Some hopes these happy omens did impart, Forth went the mother with a beating heart, Not much in fear, nor fully satisfied; But Iphis follow’d with a larger stride: The whiteness of her skin forsook her face, Her looks imbolden’d with an awful grace; Her features and her strength together grew, And her long hair to curling locks withdrew; Her sparkling eyes with manly vigour shone; Big with her voice, audacious was her tone. The maid becomes a youth. No more delay Your vows, but look, and confidently pay. Their gifts the parents to the temple bear, The votive tables this inscription wear: “Iphis, the man, has to the goddess paid The vows that Iphis offer’d when a maid.”

Now, when the star of day had shown his face, Venus and Juno with their presence grace The nuptial rites, and Hymen, from above, Descending to complete their happy love; The gods of marriage lend their mutual aid, And the fond youth obtains the lovely maid.