The silly cat reached in with her paw, but quickly drew it out with a cry of pain. She

had burnt her paw with the hot coals. But she tried again, and this time pulled out a nut. Then she pulled two, then three, but each time burnt her paw.

When her paw was so badly burnt that she could no longer endure the pain, she looked around. The ape had used the time to crack the nuts and eat them.

When the children had recited their fables the teacher told them to write the lesson of each one in their tablets.

LX. THE SPIDER AND THE FLY.

"Will you walk into my parlor ?"
Said the Spider to the Fly;
""Tis the prettiest little parlor
That ever you did spy.

"The way into my parlor
Is up a winding stair,

And I have many curious things
To show when you are there."

Oh no, no," said the little Fly,

66

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 have a little looking-glass
Upon my parlor 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 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-