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Then, speaking with great seriousness, he pointed out to her how Venus had shown many a time that she hated hard-hearted maidens; and he told her the sad story of Anaxarete, who had disdained her suitor Iphis, until in despair he hanged himself from her gate-post, whereupon Venus turned the heartless girl into a stone image.

In the road the dwelling stood “Through which the sad procession took its way, “And sound of lamentation struck the ears “Of Anaxareté, whom now the power “Of vengeance follow'd.

Iphis of humble origin beheld “The noble Anaxareté—the blood “Of ancient Teucer: he beheld, and felt “Love burn through all his frame; he struggled long “By reason to o'ercome the flame, in vain.

The cliff of Leucas knew no distinction of sex, and Sappho can be set against Anaxarete.

She is beloved by Vertumnus, who first assumes the form of an old woman; and having told the story of Anaxarete, who was changed into a stone for her cruelty, he reassumes the shape of a youth, and prevails upon the Goddess.