SONG.

I.

Since gay

SEMPRONIUS

now is gone, What Comfort yields my Life? I shall Unhappy be alone,

My Breast is fill'd with Strife.

II.

The Sun is set e'er Noon arrived, Sad Glooms around me spread, No flowing Joys the Lad surviv'd,

He's now rang'd with the Dead.

III.

SEMPRONIUS

Dear, where are ye stole? Could I but find thee strait, I'd cut the Thread of Life my Soul

On thy bless'd Shade would wait.

IV.

If to th' infernal Regions, Woe,

SEMPRONIUS is confin'd;

His Ghost I'll trace, persue below

To ease my tortur'd Mind.

V.

I still in vain, alas! prepare In vain I strive to sleep; My Breast is fill'd with deadly Care

I'll lay me down and weep.

VI.

All worldly Joys I bid adieu, All Pleasures I forsake; SEMPRONIUS still I'll sleep with you;

I'll with the Touth awake.

Amaryllis did not long continue her Resolution of going into the Country, fearing an invincible Despair would ensue; and upon advising with a Bosom Friend, she was disuaded from it: Her Intimate thought it might be a Diversion to her Melancholly to repair to some popular City, where a variety of Conversation and airy Entertainments, might, if possible, eraze the Memory of her deceas'd Lover. Accordingly Amaryllis immediately set out for Ferara, where she had been but an inconsiderable Time, before she accidentally fell into the Company of Theodora, whose Disappointment, already related, was little inferior to hers, and both repeating their Stories, they found so near a Resemblance in their Misfortunes, that they resolv'd to live together as Sisters or inseperable Companions, and to use their utmost Artifices for the Relief of each other. I have been led into this seeming Romance, to shew particularly the fatal Disappointments attending these two beautiful Females, which were very extraordinary, especially those of the Latter; and to shew, in a particular manner, how these two Ladies first became acquainted, as an Introduction to what follows. I come now to their Female Intrigues, which were no less uncommon than their Misfortunes.

Theodora and Amaryllis liv'd together some Time, and at last by the constant perusal of airy Books, and a few entertaining Companions, they had in some, measure forgot their unfortunate Lovers, but they resolv'd never for the future to fix their Affections upon any Man living; and living in Luxury, in the prime of their Years, in a hot inciting Climate, they at length were naturally inclin'd to the most abominable Pollution: They provided artificial Penis's of the largest Dimensions, and with Ribbons they fasten'd the Root of the Instrument, in the same Situation as Nature has plac'd the Substance in Man; they frequently embrac'd one another by turns, as Man and woman in the amorous Adventure; and when their Vigour was so much abated, that they were no longer able to struggle, the Female uppermost withdrew, and taking another Instrument in her Hand, she us'd it on her Companion with an Injection of Moisture, which, with the rubbing, occasion'd such a tickling, as to force a discharge of Matter and facilitate the Pleasure. This was their daily Practice for a considerable space, 'till at last a Confident of Theodora's who was sometimes admitted as variety in these Brutal Enjoyments, for a large Sum of Money reveal'd their Intrigues to Philetus, a Youth of a very comly Person, but a little Effeminate, who passionately admir'd the beautiful Theodora, and who had made several Attempts on her in vain.

Philetus being let into the Secret of Theodora's Intrigues, by the Assistance of the Confident, resolv'd to personate a Lady of the first Figure at Rome: In order to this, he furnish'd himself with a very rich and costly Female Habit, and by the Use of Paint, which alter'd his Eye-Brows, Cheeks, Hair, &c. and shaving every Day, he was sufficiently disguis'd; all Things being now concerted with Theodora's Confident, Philetus was admitted to wait upon Theodora and Amaryllis, with a feign'd Message from a Lady of their Acquaintance at Rome, and was entertain'd with the utmost Respect and Grandeur, with occasion'd frequent Visits between Philetus and Theodora, and at length there was such an Intimacy contracted, by the Management of Philetus and the Confident, that Philetus was permitted to be present in their Frolicks, and at last offering his Service to Theodora; she with a great deal of difficulty accepted his Embraces having not the least suspicion of the Design; so that Philetus taking the artificial Penis in his Hand, went to the Window from the Ladies, and pulling up his Petticoats, pretended he had fix'd it round his Waste, and putting the Instrument in a Furbelow of his Gown, he advanc'd to the Bed where Theodora was laid in an airy Manner to receive him; the Sight of the beautiful Theodora, in this captivating Posture, caus'd an immediate Erection with Philetus, and fill'd his Breast with amorous Fire; he approach'd his Charmer with a Lover's' vigour, and Theodora was still a Stranger to the Intrigue, 'till the moment of Ejaculation, which was not usual with the same Instrument in her Embraces with Amaryllis: When this happen'd she was prodigiously surpriz'd, and endeavouring to disengage her self from Philetus, he folded her more closely in his Arms; and in the greatest Transport told her, he was her constant Admirer Philetus: She upbraided him for this perfidious Method of bringing about his Designs; however, upon his telling her, That her strict way of Living made an uncommon Stratagem absolutely necessary, that he hop'd she would excuse what Love had prompted him to, and that notwithstanding what had past, his Designs were honourable; Theodora considering, what had happen'd, and experiencing a material Difference between Art and Nature, agreed, on his humble Request, to Marry him; and a Priest was immediately sent for, who solemniz'd their Nuptials. When the Ceremony was over, Theodora sung this Stanza.

The Shadow I'll no longer try Or use the pleasing Toy A sprightly Youth I can't defy,

The Substance I'll enjoy.

After these Adventures were over, Amaryllis likewise submitted to Matrimony with a Gentleman of Ferara; and they both enjoy'd the greatest Happiness, making no difficulty to forget all Sorrows past. The next Intrigues I shall mention, are of two famous Hermaphrodites, who were more vigorous than common in their Parts, at Urbino. It is not many Years ago (as the Story relates) that there liv'd at Urbino two Hermaphrodites, famous for their Intrigues, and indeed they were arriv'd to that consummate pitch of Impudence, that they were not asham'd to own their Bestiality, they not only frolick'd with each other, but with both Sexes in general; their Names were Diana and Isabella, both of reputable Birth, and well Educated. Diana on a Time being invited to the Nuptials of a certain Nobleman of Urbino, accompanied him to the House of a noted Clergyman, some distance from the Residence of Diana, to be a Witness to the solemnization of the Marriage, and being arriv'd there, every thing was instantly provided for the Ceremony; the Bride was attir'd in the richest Brocade Silks, with the finest Linnen that could be purchas'd; her Neck and Breasts were exposed very low, and heav'd with Desire, filling the Bridegroom with amorous Imaginations, her Hair was adorn'd with the most beautiful and odorous Flowers, which surrounded her heavenly Face, and made it appear like a Rose in its bloom, in a delightful Garden, just ready to be gathered. The Bridegroom was dress'd in Cloth of Gold, and Linnen of Flanders lac'd; on his Head was a flaxen Peruke reaching to his Waste of very great Value, and by his Side a Sword, whose Hilt was set with Diamonds.

The Parson by this time being ready to perform his Office, the Bride and Bridegroom, and Diana were usher'd into a great Hall, hung round with Scripture Paintings, particularly of our Saviour, illustrating his whole Life from his Birth, and being laid in the Manger to the Time of his Crucifixion. When the Service was over, and the wedded Couple had join'd their Hands and Hearts, a splendid Entertainment was provided by the Parson to refresh them after the Fatigue of their Journey, which continuing 'till it was late in the Evening, the Bride and Bridegroom, and Diana had not time for their Return to Urbino, whereupon the Parson, in good Manners, first took Notice of it, and withal offer'd them the Use of his House, which they accepted, considering it would at least be hazardous, if not impossible to reach Urbino that Night.

The Bride and Bridegroom, and all the Company, were as merry as was possible, and after Supper, Directions were given by the Parson for preparing the Beds; but before the usual Time of retiring to Rest, his Brother coming accidentally from Bonona, there arose some Difficulty with the Parson in the disposal of his Guests, he having no more Beds than two at liberty: At last they agreed that Diana should lye with the Parson's Wife, who was a very handsom Woman, and the Parson and his Brother were to pig together, whereby there would be a Bed at the Service of the Bride and Bridegroom. Several Bottles of Champaign and Burgundy, and of fine Italian Wines being drank, the Bride and Bridegroom were put to Bed with a great deal of Solemnity; afterwards Diana and the Parson's Wife were lighted to their Apartment, and he and his Brother repair'd to theirs.

Diana observing the Parson's Wife to be a beautiful Woman, particularly as she undress'd her self, had a very strong Inclination for her usual Sportings; and in order to carry on an Intrigue with safety, she softly bolted the Chamber Door, which being done, they both went to Bed, the Parson's Wife putting out the Candle. They had not been long in Bed before Diana began to kiss the Parson's Wife with Freedom, but she not suspecting any thing farther, and supposing it might proceed more from Wine than any thing else was pretty easy, 'till at last Diana threw her self upon her, and began an Adventure, very displeasing, which surpriz'd her to that degree, that she cried out vehemently.

The Family, which had not been long at rest, alarm'd at this unseasonable Noise, arose; the Parson came to his Wife's Chamber Door, and finding it bolted within, he call'd to her to know the occasion of this Disturbance; she answer'd, "That she had a Man or a Monster in Bed with her, one that was then violating her Person." The Parson supposing this to be a Design to Cuckold him, order'd his Servants to break open the Chamber Door, which being instantly effected, he rescu'd his Wife from the Power of Diana. After this he seiz'd Diana, and upon Examination, finding her to be an Hermaphrodite, having the Members of both Sexes, he order'd his Servants to carry her to the Garret, and tye her hands and Legs together, and then to put her into the Bed of the Maid-Servant. This being done, the Parson went to Bed again, as did likewise his Wife, and the Family was at rest the whole Night; and the Noise, though it was great, did not disturb the Bride and Bridegroom after their Enjoyments of Wine and Love.

The next Morning the Parson arose early, and going to the Bride and Bridegroom, acquainted them with what had happen'd relating to his Wife and Diana, who expressing a very great Concern, and withal protesting, that the Injury was offer'd without the least Design on their Parts, the Parson was reconcil'd to them, but turn'd Diana out of Door with the Indignity she deserv'd. Diana immediately return'd to Urbino, as did likewise the Bride and Bridegroom some Hours after, having first made the Parson a Present of a Purse of Gold for his Service and very great Civility.

It was not long after this, that Isabella walking in the Streets of Urbino, in the close of the Evening, a Foreign Count, of luscious Inclinations passing by her, gave her an amorous Look, and addressing her with a great deal of Complaisance, she seem'd for his Purpose, and indeed she long'd for a pleasing Variety, having met with no uncommon Adventure for a considerable Time.

The Count observing her inclin'd to Pleasure, invited her to his House, which she at first rejected, but after a great deal of Intreaty and Persuasion she condescended, not rightly apprehending the Consequence, with a Gentleman that was a perfect Stranger to her. When they were arriv'd at the House of the Count Isabella was handed through several Rooms of State to an Anti-Chamber, where he was desir'd to sit down, the Count calling for his Servants to prepare a costly Supper; while the Supper was dressing, he kiss'd and dally'd with Isabella, but she was unexpectedly shy, behaving her self with a great deal of gravity; at length the Supper was brought, consisting of Fish, Fowl, Ragooes, Soops, &c. dress'd to the heighth of the Mode; they both eat heartily and drank very freely of noble Wines. After the Supper was over, the Count renew'd his Addresses to Isabella, who seem'd a little more compliable, but would not allow him the Fredom he desir'd, which had the usual Consequences of encreasing his Inclinations: It growing late, he carry'd her, to his Chamber, where after some Time, she, was oblig'd to go to Bed with him.

The Count, after he was in Bed, being inspir'd with Love, began the amorous Adventure with Isabella, before he had thoroughly examin'd the Secrets of Nature; and after a short Space, finding an Uneasiness in his amorous Struggles, he put down his Hand to discover what it was, and feeling something like the Testicles of a Man, he rose from her in the greatest Confusion, and calling to his Servant for a Candle, in his passion he pull'd out a sharp Pen-knife and cut off the external Members of Isabella, highly resenting the Affront, and very much displeas'd with himself, that he should embrace a Monster. Isabella made a hideous Outcry, which disturb'd the whole Neighbourhood, but the Count sending for an experienc'd Surgeon, to prevent the Effusion of too great a Quantity of Blood, it issuing out with great violence, kept her at his House all Night, and sent her the next Morning in a Chair to her Companion.

Isabella was a considerable Time before she recover'd of this great Wound, but at length growing well, and Diana having very much suffer'd by her extravagant Frolicks, they liv'd together as Man and Wife (being now better qualified for it) a considerable Space, 'till on a Time they had a very great Quarrel, which occasion'd a Separation; and Diana reviving her former Diversions, met at last with the same Fate as Isabella, her masculine Instrument being likewise sever'd from her Privities, after which, both of them liv'd to be harmless old Women. These Intrigues being very remarkable, I thought fit to insert them for the Entertainment of the curious Reader; I now proceed to the Nature and Generation of Hermaphrodites.