The Diary of a U-boat CommanderWith an Introduction and Explanatory Notes by Etienne
docks in a blinding rain-storm--and we sail to-night. 

 For five, six, seven, perhaps ten days at the least, and at the most for ever, I am doomed to be away from her and without news of her. And I don't even know whether she loves me! 

 I think I can say she cares for me up to a certain point, but I want more. 

 "Oh Zoe! of the violet eyes, And hair of blackest night Thy lips are brightest crimson, Thy skin is dazzling white. 

 "Oh! lay your head upon my breast, And lift your lips to mine; Then murmur in soft breathings, Drink deep from what is thine. 

 "Then let the war rage onward, Let kingdoms rise and fall; To each shall be the other, Their life, their hope, their all." [7] 

 7. I am indebted to Commander C. C. for the above rough translation of Karl's effusion.--ETIENNE. 

 

 

 

 At sea. 

 We are bound for the same old spot as last time. 

 Alten must have been drinking like a fish lately; his breath smells like a distillery; he is apparently partial to schnapps, which he gets easily in Bruges. 

 I can't help admiring the man, as he is a rigid teetotaller at sea, though he must find the strain well nigh intolerable, judging from the condition he was in when he came on board last night. He was really totally unfit to take charge of the boat, and I virtually took her down the canal, though with sottish obstinacy he insisted on remaining on the bridge. 

 This morning, though his complexion was a hideous yellow colour, he seems quite all right. I shall play a little trick on him at dinner to-night. 

 I have begun to get to know some of the crew by now; they are a fine lot of youngsters with a seasoning of half a dozen older men. The coxswain, Schmitt by name, is a splendid old petty officer who has been in the U-boat service since 1911. 

 His favourite enjoyment is to spin yarns to the younger members of the crew, who know 
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