Can anyone tell me the moral of this poem?

Question

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've a many curious things to shew 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 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'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've 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 well he knew the silly Fly would soon come 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 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



If you don't know I will post the answer tomorerow

Answer 1

I think I've heard something like this before...anyway I think it means that flattery, or maybe someone's vanity can be their eventual downfall. The spider tempted the fly with all kinds of things, yet when the spider began to flatter and boast about the fly, and offered it a chance to admire itself, the fly so easily accepted the offer, which gave the spider the chance to weave it's trap. So that's what I think...

Answer 2

If you are a fly, do not waste valuable time learning spider language, as conversing with them will only lead to disaster.


OK - so where's the promised answer?!?

Answer 3

Never trust a talking spider with his own property

Answer 4

Moral - but pretty words and flattery may turn the prettiest and emptiest head.

Answer 5

Spiders are greedy, beautiful cunning and evil - never trust anyone like this.

Answer 6

Never trust beauty and flattery.

Answer 7

Playing with your dinner IS fun after all.
Flies are yummy.
Poets should not suffer existence.
Eat the vain.

Answer 8

Don't be taken in by flattery!

Answer 9

flattery gets him everywhere after all