(_Which are said to be rung by order occasionally to announce some
supposed German victory._)
The Bells of Berlin how they hearten the Hun
(_O dingle dong dangle ding dongle ding dee_);
No matter what devil's own work has been done
They chime a loud chant of approval, each one,
Till the people feel sure of their place in the sun
(_O dangle ding dongle dong dingle ding dee_).
If HINDENBURG hustles an enemy squad
(_O dingle dong dangle ding dongle ding dee_),
The bells all announce that the alien sod
Is damp with the death of some thousand men odd,
Till the populace smiles with a gratified nod
(_O dangle ding dongle dong dingle ding dee_).
If TIRPITZ behaves like a brute on the brine
(_O dingle dong dangle ding dongle ding dee_),
The bells with a clash and a clamour combine
To hint that the Hated One's on the decline,
And the city gulps down the good tidings like wine
(_O dangle ding dongle dong dingle ding dee_).
The Bells of Berlin, are they cracked through and through
(_O dingle dong dangle ding dongle ding dee_),
Or deaf to the discord like Germany too?
For whether their changes be many or few,
The worst of them is that they never ring true
(_O dangle ding dongle dong dingle ding dee_).
* * * * *
[Illustration: THE DISSEMBLERS.
[JANUARY 27TH.]