'Tis One by One -- the Father counts --

'Tis One by One -- the Father counts -- And then a Tract between Set Cypherless -- to teach the Eye The Value of its Ten --

Until the peevish Student Acquire the Quick of Skill -- Then Numerals are dowered back -- Adorning all the Rule --

'Tis mostly Slate and Pencil -- And Darkness on the School Distracts the Children's fingers -- Still the Eternal Rule

Regards least Cypherer alike With Leader of the Band -- And every separate Urchin's Sum -- Is fashioned for his hand --