Uncle John said that the spider laid a sticky thread on the spokes to catch the insects which she lives upon. A COBWEB MADE TO ORDER. "A hungry spider made a web Your tiny fingers scarce could feel Round about and round about "Oh, what a pretty, shining web The little flies all came to see It hanging in the sun. Round about and round about And round about they danced; Across the web and back again They darted and they glanced. "The hungry spider sat and watched The happy little flies. 666 It saw all round about its head, Round about and round about "I'm hungry, very hungry,' 66 Said the spider to a fly; 'If you were caught within the web For all the flies were much too wise To venture near the spider; They flapped their little wings, and flew In circles rather wider. Round about and round about And round about went they, Across the web and back again, And then they flew away." "Will you walk into my parlor?' Tis the prettiest little parlor That ever you did spy. Is up a winding stair, "Sweet creature,' said the spider, 566 66 You're witty and you're wise; How handsome are your gauzy wings, How brilliant are your eyes. I have a little looking-glass If you'll step in one moment, dear, 'I thank you, gentle sir,' she said, 6 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 He wove some very pretty threads And set his table ready "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.' "Alas! alas! how very soon In answer to his flattering words, With buzzing wings she hung aloft, Thought only of her brilliant eyes |