"When miserly bees shall return from their toils"—
He winked as he said it—"we'll feast on the spoils;
I'll lighten their loads"—said the Bee, "So will I."
And the Spider said, "Well, if you live, you may try."
XV.
The Bee did not wait to be urged any more,
But nodded his thanks, as he entered the door.
"Aha!" said the Spider, "I have you at last!"
And he seized the poor fellow, and tied him up fast.
XVI.
The Bee, when aware of his perilous state,
Recovered his wit, though a moment too late.
"O treacherous Spider! for shame!" said he.
"Is it thus you betray a poor innocent Bee?"
XVII.
The cunning old rascal then laughed outright.
"My friend!" he said, grinning, "you're in a sad plight.
Ha! ha! what a dunce you must be to suppose
That the heart of a Spider could pity your woes!
XVIII.
"I never could boast of much honor or shame,
Though slightly acquainted with both by name;
But I think if the Bees can a brother betray,
We Spiders are quite as good people as they.
XIX.