Le chapelier 
The hat-maker 

Le chapelier s'étonne de constater
The hat-maker is surprised to note to observe

Que sa montre retarde de trois jours,
That his watch is slow by three days,

Bien qu'il ait eu soin de la graisser
Although he has care to it grease 

Toujours avec du beurre de première qualité.
Always with the butter of the best quality.

Mais il a laissé tomber des miettes
But he has allowed to fall some crumbs

De pain dans les rouages,
Of bread into the clockwork,

Et il a beau plonger sa montre dans le thé,
And he has however plunged his watch in the tea,

Ça ne le fera pas avancer davantage.
This will it make not move faster. (This will not make it run faster)