LO, that small office! there th’ incautious guest

Goes blindfold in, and that maintains the rest;

There in his web th’ observant spider lies,

And peers about for fat, intruding flies;

Doubtful at first, he hears the distant hum,

And feels them flutt’ring as they nearer come;

They buzz and blink, and doubtfully they tread

On the strong birdlime of the utmost thread;

But when they’re once entangled by the gin,

With what an eager clasp he draws them in!

Nor shall they ’scape till after long delay,

And all that sweetens life is drawn away.