The Spider and The Fly by Mary Howitt

In stanza one, the spider does its best to entice the fly into its parlor with the promise of pretty things to see.
The fly refuses and says it will never visit, because it knows whoever goes there is never seen again.

In stanza two, the spider tries a different tactic, offering the fly a pretty and comfortable place to sleep. Again,
the fly refuses, citing the disappearance of others who have accepted this offer.

In stanza three, the spider asks what it can do to prove its motives are pure; it offers lovely food to the fly, but
once again, the fly refuses, saying it has heard about the spider's pantry and isn't interested.

In stanza four, the spider tries to flatter the fly by praising its appearance and inviting it in to look into a mirror.
Though flattered, the fly refuses—but leaves the door open a bit by implying "some other time."

In stanza five, the spider knows it has won and begins preparations to feast on the fly. After setting a clever
trap, it again appeals to the fly's vanity and praises its beauty compared to the spider's less appealing
appearance.

In stanza six, the vain fly comes by to hear more blandishments about its beauty, and the spider strikes,
taking the fly into its parlor, from which it never emerges.

In stanza seven, the narrator speaks directly to readers with an imperative: never fall for the flattery of a
predator—learn from this fable of the spider and the fly.

The Spider and The Fly by Mary Howitt

In stanza one, the spider does its best to entice the fly into its parlor with the promise of pretty things to see.
The fly refuses and says it will never visit, because it knows whoever goes there is never seen again.

In stanza two, the spider tries a different tactic, offering the fly a pretty and comfortable place to sleep. Again,
the fly refuses, citing the disappearance of others who have accepted this offer.

In stanza three, the spider asks what it can do to prove its motives are pure; it offers lovely food to the fly, but
once again, the fly refuses, saying it has heard about the spider's pantry and isn't interested.

In stanza four, the spider tries to flatter the fly by praising its appearance and inviting it in to look into a mirror.
Though flattered, the fly refuses—but leaves the door open a bit by implying "some other time."

In stanza five, the spider knows it has won and begins preparations to feast on the fly. After setting a clever
trap, it again appeals to the fly's vanity and praises its beauty compared to the spider's less appealing
appearance.

In stanza six, the vain fly comes by to hear more blandishments about its beauty, and the spider strikes,
taking the fly into its parlor, from which it never emerges.

In stanza seven, the narrator speaks directly to readers with an imperative: never fall for the flattery of a
predator—learn from this fable of the spider and the fly.