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 longed 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 called her so too. "Yet the words almost choked me; and, as I spoke low, I have hopes that she might them not hear. I had wrapped 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 pressed; When she took it, and thanked me, and gratefully smiled, I never felt half so distressed. "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 vexed 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."