To Pallas the celestial maid
A virtuous nymph devoutly pray'd
For all those gifts that could refine
And make a virgin more divine;
The smiling goddess thus replied,
Mortal, your suit is not deny'd;
I give you an industrious hand
The skillful needle to command.

The tender grass, the blooming trees,
The crystal streams, the briny seas,
Fragrant flowers, groves and plains,
And all the spacious world contains
Shall in soft shades be wrought by you,
And kept for everlasting view.

This art alone will crown your pains
With constant praises, certain gains,
While you, secure from sloth and pride,
Herein have all that you can wish beside.