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 Rocket like myself , and of French extraction . He flew so high that the people were afraid that he would never come down again . He did , though , for he was of a kindly disposition , and he made a most brilliant descent in a shower of golden rain . The newspapers wrote about his performance in very flattering terms . Indeed , the Court Gazette called him a triumph of Pylotechnic art . '' `` Pyrotechnic , Pyrotechnic , you mean , '' said a Bengal Light ; `` I know it is Pyrotechnic , for I saw it written on my own canister . ''
`` Well , I said Pylotechnic , '' answered the XXXXX , in a severe tone of voice , and the Bengal Light felt so crushed that he began at once to bully the little squibs , in order to show that he was still a person of some importance .
Bengal French Gazette King Prince Rocket Squib Wheel day third