Opening material

THE SECRET SERVICE SUBMARINE

A STORY OF THE PRESENT WAR

BY GUY THORNE

The verses used as preface appeared in the issue of _Truth_ for 4th November 1914. They are reproduced here by special and courteous permission of the Editor. The verses were published anonymously, but the author has kindly allowed me to mention his name. He is Mr. William Booth.

THE SONG OF THE SUBMARINE

This is the song of the submarine Afloat on the waters wide. Like a sleeping whale In the starlight pale, Just flush with the swirling tide. The salt sea ripples against her plates The salt wind is her breath, Like the spear of fate She lies in wait, And her name is "Sudden Death."

I watch the swift destroyers come, Like greyhounds lank and lean, And their long hulks sleek Play hide-and-seek With me on the waters green. I watch them with my single eye, I see their funnels flame, And I sing Ho! Ho! As I sink below, Ho! Ho! for a glorious game!

I roam the seas from Scapa Flow To the Bight of Heligoland; In the Dover Strait I lie in wait On the edge of Goodwin's Sand. I am here and there and everywhere, Like the phantom of a dream, And I sing Ho! Ho! Through the winds that blow, The song of the submarine!

WILLIAM BOOTH.

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