Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Spider and The Fly

The Spider and the Fly
by 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 I've a many curious 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 ne'er come down again."
"I'm 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, 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 can 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've a little looking-glass upon my parlour 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 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 -- 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,
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 ne'er came out again!
And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counselor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.
*From my Halloween Spooktacular Swap Quilt 2009
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

16 comments:

Shari said...

Oh thank you so much! Too perfect. I haven't read that poem all the way through ever! Although I think everyone has heard a few lines of it! I love how you set your blocks out... hope you had a good Halloween (or will have, it's tomorrow here)!

Material Mary said...

What a cute story to go with the darling Halloween quilt.

Mary

Maxine said...

Like that story..And love the quilt.
Maxine

Sequana said...

What a great post for Halloween. Both the visual and words.

You know, I saw a spider wrap a fly on its web once, and believe me it went faster than the blink of an eye!

Micki said...

This is a wonderful Halloween post...the quilt is just adorable!
Micki

Carol said...

That is the BEST Halloween quilt!

Lois Evensen said...

Nedra,

This is priceless! So cute! :) Love the story with the quilt, too.

Hugs,
Lois

Cardygirl said...

Great Halloween quilt!

BubzRugz said...

Great Quilt - great post
Hugz

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

YIKES!!! It looks wonderful!!!!!!

Lori Holt said...

Hello Miss Spider...
now I'm one little scared fly!
lol....
(love the quilt)
see you on Tuesday!
xx
the fly

Truffle queen said...

Love the quilt! You are inspiring me to get out my blocks from the swap - and make my quilt! Jane's is HUGE! I have 11 1/2 months to get it done for next year! lol How creative to put the poem with the quilt!

AnnieO said...

I am sure I have never read the entire poem before either. Perfect accompaniment to your delightful swap block quilt! Thanks for the spidery fun :)

Sparky said...

OHHH I love this...the poem, the quilt, the feet...I wish you had sent this to me at STash...I certainly would have considered it lol...
you got me at the feet... blessings msamm

Nanette Merrill said...

I love how you set your blocks. LOVE. I put mine together but put the flimsy away until next year.

Kris said...

Oh, Nedra - I remember when you showed us this quilt at Guild last year and oh, boy did I want to be part of that swap!!! I still just love this quilt!!!