My cousin gave me her copy

Of Madame Bovary

When she returned to France

I was told that I must read it

In its original language

Before I travel on her southern train

This will present me with a problem

As I do not read French very well


Honour Madame Bovary

Or we will not walk together

In the cornfields of Pierre Martin


I offered my spiteful cousin

A basket of sensual apricots

But have yet to receive a reply