Hovey retells the Greek myth of Arachne in vivid verse. Arachne, a mortal girl, claims to be a better weaver than the goddess Athena (or any god, for that matter). Athena challenges Arachne to a weaving contest, which Arachne wins. But the prize is no prize. Arachne's pride in her talent angers Athena. Athena turns Arachne into a spider, so she and her descendants will be weavers forever more.