Funny how things stick in your mind from long long ago. I had to memorize this poem in the 5th grade.. For yall trying to do the math on such a difficult problem..LOL 48 yrs ago. The Spider and the Fly - a poem by Mary Howitt The Spider and the Fly Mary Howitt Will you walk into my parlour? said the Spider to the Fly, Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And Ive a many curious things to shew 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 neer come down again. Im 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, Ill snugly tuck you in! Oh no, no, said the little Fly, for Ive 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 thats nice; Im sure youre very welcome -- will you please to take a slice? Oh no, no, said the little Fly, kind Sir, that cannot be, Ive heard whats in your pantry, and I do not wish to see! Sweet creature! said the Spider, youre witty and youre wise, How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! Ive a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf, If youll 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, Ill call another day. The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den, For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come 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 the pearl and silver wing; Your robes are green and purple -- theres 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, 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 his winding stair, into his dismal den, Within his little parlour -- but she neer came out again! And now dear little children, who may this story read, To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you neer 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. The Spider and the Fly Mary Howitt
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:51:24 +0000