  O'er great Atlantic's waters, Old Father Neptune's pride, On a starry night in April, Oh, see Titanic ride! This spacious Queen of steamers Holds high her masted head For she believes all waters Are conquered by her tread. "Alas, vain Queen, you're speeding Unto a watery tomb!" So telegraphed the breezes To save her from her doom. But she no heed gave to them And faster forged ahead When suddenly before her— Old Neptune's giant iceberg Shone white beneath the sky His icy breath gave warning "Don't touch me or you die." But heedless to this warning The ship steered on her way And struck the icy monster For which her life did pay. With his great strength this giant Then rent her sides in twain And left her floundering helpless Upon the boundless main. Her passengers in terror Rushed to the upper deck And there her Captain told them "Titanic is a wreck. "And all the little children And women in great haste Must go aboard the life boat, But when these little children Held to their fathers' hand And wives clung to their husbands They heard this dread command— "The boats are but for women, All men on deck must stay And wait till help comes to us— There is no other way." But those who loved their husbands And were most loyal wives Refused to leave the men they loved To save their own poor lives. Then rough hands tore asunder The arms of love entwined, And threw the wives into the boats And left the men behind. But while the cries of parting With grief all hearts did tear, The band of the Titanic Of jolly ragtime music And glad notes of good cheer, As if to tell the people There was no cause to fear. Since aid would soon come flying And all would rescued be, So why should hearts be saddened When bandmen played with glee. Down, down Titanic's going, But still the band plays on, The brave men know they're sinking That they will soon be gone. But how can they die better Than giving helping cheer To those who from Death's waters Are trembling in great fear. So as the water covers The deck just at their feet, They play with solemn fervor And, "Nearer, oh, my God, to Thee, And nearer yet to Thee," Gave courage to the drowning men Who struggled in the sea. For Colonel Astor, Major Butt And learned William Stead, And many other noble men We mourn Titanic's dead. And with them we all honor The band who cheered their way To meet the ever-dreaded King To whom all lives must pay. Concerning this jingle Elbert Hubbard said: "Dear Little Friend: This is your masterpiece of word painting descriptive of courage, anguish and man's helplessness." |
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