Spider In the Palace

Though I have no mite, I have better manors than gentlemen. In areas seldom used in the palace, I have spun my web well; High above the royal throne And high above your chamber door, I have seen your weakness, O King. I have seen your skirt uncovered. I have heard your plans of battle. Yet, these things I can not speak; However, I frighten all your servants, But I have no backbone, And my venomous bite can't harm them. So, I intercede for men As I prey for nuisances to humans; My ribbons of sticky thread Entangle, snare and secure them Until my web is swept away; Your people lean upon my house fast. They cling to it, but it does not hold. Is is not enough to cover them. How useless my nest is for garments! But hanging on by a thin string From a death threat in the palace, I will go the way of all the earth. Though I occupy more than most men, From dust to dust with no mite On a dragline I will expire; Yet, no harm is taken For my eggs are already lain Safely above your throne In a cocoon of silk.