Tommy could not answer, so they went hurrying by.

Next he was offered some rosy red apples and the Fairies said:

“Why can’t you answer up this season,

Will you really tell the reason?”

Tommy replied:

“I really never do seem able,

To get on with the ‘three times’ table.”

Then the Number Fairies set up a shout and cried:

“This little boy would like to please,

So we will help him count by 3’s.”