По следам древнегреческой мифологии. Арахна

В прекрасной Лидии когда-то проживала
Чудесная ткачиха.  И людей
Своим искусством редким поражала
И не было на свете равных ей.

Арахной её звали.  Из подобных
Туману нитей, ткань она пряла,
Прозрачную и лёгкую, как воздух.
Так в гордой славе жизнь её цвела.

Но как-то раз, Арахне захотелось
С Афиною сразиться в мастерстве.
С богами нужен разум, а не смелость,
Так губит гордость тварей на земле.

Народ об этом знает и поныне,
И не смотря, что пронеслись века,
Арахну победившая богиня,
Взяла и превратила в паука.

С тех пор, по всей земле, в любой отчизне,
Паук-Арахна ловит глупых мух,
Ткёт паутину, как ткала при жизни,
Наказанная за тщеславный дух...

Following the Paths of Ancient Greek Mythology
Arachne

In lovely Lydia, long ago, there lived
A wondrous weaver, gifted beyond all.
The people watched in awe, amazed, believed
No other hands could weave so fine and tall.
Her rare and marvelous art was known afar,
And none could match her skill beneath the stars.

Arachne was the name they gave the maid,
Who spun from threads as delicate as mist.
Her fabrics seemed from morning air were made,
So light that even gentle winds were kissed.
And in her proud and shining fame she grew,
While glory followed everything she knew.

But one day Arachne dared to say aloud
She wished to challenge Pallas in her art.
Against the goddess, standing proud and proud,
She trusted only skill within her heart.
Yet with the gods, not courage wins the fight —
For wisdom guards against a mortal’s pride.

All people know this tale from ancient days,
Although the centuries have passed away.
The goddess, angered by Arachne’s praise,
Transformed her into a spider’s form one day.
The weaver lost her human life and name,
Yet kept her gift, her art remained the same.

Since then, throughout the lands of every nation,
The spider Arachne spins her silken thread.
She weaves her web with patient dedication,
As once she wove the cloth when she was bred.
Condemned forever for her prideful soul,
She traps the foolish flies within her golden role.

                8.07.2005.