Book VI, 285

Nicarete, who formerly was in the service of Athene’s shuttle, and stretched out many a warp on the loom, made in honour of Cypris a bonfire in front of her house of her work-basket and bobbins and her other gear, crying, “Away with ye, starving work of wretched women, that have power to waste away the bloom of youth.” Instead the girl chose garlands and the lyre, and a gay life spent in revel and festivity. “Cypris,” she said, “I will pay thee tithe of all my gains. Give me work and take from it thy due.”