Guy Fawlkes Day

Just got an email from a colleague reminding me of this celebration.

Guy Fawlkes

I'm never quite sure, this far removed from the events, if those who celebrate bonfire night now are (1) happy that the king & Parliament were spared, (2) happy that Fawlkes and his co-conspirators made an attempt to bring avenge the wrongs done to Catholicism, or (3) happy in general from the grog-n-mead.

Wikipedia has traditional rhymes that were sung in honor or in memory of Fawlkes. I'll post both sets of verses, since the 2nd has definite "Catholic Content" and says a lot about the feelings of the English following Mary Tudor, Phillip II of Spain and the Armda, only a generation before.

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up King and Parliament.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's 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!

A penny loaf to feed the Pope
A farthing o' 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.
Hip hip hoorah!
Hip hip hoorah hoorah!

It's not exactly Shakespeare...