Now We Are Six/The Emperor’s Rhyme

by Alan Alexander Milne

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The King of Peru(Who was Emperor too) Had a sort of a rhyme  Which was useful to know,If he felt very shyWhen a stranger came by, Or they asked him the time  When his watch didn’t go;

 

Or supposing he fell(By mistake) down a well, Or he tumbled when skating  And sat on his hat,Or perhaps wasn’t told,Till his porridge was cold, That his breakfast was waiting—  Or something like that;

Oh, whenever the EmperorGot into a temper, or Felt himself sulky or sad,He would murmur and murmur,Until he felt firmer, This curious rhyme which he had:

Eight eights are sixty-four; Multiply by seven.When it’s done,Carry one, And take away eleven.Nine nines are eighty-one; Multiply by three.If it’s more,Carry four, And then it’s time for tea.

So whenever the QueenTook his armour to clean, And she didn’t remember  To use any starch;Or his birthday (in May)Was a horrible day, Being wet as November  And windy as March;Or, if sitting in stateWith the Wise and the Great, He just happened to hiccup  While signing his name,Or the Queen gave a cough,When his crown tumbled off As he bent down to pick up  A pen for the same;

Oh, whenever the EmperorGot into a temper, or Felt himself awkward and shy,

He would whisper and whisper,Until he felt crisper, This odd little rhyme to the sky:

Eight eights are eighty-one; Multiply by seven.If it’s more,Carry four, And take away eleven.Nine nines are sixty-four; Multiply by three.When it’s done,Carry one, And then it’s time for tea.