Careful Words

crawling (n.)

I 've lately had two spiders

Crawling upon my startled hopes.

Now though thy friendly hand has brush'd 'em from me,

Yet still they crawl offensive to my eyes:

I would have some kind friend to tread upon 'em.

Colley Cibber (1671-1757): Richard III. (altered). Act iv. Sc. 3.