Hester Lynch SALUSBURY

Beware, fair Lady, April Fool's at hand,
When Folly's reign extends o'er all the land.
Then every wit his utmost art employs,
To trap the simple, and ensnare the wise.

Then salt in sugar-bowls is closely strown,
And strings to doorknobs artfully are known.
The pictures turn their faces to the wall,
And false reports are whispered to us all.

Then stories told with serious face and tone,
And promises that never can be known.
The grave Professors smile and tell a jest,
And Saints themselves are given to the test.

Be on your guard, fair Lady, on this day,
When every one would have you led astray.
And if you find some joke upon you played,
Be not too angry, for the trick's but made.

We all take turns to laugh, and all to please,
And April Fool's a day of mirth and ease.
So let us join the general sport with glee,
And laugh and laugh at our own folly.

If you're deceived, remember, 'tis but one day,
And next year you may have your revenge, they say.
So let us laugh and joke, and make good cheer,
And banish all our sorrows for the year.