The rebel Guy Fawkes, by George Cruikshank. Image care of Wikimedia Commons.
I put off the poetic spotlight for a few days this time around for two-fold reasons. First of all, I was much too excited about the maps announcement for my upcoming novel earlier this week – and second, I thought it would be all too appropriate to wait for the fifth. Why? Well, of course it’s all in the title my good readers – a little English folk song for you to entertain yourself with.
The lyrics, revolving around the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which Guy Fawkes and a number of co-conspirators attempted to blow up the English Parliament. The event, remembered in the tune, but more recently popularized by the movie V for Vendetta, is often heralded as a sign of people’s movements against corrupt or dictatorial powers. So without further adieu…
Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I know of no reason why the 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 catched
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holloa boys, holloa boys
God save the King!
Hip hip hooray!
Hip hip hooray!
The Waking Den 