Pallas Unwed by Alciato

Virgins must be protected

This is a true picture of unwed Pallas:
here is her dragon, standing before the feet of its mistress.
Why is this animal companion to the Goddess?
The protection of things was given to it.
Thus it cares for sacred groves and temples.
It must watch unwed maidens with especially vigilant care:
Love sets his traps everywhere.

Andrea Alciato, 1531. Book of Emblems, Emblem 22.