"Is it thus you betray a poor, innocent Bee?"

XVII.

The cunning old Spider then laughed outright;

"Poor fellow!" he said, "you are in a sad plight!

Ha! ha! what a dunce you must be to suppose,

That the heart of a Spider should pity your woes!

XVIII.

"I never could boast of much honor or shame,

Though a little acquainted with both by name;