`` Ahem ! ahem ! '' he said , and everybody listened except the poor Catherine Wheel , who was still shaking her head , and murmuring , `` Romance is dead . '' `` Order ! order ! '' cried out a Cracker . He was something of a politician , and had always taken a prominent part in the local elections , so he knew the proper Parliamentary expressions to use . `` Quite dead , '' whispered the Catherine Wheel , and she went off to sleep . As soon as there was perfect silence , the Rocket coughed a third time and began . He spoke with a very slow , distinct voice , as if he was dictating his memoirs , and always looked over the shoulder of the person to whom he was talking . In fact , he had a most distinguished manner . `` How fortunate it is for the King 's son , '' he remarked , `` that he is to be married on the very day on which I am to be let off . Really , if it had been arranged beforehand , it could not have turned out better for him ; but , Princes are always lucky . '' `` Dear me ! '' said the little Squib , `` I thought it was quite the other way , and that we were to be let off in the Prince 's honour . '' `` It may be so with you , '' he answered ; `` indeed , I have no doubt that it is , but with me it is different . I am a very remarkable Rocket , and come of remarkable parents . My mother was the most celebrated Catherine Wheel of her day , and was renowned for her graceful dancing . When she made her great public appearance she spun round nineteen times before she went out , and each time that she did so she threw into the air seven pink stars . She was three feet and a half in diameter , and made of the very best gunpowder .
My father was a XXXXX like myself , and of French extraction .
Cracker King Prince Rocket Squib Wheel day everybody something third