from “The Spider and the Fly”
“Will you walk into my parlor?” said the spider to the fly;
“Tis the prettiest 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.”
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.”
The spider turned him ‘round about and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly fly would soon be back again;
So he wove a subtle web in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready to dine upon the fly.
Then he came out to his door again; and merrily did sing,
“Come hither, 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 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.
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!