The Dreaded Oral Report
The Dreaded Oral Report
Susie stood in front of her
classroom and smoothed out her piece of paper. She took a deep breath and
glanced over at her teacher. Miss Clough nodded her head and smiled.
“In 1605 a Catholic man named Guy Fawkes,
didn’t like that England’s House of Parliament was full of Protestants,” she
began. “He devised a plan to overthrow the government and the King. His plan
included taking several dozen barrels of gunpowder into the cellars of the Houses
of Parliament, but Mr. Fawkes was caught, tried, and found guilty with his
co-conspirators for treason.” Susie took another deep breath before she
continued.
“Guy Fawkes’ punishment was harsh, besides being sentenced to death,
he was to be hung and drawn and quartered.” Susie shivered as she stuck out her
tongue and gagged.
“In England, November 5th is
still celebrated with fireworks and bonfires, culminating with burning the Pope
and Guy Fawkes in effigy and some of the interesting nicknames for the day are Guy Fawkes Day, Gunpowder Treason Day, and Fireworks Night.”
Susie smiled, knowing she was almost done
with her dreaded report. “A verse was
written to commemorate the day, but over the years it has been changed to
enhance its message.”
The
Fifth of November
Remember, remember!
The fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and
plot;
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
Guy Fawkes and his companions
Did the scheme contrive,
To blow the King and Parliament
All up alive.
Threescore barrels, laid below,
To prove old England's overthrow.
But, by God's providence, him they catch,
With a dark lantern, lighting a match!
A stick and a stake
For King James's sake!
If you won't give me one,
I'll take two,
The better for me,
And the worse for you.
A rope, a rope, to hang the
Pope,
A penn'orth of cheese to choke him,
A pint of beer to wash it down,
And a jolly good fire to burn him.
Holloa, boys! holloa, boys!
make the bells ring!
Holloa, boys! holloa boys!
God save the King!
Hip, hip, hooor-r-r-ray!
Susie stood silent in front of her
peers. “Very nice Susie… You may be seated,” Miss Clough said.
“Thank goodness that is over,” Susie
whispered to herself and sidled to her seat.
