The spider and the fly

One of our Flickr-friend, Linda Tipton, send me this beautiful and thoughtful poem.

The Spider and the Fly

a fable

by Mary Howitt , died, 1888

 

" Will you walk into my parlor? ' said the spider to the fly;

'Tis the prettiest little parlor that you ever did spy."

' The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,

" And I have so many pretty things to show you , when you are there."

“ O no, no," said the little fly, 'to ask me is in vain",

" For who goes up your winding stair, will never come down again."

 

“I am 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 lovely curtains drawn around the sheets are fine and thin "

If you like to rest awhile , I will gladly tuck you in"

" O no, no, said the little fly" , for I've often heard it said,

" They never, never, wake again, who rest upon your bed".

 

Said the cunning spider to the fly, " Dear Friend, what shall I do,

to show the warm affection, I 've always felt for you?'

" I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice"

I am sure you're very welcome if you want to take a slice?"

"O no, no , said the little fly, "Kind Sir, that cannot be"

' I have heard what's in your pantry and I do not wish to see" .

 

" Sweet creature said the spider,, "You are witty and your wise,

" How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes" .

" I have a little looking glass upon my parlor shelf

If you will step in a moment , dear, you should behold yourself"

“I thank you gentle sir”, she said " for what your pleased to say,

but bidding you good morning, I'll call another day."

 

The spider turned around and went back into his den,

because he knew the silly fly, would soon be back again.

So he wove a little web in a little corner , sly.

and set his table, waiting to dine upon, the fly.

Then he came outside again and merrily did sing,

" Come hither pretty fly, with pearl and silver wing,

Your robes are green and purple, there's a crest upon your head;

Your eyes are like diamonds bright and mine are dull as lead.'

 

Alas! Alas! How soon this silly little fly,

Hearing his wily , flattering words, came slowly flitting by,

With buzzing wings hung aloft and near and nearer drew

Thinking only of her brilliant eyes and green and purple hue

Thinking only of her crested head-- Poor Foolish Thing!

AT LAST

Up jumped the cunning spider , and fiercely held her fast

He dragged her up the winding stairs and into his dismal den

Within his little parlor, but, she never came out again.

 

And , now dear little children , who may this story read,

To idle , silly flattering words, I pray you never give heed

UNTO an evil counsellor , close your heart, your ears and eye

And take a lesson from this tale of the spider and the fly.

.......................................................................the end...

 

 

Done