The Laugh In School - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
THE LAUGH IN SCHOOL. 
Hold on for a moment, teacher! You'd better ignore the rule, Than punish that little urchin Who had just laughed out in school. Had he done it out of malice, It would be a different thing; But he could no more help it Than a lark can help to sing. 
I know by his clouted jacket, And his shoes tied with a cord, That a laugh is the only luxury Of childhood he can "afford; And he hasn't much time left him For even that trivial joy, For he'll have to earn his living While he is yet a boy. 
You ask why I defend him; Well, the fact is, yesternight I found a dog-eared primer That I used when but a mite; And, in imagination, As I turned its pages o'er, I saw some wonderful pictures That I never found before. 
I saw a certain urchin (Called Clarence by the boys) Go toddling into the school-room Making his share of noise: And I saw him during school time Play pranks upon the sly With "the rosy little Agnes, Till she laughed as she would die. 
And I think we all are better When grown up to be men. If we have something to make us' Look backward now and then; And therefore I insisted You'd better ignore the rule Than punish that little fellow Who has just laughed out at school.