THE ROYAL READERS 2: LESSON 42

LESSON 42
TOO CLEVER

Fred came from school the first half-year
As learned as could be,
And wished to show to all around
How smart a boy was he.

And so at dinner he began, --
"Papa, you think you see
Two roasted chickens on that dish,
Now I will prove them three!

"First, this is one, and that is two,
As plain as plain can be;
I add the one unto the two,
And two and on make three."--

"Just so," then answered his papa;
"If what you say is true,
I will take one, mamma takes one,
The third we leave for you!"