"CRUELTY.

"'Break not the thread the spider
Is labouring to weave.'
I said, nor as I eyed her
Could dream she would deceive.

"Her brow was pure and candid,
Her tender eyes above;
And I, if ever man did,
Fell hopelessly in love.

"For who could deem that cruel
So fair a face might be?
That eyes so like a jewel
Were only paste for me?

"I wove my thread, aspiring
Within her heart to climb;
I wove with zeal untiring
For ever such a time!

"But, ah! that thread was broken
All by her fingers fair,
The vows and prayers I've spoken
Are vanished into air!"


Did Bayly write that ditty or did I? Upon my word, I can hardly