Bobbie would have preferred Arithmetic, which was what Phyllis happened to be doing, and Phyllis of course thought Latin much the most interesting kind of lesson.

And so on.
So, one day, when they sat down to lessons, each of them found a little rhyme at its place.

I put the rhymes in to show you that their Mother really did understand a little how children feel about things, and also the kind of words they use, which is the case with very few grown-up people.

I suppose most grown-ups have very bad memories, and have forgotten how they felt when they were little.

Of course, the verses are supposed to be spoken by the children.
PETER I once thought Caesar easy pap-- How very soft I must have been! When they start Caesar with a chap He little know what that will mean.
Oh, verbs are silly stupid things.
I'd rather learn the dates of kings! BOBBIE The worst of all my lesson things Is learning who succeeded who In all the rows of queens and kings, With dates to everything they do: With dates enough to make you sick;-- I wish it was Arithmetic! PHYLLIS Such pounds and pounds of apples fill My slate--what is the price you'd spend?
You scratch the figures out until You cry upon the dividend.
I'd break the slate and scream for joy If I did Latin like a boy! This kind of thing, of course, made lessons much jollier.