Arachne[261] stains Assyrian ivory.40

To these, or some of these, like was her colour:

By chance her beauty never shinèd fuller.

She viewed the earth; the earth to view, beseemed her.

She lookèd sad; sad, comely I esteemed her.

Even kembèd as they were, her locks to rend,

And scratch her fair soft cheeks I did intend.

Seeing her face, mine upreared arms descended,

With her own armour was my wench defended.

I, that erewhile was fierce, now humbly sue,