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  • Artist Info: The Spider and the Fly<br />
    <br />
    Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,<br />
    'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;<br />
    The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,<br />
    And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."<br />
    Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,<br />
    For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."<br />
    <br />
    "I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;<br />
    Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.<br />
    "There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,<br />
    And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"<br />
    Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,<br />
    They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"<br />
    <br />
    Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,<br />
    To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?<br />
    I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;<br />
    I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"<br />
    "Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,<br />
    I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"<br />
    <br />
    "Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,<br />
    How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!<br />
    I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,<br />
    If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."<br />
    "I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,<br />
    And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."<br />
    <br />
    The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,<br />
    For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:<br />
    So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,<br />
    And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.<br />
    Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,<br />
    "Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;<br />
    Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;<br />
    Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"<br />
    <br />
    Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,<br />
    Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;<br />
    With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,<br />
    Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --<br />
    Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,<br />
    Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.<br />
    He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,<br />
    Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!<br />
    <br />
    And now dear little children, who may this story read,<br />
    To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:<br />
    Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,<br />
    And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.<br />
    <br />
    by Mary Howitt 1821.
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