Peter A Clarke

But for a loose lip there would have been a hole where Parliament House stood.  Guy Fawkes attempt to blow up Old Parliament House has been seen through a whole range of prisms- left wing challenge, libertarian stand against Government, a fight for religious freedom, an odious challenge to proper order and everything in between.

Guy Fawkes treatment in history has ranged over time, from Catholic fanatic with terror in his heart to part of a strike against repression.  It certainly harks back to a time where beliefs were heartfelt.

It also gave rise to a great verse.

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!