Penelope Unraveling Her Work at NightDora Wheeler Keith (American; 1856–1940)1886Silk embroidered wi
Penelope Unraveling Her Work at NightDora Wheeler Keith (American; 1856–1940)1886Silk embroidered with silk threadEmbroidered panel made for Associated Artists (1883–1907)The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkThus she: at once the generous train complies,Nor fraud mistrusts in virtue’s fair disguise.The work she plied; but, studious of delay,By night reversed the labours of the day.While thrice the sun his annual journey made,The conscious lamp the midnight fraud survey’d;Unheard, unseen, three years her arts prevail;The fourth her maid unfolds the amazing tale.We saw, as unperceived we took our stand,The backward labours of her faithless hand.Then urged, she perfects her illustrious toils;A wondrous monument of female wiles!Odyssey, Book II (translated by Alexander Pope) -- source link
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