sion of the future that is far brighter. I feel that you may help to ease the pain of the journey. Worldly Wise respond- ed, While you are here you will feel no pain. Here you may do what you like.