Ek Makra aur Makhi

A spider to a fly one day did say, “You travel daily down this very way,

But my poor hut has never been so blessed, That you might stop and be my honored guest.

To shun a stranger is no great disgrace, But from your own, don't keep such distant space.

If you would come, my honor would increase, The winding stair is there, if you should please.”

The fly replied when she had heard his plea, “Good sir, go find a fool to trap, not me.

A fly will never come within your door, For those who climb your stair are seen no more.”

The spider cried, “Alas! You think me sly? A greater fool than you, I've yet to spy.

I only wished to show you my respect, There was no gain for me that I'd expect.

You've flown so far, from where, God only knows, What harm is there to rest here and repose?

Inside my home are many things to see, Though from outside a humble hut it be.

Fine curtains hang upon the doors so thin, And mirrors line the walls I have within.

For guests, soft beds are ready and prepared, A comfort that is not so widely shared.”

The fly replied, “That all may be quite true, But don't expect that I will visit you.

May God protect me from your beds so soft, For those who sleep there are forever lost.”

The spider thought, “She's clever, I can tell. How can I trap this wretch within my cell?

But flattery can make a hundred schemes succeed, The world is slave to flattery's own creed.”

And so he told the fly, “My dear lady, God has bestowed on you great dignity.

Whoever sees your face is filled with love, A single glance is more than quite enough.

Your eyes are like two diamonds, shining bright, Your head, God crowned with a plume of light.

This grace, this dress, this beauty, and this art! And then your song in flight that steals the heart!”

The fly was softened by this flattering sound, And said, “No cause for fear in you I've found.

To make refusal is a habit I deplore; To break a heart—that's not what I am for.”

She said these words and from her perch took flight; The spider leaped and caught her in his might.

He'd starved for days, a fact he couldn't conceal, And made the little fly his easy meal.