The First Of April

"Tell me what is the reason you hang down your head; From your blushes I plainly discern, You have done something wrong. Ere you go up to bed, I desire that the truth I may learn."

"O mamma, I have long'd to confess all the day What an ill-natured thing I have done; I persuaded myself it was only in play, But such play I in future will shun.

"The least of the ladies that live at the school, Her whose eyes are so pretty and blue, Ah! would you believe it? an April fool I have made her, and call'd her so too.

"Yet the words almost choak'd me; and, as I spoke low, I have hopes that she might them not hear. I had wrapt up some rubbish in paper, and so, The instant the school-girls drew near,

"I presented it with a fine bow to the child, And much her acceptance I press'd; When she took it, and thank'd me, and gratefully smil'd, I never felt half so distress'd.

"No doubt she concluded some sweetmeats were there, For the paper was white and quite clean, And folded up neatly, as if with great care. O what a rude boy I have been!

"Ever since I've been thinking how vex'd she will be, Ever since I've done nothing but grieve. If a thousand young ladies a walking I see, I will never another deceive."