Earnestness

I could deny it I liked. I could.
But doing so despite the evidence
Would be to do some wrong and little good
A choice that, of itself, makes little sense.
I could go on and on, declaiming lies
To throw you off the scent of what is true,
Or hoodwink you with overzealous cries
That claim I did not do what I did too.
I might, perhaps, a little off my theme
Declare that I was not then what I am,
And therefore did it in a kind of dream
Where what might seem consent was but a sham.
I could; but I will not, because you're right
I must apologize about last night.