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The Service

The British Navy—all our years have beenStrong in the pride of it, secure, serene.But who, remembering wars of long ago,Knew what to our Sea-walls we yet should owe?Who thought to see the hand of shameless shameWith scraps of paper set the world aflame,Barbarian hordes upon a neighbouring coastRape, massacre, enslave, blaspheme and boast,And savage monsters, lurking under sea,Murder the wives and children of the free?If in this battle with a power accurstWe have risked all and yet escaped the worst,Thanks be to those who gave us ships and gunsWhen generous folly still would trust in Huns;Thanks be to those who trained upon the deepThe valour and the skill that never sleep;Thanks above all to those who fight our fightFor Britain's honour and for all men's right.
And now away! away! put off with meFrom this dear island to the open sea:Enter those floating ramparts on the foamWhere exiled seamen guard their long-lost home:Enter and ask—except of child or wife—Ask the whole secret of their ordered life.

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