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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. - Avg. rating:
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