The disguised Vertumnus cautions his mistress from the indulgence of an unfeeling disregard to the sufferings of her lover by the example of Anaxarete, who is converted into a statue as a punishment for her pride—The god then resumes his natural shape, and Pomona renounces her prepossessions in favour of a single life.
“Iphis, of vulgar birth, by chance had view’d Fair Anaxarete of Teucer’s blood. Not long had he beheld the royal dame Ere the bright sparkle kindled into flame. Oft did he struggle with a just despair, Unfix’d to ask, unable to forbear. But love, who flatters still his own disease, Hopes all things will succeed he knows will please Where’er the fair one haunts, he hovers there, And seeks her confidant with sighs, and prayer; Or letters he conveys, that seldom prove Successless messengers in suits of love.