My young son asks me: Must I learn mathematics? br What is the use, I feel like saying. That two pieces br Of bread are more than one's about all you'll end up with. br My young son asks me: Must I learn French? br What is the use, I feel like saying. This State's collapsing. br And if you just rub your belly with your hand and br Groan, you'll be understood with little trouble. br My young son asks me: Must I learn history? br What is the use, I feel like saying. Learn to stick br Your head in the earth, and maybe you'll still survive. br br Yes, learn mathematics, I tell him.