Poor people , to lose their only son ! It is really too dreadful ! I shall never get over it . '' `` But they have not lost their only son , '' said the Roman Candle ; `` no misfortune has happened to them at all . '' `` I never said that they had , '' replied the Rocket ; `` I said that they might . If they had lost their only son there would be no use in saying anything more about the matter . I hate people who cry over spilt milk . But when I think that they might lose their only son , I certainly am very much affected . '' `` You certainly are ! '' cried the Bengal Light . `` In fact , you are the most affected person I ever met . '' `` You are the rudest person I ever met , '' said the Rocket , `` and you can not understand my friendship for the Prince . '' `` Why , you do n't even know him , '' growled the Roman Candle . `` I never said I knew him , '' answered the Rocket . `` I dare say that if I knew him I should not be his friend at all . It is a very dangerous thing to know one 's friends . '' `` You had really better keep yourself dry , '' said the Fire-balloon . `` That is the important thing . '' `` Very important for you , I have no doubt , '' answered the Rocket , `` but I shall weep if I choose '' ; and he actually burst into real tears , which flowed down his stick like rain-drops , and nearly drowned two little beetles , who were just thinking of setting up house together , and were looking for a nice dry spot to live in . `` He must have a truly romantic nature , '' said the Catherine Wheel , `` for he weeps when there is nothing at all to weep about '' ; and she heaved a deep sigh , and thought about the deal box .
But the Roman XXXXX and the Bengal Light were quite indignant , and kept saying , `` Humbug !
Bengal Candle Fire-balloon Prince Rocket Wheel drowned milk misfortune rain-drops