2.

Not because they now do miss
Kingly crown, or bridegroom's bliss ;
No! their ransomed souls take wing
Toward the shrine where cherubs sing,
66 Happy, happy spirits! soon ye're sped;
Hail to the dead!"

THE SPIDER AND THE FLY.

A new Version of an old Story.

BY MRS. HOWITT.

I.

"WILL you walk into my parlour?" said a spider to a fly;

""Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did

spy.

The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,

And I have many pretty 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 ne'er come down again."

F

II.

"I'm sure you must be weary, 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!"

III.

Said the cunning spider to the fly,

what shall I do,

"Dear friend,

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,

cannot be,

"kind sir, that

I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see."

IV.

"Sweet creature!" said the spider, "you're witty and you're wise.

How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!

I have 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."

V.

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 went 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."

VI.

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little fly, Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flit

ting 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.

VII.

He dragged her up his winding stair, intc his dis

mal den,

Within his little parlour-but she ne'er came out

again!