The proverb so often used in Kent: ‘He who would wish to thrive Must let spiders run alive.’
[1867 Notes & Queries 3rd Ser. XI. 32]
He that would thrive Must let spiders live.
[1903 V. S. Lean Collectanea II. 204]
If you want to live and thrive let the spider run alive.
[1957 H. P. Beck Folklore of Maine iv.]
Related to: superstition
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
