SKILL. 
SFIDEE-ORPHRYS. 
According to ancient fable Arachne was very skilful in spin¬ 
ning and weaving, and dared to defy Minerva in the exercise of 
those arts. The offended goddess changed the imprudent 
Arachne into a spider, which, according to Guillim, is free of 
the Weavers’ Company. The spider-orphrys closely resembles 
the insect which, under a hideous form, still retains its skill and 
address. 
He plucks the pearls that stud the deep, 
Admiring beauty’s lap to fill; 
He breaks the stubborn marble’s sleep, 
And mocks his own Creator’s skill. 
Sprague. 
