This morning my son woke me by reciting the poem he learned in school yesterday:
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
We see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
Guy Fawkes, guy, t’was his intent
To blow up king and parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England’s overthrow.
By god’s mercy he was catch’d
With a darkened lantern and burning match.
So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring.
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.
And what shall we do with him?
Burn him!
Of course, my son is a stoic, so he delivered the lines in a weary voice.
Tonight there will be a bonfire on Midsummer Common and we will sit on top of my narrowboat to watch the fireworks.