Arachne presumes to challenge Minerva to a trial of skill in needlework—Being defeated, she hangs herself in despair, and is changed into a spider by the goddess.
Pallas, attending to the muse’s song, Approved the just resentment of their wrong, And thus reflects: “While tamely I commend Those who their injured deities defend, My own divinity affronted stands, And calls aloud for justice at my hands;” Then takes the hint, ashamed to lag behind, And on Arachne bends her vengeful mind; One at the loom so excellently skill’d, That to the goddess she refused to yield.