Rocky the Squirrel: “Do you know what day it is?”
Bullwinkle: “Guy Fawkes Day?”
Bullwinkle gave the wrong answer, and I can’t remember what the right answer. I do remember that back in 1962, I thought the exchange on “The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show” was pretty funny. Guy Fawkes, what a ridiculous name!
Tonight is the night for bonfires and fireworks as the British celebrate the foiling of a plot to blow up Parliament (then pronounced Par-li-a-ment, with an extra syllable) on Nov 4, 1606. A number of RC were unhappy that the new king, James !, had done little to mitigate the persecution of Catholics. The fires were lit in thanksgiving when the plot was reveled on the 5th.
This is the earliest version of the popular bonfire chant, from the Tower of London:
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
gunpowder, treason and plot,
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
`twas his intent
to blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below,
Poor old England to overthrow:
By God`s providence he was catch`d
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, make the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
Hip hip hoorah!