Spider
Ah, Arachne!
Punishment was the fate
you chose in challenging the gods.
Not vengeful is Athena,
no, nor her penalty.
How endless are the pains
the gods may pour on men,
but you, O Arachne,
she gave an honor,
that inevitable punishment
should also be a prize of fame,
that through the endless ages
your work should be acclaimed.
Thus your penalty was softened,
your skill by goddess recognized.
Not vengeful is Athena,
no, nor her penalty.
[ADDED LATER: Corrected the typo 'Ariadne' for Arachne, which I should certainly have caught!]
