When Alfred Poole

First went to school,

He was but scarcely seven;

Yet knew as well

To read and spell

As most boys of eleven.

He took his seat,

And wrote quite neat,

Nor ever idly acted;

And then, beside,

He multiplied,

Divided, and subtracted.

The master said,

And stroked his head,

“If thus you persevere,

My little friend,

You may depend

Upon a prize next year.”