MLN Vol.14, No.2

Massage Law Newsletter

Vol. 14, No. 2                                    ISSN 1073-5461                                      August 2000    0

POETRY THAT CALLS TO MIND STATE REGULATION

Editors' comment: This poem calls to mind those who promote state regulation because of its alleged benefits, for which they provide no well-documented validation.

                                              Albert Schatz and Mary Brewster

The Spider and the Fly

A Fable

Mary Howitt

Born March 12, 1799; died January 30, 1888

 

"Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly;

"'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy.

The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,

And I have many pretty 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 shall 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 have a little looking-glass upon my parlor 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 be 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 this 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 parlor; 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.

 

TWO OTHER RELEVANT POEMS

You have no enemies, you say?

Alas, my friend, the boast is poor.

He who has mingled in the fray of duty

     that the brave endure, must have made foes.

If you have none, small is the work that you have done.

You've hit no traitor on the hip.

You've dashed no cup from perjured lip.

You've never turned the wrong to right.

You've been a coward in the fight.

     Charles MacKay, English Chartist

Poet, (l814-l889)

                _______________

 

Here's freedom to him who would read.

Here's freedom to him who would write.

There's none ever feared

     that the truth should be heard,

But they whom the truth would indite.            

Robert Burns 

Scottish poet, (1751-1796)

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