Uttoxeter Online Magazine

A Poem by Mary Howitt

"Will you walk into my parlour" said the Spider to the Fly. 
"Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy. .........

Married in Uttoxeter in 1821, to William Howitt, a druggist working in Hanley, Mary ( nee Botham ) is probably our best known 19th century local poet.

As William and Mary Howitt they were to gain worldwide fame as authors and poets. They were prolific writers and an important part of the literary scene at the time, helping and working with many famous names like Charles Dickens, Mary Gaskell and Hans Anderson.

They later travelled greatly and William and two of his sons became important names in the exploration of Australia and New Zealand.

"Mary Howitt's House" can still be seen in Balance Street, Uttoxeter.

The Spider and the Fly

"Will you walk into my parlour" said the Spider to the 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 curious 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 am 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 a while, 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 can 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 are 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 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."

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For he well knew the silly Fly would soon come back again;
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And wet 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 his 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 parlour - 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 counsellor close heart, and ear, and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.