a sudden color dyed her cheek, and then she grew pale.  But she stood to her resolve, and with a foolish conceit of her own skill rushed on her fate.  Minerva forbore no longer nor interposed any further advice.  They proceed to the contest.  Each takes her station and attaches the web to the beam.  Then the slender shuttle is passed in and out among the threads.  The reed with its fine teeth strikes up the woof into its place and compacts the web.  Both work with speed; their skilful hands move rapidly, and the excitement of the contest makes the labor light.  Wool of Tyrian dye is contrasted with that of other colors, shaded off into one another so adroitly that the joining deceives the eye.  Like the bow, whose long arch tinges the heavens, formed by sunbeams reflected from the shower, [Footnote:  This correct description of the rainbow is literally translated from Ovid.] in which, where the colors meet they seem as one, but at a little distance from the point of contact are wholly different.

Minerva wrought on her web the scene of her contest with Neptune.  Twelve of the heavenly powers are represented, Jupiter, with august gravity, sitting in the midst.  Neptune, the ruler of the sea, holds his trident, and appears to have just smitten the earth, from which a horse has leaped forth.  Minerva depicted herself with helmed head, her Aegis covering her breast.  Such was the central circle; and in the four corners were represented incidents illustrating the displeasure of the gods at such presumptuous mortals as had dared to contend with them.  These were meant as warnings to her rival to give up the contest before it was too late.

Arachne filled her web with subjects designedly chosen to exhibit the failings and errors of the gods.  One scene represented Leda caressing the swan, under which form Jupiter had disguised himself; and another, Danae, in the brazen tower in which her father had imprisoned her, but where the god effected his entrance in the form of a golden shower.  Still another depicted Europa deceived by Jupiter under the disguise of a bull.  Encouraged by the tameness of the animal Europa ventured to mount his back, whereupon Jupiter advanced into the sea and swam with her to Crete.  You would have thought it was a real bull, so naturally was it wrought, and so natural the water in which it swam.  She seemed to look with longing eyes back upon the shore she was leaving, and to call to her companions for help.  She appeared to shudder with terror at the sight of the heaving waves, and to draw back her feet from the water.

Arachne filled her canvas with similar subjects, wonderfully well done, but strongly marking her presumption and impiety.  Minerva could not forbear to admire, yet felt indignant at the insult.  She struck the web with her shuttle and rent it in pieces, she then touched the forehead of Arachne and made her feel her guilt and shame.  She could not endure it and went and hanged herself.  Minerva pitied