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At five precisely out went La Marquise
When masons clutch the breath we held on loan
Old corned-beef's rusty armour spreads disease
While sharks to let's say potted shrimps are prone
Oh how oh how he hates such pilferings
Rejecting ermine to become a knave
Proud death quite il-le-gi-ti-mate-ly stings
For burning bushes never fish forgave
Staunch pilgrims longest journeys can't depress
A piercint wit would sprightliest horses flog
Socrates watched his hemlock effervesce
We'll suffocate before the epilogue
Suits lisping Spanish tongues for whom say some
A wise loaf always knows its humblest crumb


Raymond Queneau

Translation to English by Stanley Chapman
found in "Oulipo Compendium"
Atlas 1998, ISBN 0-947757-96-1

Idea and implementation by Magnus Bodin 1997
Produced in the wonderful country of Sweden.