The Spider and the Fly (V 2.0)

"Wherefore come'st thou to my parlour?", said the Spider to the Fly
"I've always been a vegan, that I'll eat you is a lie;
The way into my parlour is through a green lifestyle
And I've many wondrous things to make you overcome denial.
"Oh no, no" said the little Fly, the water rising fast,
"For if I stay with you and don't take wing I surely shall not last."

"Do you not get lonely dear, subsiding at the top;
Will you not stay low, with simple hope and save me from the chop?
There are simple things of renewable source, their cost is low (not free)
And if you like I'll show you how having nothing can set you free."
"Oh no, no" said the little Fly, "for I'll think you'll find it's said
That money and things are here to stay, if you use your head."

Said the innocent Spider to the Fly, "that doesn't have to be true;
Must we count and prove the things that as children we still knew?
I have within my pantry no product of animal;
Though not your usual fare, you're welcome to try it all."
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind fool, that cannot be,
If it's not sweet veal or baby quail I do not wish to see”

"Strange fellow!" said the spider, "you're sharp but not yet wise,
How refined your garb and sense of taste, how unseeing your eyes!
The things you choose not to see, soon upon a coastal shelf
will rest with me. I do fear it won't do wonders for my health."
“I thank you, feeble sir,” Fly said, “for what you’re pleased to say,
Let me go now, prattle alone, you can't afford my way."

The Spider sighed and waved goodbye, thinking 'ne'er again'.
For well he knew the greedy Fly would pass him by again:
So he built a peacfeul place, in a little corner sly
And sought to make himself ready for when the Fly came by.
Then he came out to his door again, but did not say a word.
"Tell me Spider, don't I know you? I have memory interred;
But your house is dull and small, why you're wearing not a thread;
You search me with baleful gaze, like you knew inside my head!"

Alas, it's true, that nought had changed in or deed or thought or speech
But feeling on top he paused flight here, slightly out of reach.
His buzzing drones called him aloft, but he much nearer drew,
Froze by bale and confused by strength he saw but in so few.
Wondering at her lack of garb - oh this fool! - he could not see
Up jumped the Spider and grabbed lapel tearing her silk free
She clutched her craft up winding stair, into her glittering den
Our naked fly did wait outside - but she ne'er came out again.

And now dear grown-up children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne’er give heed:
Unto an arrogant counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.