THE SPIDER AND THE FLY

"Will you walk into my parlour ?"

Said the spider to the fly;

"This is the prettiest little parlour

That ever you did spy ;

The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,

And I have many curious things to snow

When are you there."

 

"Oh , no ,no "said the little fly,

"To  ask me is in vain,

For who goes up your winding stair

Can ne'er come down again."

 

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear,

With soaring up so high;

Will you rest upon my little bed ?"

Said the spider to the fly.

 

There are pretty curtains drawn around;

The sheets are fine and thin;

And if you like to rest awhile ,

I'll surely tuck you in."

 

 

"Oh , no ,no "said the little fly,

"For I've often heard it said :

They never , never wake again

Who sleep upon your bed."

 

Said the cunning spider to the fly:

"Dear friend, what can I do

To prove the warm affection

I've always felt for you ?

I have within my pantry

good store of all that's nice;

I'm sure you're very welcome ---

Will you please take a slice ?"

 

"Oh, no, no," said the little fly,

"Kind sir, that cannot be ;

I've heard what's in your pantry,

And I do not wish to see."

 

And now , dear children,

who may this story read;

To idle ,silly, flattering words

I pray you ne'er give heed;

Unto an evil counsellor close heart

And ear and eye,

And take a lesson from this tale

Of the spider and the fly.

 

                                                                                            ------ Mary Howitt