Remember, remember, the 5th of November...

V for Vendetta - David Lloyd, Alan Moore

What a perfect night to re-read V For Vendetta!

 

After the fireworks, of course....which are always good fun but oh so creepy considering their origin.

 

However, celebrating the Gunpowder Plot, or rather the prevention of the plot, is not as horrible as the thought that most people will happily recite the opening lines of the famous poem but may not be aware of the sinister second verse which reflected the hatred displayed by the two prevalent opposing religious groups at the time.

 

 

"Remember, remember, the 5th of November

The Gunpowder Treason and plot ;
I know of 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, let the bells ring
Holloa boys, Holloa boys, God save the King! 
Hip hip Hoorah !
Hip hip Hoorah ! 
A penny loaf to feed ol'Pope,
A farthing cheese to choke him.
A pint of beer to rinse it down,
A faggot of sticks to burn him.
Burn him in a tub of tar,'
Burn him like a blazing star.
Burn his body from his head,
Then we'll say: ol'Pope is dead."

(Trad. - unknown)

 

It makes one wonder about other traditional rhymes that are recited mindlessly...