The Boys and the Apple-Tree
As William and Thomas were walking one day,
They came by a fine orchard’s side:
They would rather eat apples than spell, read, or play,
And Thomas to William then cried:
‘O brother, look yonder! what clusters hang there!
I’ll try and climb over the wall:
I must have an apple; I will have a pear;
Although it should cost me a fall!’
Said William to Thomas, ‘To steal is a sin,
Mamma has oft told this to thee:
I never have stolen, nor will I begin,
So the apples may hang on the tree. ’
‘You are a good boy, as you ever have been,’
Said Thomas, 'let’s walk on, my lad:
We’ll call on our schoolfellow, Benjamin Green,
Who to see us I know will be glad.
