a b
A was an apple-pie, bitten by Tom;
French people call an apple “une pomme.”
B was the bite, and I really must say,
Tom was sorry that ever he took “la bouchÉe.”
c d
C was the cook; Tom was always quite safe
To get goodies and tarts, when he called him “le chÉf.”
D was the dinner got ready that day;
Dinner in France is called “le dÎner.”
e f
E was the edge (in France called “le bord”)
Of that pie trimmed with pastry to imitate cord.
F was the fun the sight gave to all;
In words of the Frenchman “la gaiÉtÉ folle.”
G was the guest Tom was late to receive;
He came looking happy—a merry “convive.”
H was for Harry, who served the pie in great glee;
In France his name is pronouncÉd “Henri.”
I was the ivy; the pie with great care
Was entwined with the creeper the French call “lierre.”
J was the juice, well sweetened by the cook;
He flavoured it nicely and called it “le suc.”
K was the kitchen, so tidy and clean;
In France it is always called “la cuisine.”
L was the linen beside each place set,
In Anglo, the napkin; in French, “serviette.”
m n
M was the music (in French “la musique”)
Aunt played for the game of “lost treasure seek.”
N was the nurse (in France called “la bonne”)
Who brought some small cousins to share in the fun.
o p
O was the oven (in French called “le four”);
At ’Xmas it bakes many pies for the poor.
P for the plates (in French “assiettes”),
Kept warm till the table was all nicely set.
q r
Q the quadrille, which I think came from France;
The place where all children learn early to dance.
R was the room where the dancing took place,
In French called “le salon,” or else “la piÈce.”
S was the sideboard for things stored away;
Cupboard, or sideboard, in French is “buffet.”
T was the tray (in French called “plateau”)
All laden with jellies and cream whipped like snow.
U was the urchin, old cook’s “petite peste”;
Of leavings and scraps she was always in quest.
V was the valet; at “dix heures” he came,
His very small master and mistress to claim.
W a wrangler, a horrid “mÉgÈre”;
Just read the next line, her name will be there.
X Xantippe was not at the party, I’m told;
Such people are always left out in the cold.
Y was the year (in French called “l’annÉe”),
Which for these happy children had just passed away.
Z was the “zeste” that appetites hearty
Unfailingly give to an apple-pie party.
