Punch (92.1887)

Maroh 19, 1887.] PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVAEI.

135

THE SPIDER AND THE FLY.

(New Version.)

" Will you walk into our parlour ? " said the Spider to the Fly;
" 'Tis the cosiest little parlour, friend, that ever you did spy.
The way into this parlour is quite wide, as you're aware,
And, oh! we '11 do such wondrous things when once we get you there!
Then, won't you, won't you, won't you, won't you,
Pretty little fly ? "

Now, as I've heard, this little fly was young, hut wary, too,
And so he thought, I '11 mind my eye—the thing may be a do!
So " No, no! " said that little fly ; " kind Sir, that.cannot be,
I've heard what's in your parlour, and I do not wish to see."
" Then, won't you," &c.

That Spider he was portly, and that Spider he was bland,
And he played the part of siren for an even Older Hand.
Says he, " Oh, Fly, you must be tired of being on the shelf,
Why don't you just step in awhile, if but to rest yourself P.
Then, won't you," &c.

" Our parlour's snugly furnished, for expense we never spare.
We've such a nice Round Table ; you shall have an easy chair.

It seems incomplete without you as a sort of settled guest;
Turn up solitary buzzing now; step m and take a rest.

Now, won't you," &c.

That little Fly looked longingly. Thinks he, " I do'feel tired,
I'm fond of cosy parties, and 1 like to be admired.
Yet I have a slight suspicion that the thing may be a trap,—
I twig something in yon corner—I distrust that fat old chap,
With his won t you," &c.

So "I'11 wait a little longer," to the Spider said the Fly,

As he spread his wings (with friend Col-lings), and flattered

towards the Skye.
But whether he '11 come hack again, and try that parlour yet,
Is a thing on which a cautious man would hardly like to bet.

" Then won't you, won't you," &c.

Motto for Mr. Rides Haggled to put to She (i.e., acoording to
the P. M. G., which finds rather more than the germs of the romance
in the Epicurean):—" There's Mooee where this came from."