Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

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So Pilgrim dashed off into the forest in the direction of a more pulsating music. Then said Hypocrisy, You fascinate me Worldly Wise. 1 would like to see more of your domain. Worldly Wise replied, By all means, let us go. And with a slow, languid motion, she slid from the couch, her gown flowing in graceful pleats behind her. Hypocrisy, taken by her motions, caught himself and begantocatch upwith her. As they passed a crystal brook hung with multicolored lanterns, the sight drew them closer and Worldly Wise began to explain, This brook gives off a scent more wondrous than jasmine. It is said the rocks on the bottom are of some magical mate- rial which gives off an aroma when touched by water. We come here just to be, to be and nothing more. They continued on in their exploration of the forest, ap- proaching an orchard of twinkling fruit. Each fruit was a different shape and color and would catch the starlight and reflect it. Hypocrisy spied Pilgrim in the distance. Pilgrim, in the midst of the orchard, sat reclining on a couch, while five young maidens attended to his every wish. Laughing, he called out to them, Serenity — my head, Terpsichore — the music, Eustance — more food, Rowena — the lights, Norwena — hold me. All this on a spinningcouch, mirrored on all sides, which only served to multiply his enjoyment and sensuality. Not wishing to disturb Pilgrim, Hypocrisy made no men- tion of this to Worldly Wise and the two of them contin- ued on through the night, enjoying all there was to be enjoyed. At dawn. Pilgrim awoke, and went to search out his friend and guide, Hypocrisy. Past the orchards and brooks, through the rays of sun he searched. And follow- ing the rays, he was led to Hypocrisy, sleeping under a ° tree, horns of light radiating from his face. Indeed the tree was light as was the entire ground with in close proximity.

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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.

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Upon awakening, Hypocrisy turned to Pilgrim and the beautious Worldly Wise, and spake unto them, saying, I charge, thee, friends, pray, let us return to the path which will truly lead us from this heathen wildernessto the land which I have told you of. But the travel- ler was troubled and was slow to heed Hypocri- sy ' s call. But sir, he spoke, I think ... A mistake, muttered Hypocrisy under his breath. But the Pilgrim continued, I think this forest of lush vegetation suits my desires and therefore see no reason to continue our long and arduous tra vails. The anger boiled up inside of Hypocrisy and bespoke through clenched teeth, Your arguments are empty and void of merit. Pilgrim, foryou have never seen the land which I have seen. You think only of momentary pleasures, and think naught of the final reward. An ashen look fell across the countenance of Pilgrim, for the harsh words of Hypocrisy troubled him. And thus, the Pilgrim and Worldly Wise continued their journey. On and on the road wound before them. Each step became labored for Pilgrim. Sweat soon formed rivulets upon his forehead and brow. And soon. Pilgrim raised his head, and lo. be- fore him stood Piety.