<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div><div><b>“The Spider And The Fly”</b> by Mary Howitt</div><div><br></div><div>“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,</div><div>'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;</div><div>The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,</div><div>And I've a many curious things to show when you are there.”</div><div><br></div><div>“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “to ask me is in vain,</div><div>For who goes up your winding stair can never come down again.”</div><div>“I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;</div><div>Will you rest upon my little bed?” said the Spider to the Fly.</div><div>“There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,</div><div>And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!”</div><div><br></div><div>“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “for I've often heard it said,</div><div>They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!”</div><div><br></div><div>Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, “Dear friend what can I do,</div><div>To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?</div><div>I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;</div><div>I'm sure you're very welcome — will you please to take a slice?”</div><div><br></div><div>“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind Sir, that cannot be,</div><div>I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!”</div><div><br></div><div>“Sweet creature!” said the Spider, “you're witty and you're wise,</div><div>How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!</div><div>I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,</div><div>If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.”</div><div><br></div><div>“I thank you, gentle sir,” she said, “for what you're pleased to say,</div><div>And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day.”</div><div><br></div><div>The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,</div><div>For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:</div><div>So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,</div><div>And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.</div><div><br></div><div>Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,</div><div>“Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;</div><div>Your robes are green and purple — there's a crest upon your head;</div><div>Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!”</div><div><br></div><div>Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,</div><div>Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;</div><div>With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,</div><div>Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue —</div><div>Thinking only of her crested head — poor foolish thing!</div><div>At last,</div><div>Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.</div><div>He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,</div><div>Within his little parlour — but she ne'er came out again!</div><div><br></div><div>And now dear little children, who may this story read,</div><div>To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:</div><div>Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,</div><div>And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.</div></div><div><br></div>——————————————<br><br><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)</span></div><div><a href="http://www.moscowcares.com/" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">http://www.MoscowCares.com</font></a></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tom Hansen</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moscow, Idaho</span></div></div><div><br></div></div></body></html>