20 Nature Myths and Stories

nothing would please her so much as to weave
with Athena,

“Tf I fail,’ she said, “I will gladly take the pun-
ishment, but Athena is afraid to weave with me.”

Then the old woman threw aside her cloak and
said, “Athena is here.

“Come, foolish girl, you shall try your skill with
hers.”

Both went quickly to work and for hours their
shuttles flew swiftly in and out.

Athena, as usual, used the sky for her loom and
init she wove a picture too beautiful to describe.

Ifyou wish to know more about it look at the
western sky when the sun is setting.

Arachne’s work, though her colors were in
harmony and her weaving wonderfully fine, was
full of spite and selfishness.

When the work was finished Arachne lifted her
eyes to Athena’s work. Instantly she knew that
she had failed.

Ashamed and miserable she tried to hang herself
in her web.

Athena saw her and said in pity, “No, you shall
not die; live and dothe workfor which you are best
fitted.

“You shall be the mother of a great race which
Shall be called spiders.

“You and your children shall be among the
greatest spinners and weavers on earth.”