shadowmasquerade

The spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt

"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 many pretty things
To show when you are there"
"Oh no no!" said the little fly
"To ask me is in vain
For who goes up your winding stair
Can never come down again"

"I'm sure you must be wary
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'd like to rest a while
I'll snugly 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 shall 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 to 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."



"Sweet creature" Said the spider
"You're witty and you're wise
How handsome are your gauzy wings
How brilliant are your eyes.
I have a little looking glass
Upon my parlor shelf.
If you'll step in one moment, dear,
You shall behold yourself."
"I thank you gentle sir," she said
"For what you're pleased to say
And bidding you good morning, now,
I'll call another day.'

The spider turned him round about
And went into his den
For he knew the silly fly
Would soon be back again.
So he wove a subtle thread
In a corner sly
And set his table ready
To dine upon the fly.
He went out his door again
And merrily did sing
"Come hither hither pretty fly
With your pearl and silver wing
Your robes are green and purple
There's a crest upon your head
Your eyes are like the diamond bright
But mine are dull as lead"

Alas alas! How very soon
This silly little fly
Hearing his wily flattering words
Came slowly flitting by
With buzzing wings she hung aloft
Then near and nearer drew
Thought only of her brilliant eyes
And green and purple hue.
Thought only of her crested head
Poor foolish thing! At last
Up jumped the cunning spider
And fiercely held her fast.


He dragged her up his winding stair
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 counselor
Close heart and ear and eye
And learn a lesson from this tale
Of the spider and the fly.