THE SPIDER AND THE FLY WILL you walk into my parlor?" Said a spider to a fly; 'Tis the prettiest little parlor That ever you did spy. The way into my parlor Is up a winding stair, And I have many pretty things To show you when you are there." For who goes up your winding stair, 'I'm sure you must be weary With soaring up so high; Will you rest upon my little bed?" "There are pretty curtains drawn around, The sheets are fine and thin; And if you like to rest awhile, For I've often heard it said, They never, never wake again, 164 THE SPIDER AND THE FLY Said the cunning spider to the fly, Sweet creature," said the spider, If you'll step in one moment, dear, "I thank you, gentle sir," she said, The spider turned him round about, And went into his den, For well he knew the silly fly Would soon be back again; THE SPIDER AND THE FLY So he wove a subtle thread In a little corner sly, And set his table ready To dine upon the fly. He went out to his door again, "Come hither, hither, pretty fly, Alas, alas! how very soon Hearing his wily, flattering words, With buzzing wings she hung aloft, And fiercely held her fast. He dragged her up his winding stair, Into his dismal den, Within his little parlor-but She ne'er came out again! 165 166 THE SPIDER AND THE FLY And now, dear little children, Close heart and ear and eye, Of the spider and the fly. MARY HOWITT. CRADLE HYMN AWAY in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he layThe little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. MARTIN LUTHER. |