SONG.

While

SAPPHO,

with harmonious Airs,

Her dear PHILENIS charms,

With equal joy the Nymph appears,

Dissolving in her Arms.

II.

Thus to themselves alone they are,

What all Mankind can give;

Alternately the happy Pair

All grant, and all receive.

III.

Like the

Twin-Stars,

so fam'd for Friends,

Who set by Turns and rise;

When

one

THETIS

Lap descends

His Brother mounts the Skies.

IV.

With happier Fate, and kinder Care,

These Nymphs by Turns do reign,

While still the

Falling,

does prepare

The Rising, to sustain.

The Joys of either Sex in Love;

In each of them we read,

Successive each, to each does prove,

Fierce Youth and yielding Maid.

Intrigues of Hermaphrodites and Masculine Females.

The hotter the Climate, the stronger are the Inclinations to Venery. When I was formerly in Italy; there happened a notable Adventure in the Neighbourhood of Rome, between a certain Lady call'd Margureta, one of a noble Family in the Papal Dominions, and a Lady of France, whose Name was Barbarissa: These two Females were in their Statures very near equal to the largest siz'd Male; they had full and rough Faces, large Shoulders, Hands and Feet; and but slender Hips, and small breasts: In short, they resembled Men in all respects, but their Dresses, their Gates and Voices, and indeed they were suspected to be Hermaphrodites. These Ladies, I am inform'd, paid frequent Visits to each other, and 'twas always observ'd, that no Body was admitted to their splendid Entertainments, which heighten'd the Curiosity of a Servant in the Family of Margureta, to attempt a Discovery of their Intrigues, they always locking themselves in, the moment they had dispatch'd their Suppers: In order to this, on a Time, this Servant, call'd Nicolini, with a piercing Instrument of Iron, and the Assistance of an Artificer, ingeniously made a Communication for the Sight into the next Room, by working a small Hole through the Wainscot, opposite to the Bed, in the Chamber wherein the two Masculine Ladies accustom'd to solace themselves. At the next Meeting, Nicolini, to his no small surprise, had a Prospect of the two Females embracing each other, with a succession of Kisses of no short Duration. After this they both drew up their Petticoat, and exposing their Thighs to view, they mutually employ'd their Hands with each other, in the same Manner, and with the same force of Inclination, as a juvenile Gallant would make his Approaches to what he most admires in a beautiful Belinda, at the same Time continuing the closest Salutations; at last one of the Females threw herself down upon the Bed, and displaying her self commodiously, the other immediately begun the amorous Adventure, covering her Companion so effectually, that Nicolini could not possibly discover any farther Particulars: They had not continu'd their Sportings long before Margureta, which officiated now instead of the Man, arose from Barbarissa, and turning towards the Window with her Cloaths up in her Arms, Nicolini immediately discover'd something hang down from her Body of a reddish Colour, and which was very unusual: They both panting, and almost breathless, retir'd from the Bed to a Table, where they sat down and refresh'd themselves with sufficient Quantities of generous Wine. About an Hour after this, they began to renew their Frolicks, and it being Barbarissa's turn to caress, who was not so Masculine as Margureta, to incite the falling down and erection of her Female Member, she turn'd over a large Book, amply stor'd with obscene Portraitures, wherein the amorous Combat was curiously describ'd in the utmost variety of Postures which were ever practic'd, or the Head of a youthful and ingenious Painter could invent; but this not having the Effect expected, Margureta strip'd her self naked, as did likewise Barbarissa, and both dancing about the Room, they gave each other repeated Strokes with their Hands on their white Posteriors; and this likewise failing to move Barbarissa, Margureta open'd a Cabinet, and taking from thence a large Birchen Rod, she flogg'd Barbarissa lustily, her Buttocks seeming to yield to that amorous Discipline; upon this, something appear'd from the Privities of Barbarissa, like unto what Nicolini had observ'd of Margureta, and they instantly put on their loose Gowns, and ran to the Bed, where Barbarissa embracing her Companion, did her Work effectually. After their Sportings were over, that each had return'd the Favours receiv'd, they decently dress'd themselves, and sat them down again to the Table, where, after drinking a Bottle or two of the richest Italian Wines, they kiss'd each other in the most loving manner, and Margureta rang the Bell for Nicolini to light Barbarissa down Stairs, who immediately taking leave of Margureta, was carried in a Chair to her Place of Residence.

This Story sufficiently shews the unnatural Intrigues of some Masculine Females, where by the falling down and largeness of the Clitoris, they have been taken for Men, as mention'd in my Description of Hermaphrodites, and are capable of every Action belonging to a Man, but that of Ejaculation. I next insert an Intrigue between two Females more extraordinary than the former, by reason in this, Art was only employ'd, and in the other there was something of Nature in it, tho' viciously apply'd: I shall introduce it with several Adventures which happen'd in this Cafe before the Scene was accomplish'd, and which I doubt not will be acceptable. In the City of Ferara, 'tis reported, there some time since liv'd two Damsels who were of reputable Descent, and their Education was equal to that of the greatest Quality in the Territories of Italy; the Name of one of them was Theodora, and of the other Amaryllis: Theodora was the Daughter of an eminent Courtier, and in her Person most beautiful; her Shape was form'd according to the nicest Rules of Symetry; her Waste was slender, her Breasts were full and round, and for Whiteness equall'd the falling Snow; her Face was exactly compos'd, the Features strong and yet beautiful; her Cheeks more lively than the Rose and Lilly; her Eyes sparkled beyond the most shining Planets; her Teeth excell'd the best polish'd Ivory; soft as Velvet were her Lips, and redder than Vermillion; her Hand and Arm more white than Milk; her Feet small, and her Gate stately, and on her Shoulders were display'd her auborn Tresses, hanging in Ringlets to her Waste; in short, every Part that was visible invited to hidden Charms; her Looks were languishing, and her Eye-Balls large, which, perpetually rowling, cast a thousand Darts at all Beholders. Amaryllis the Daughter of a wealthy Merchant and no less admir'd for her Beauty than the lovely Theodora; she was made up of Perfections, and whomsoever she saw unguarded, she was sure to captivate: These two Ladies were both of them cross'd in their amorous Inclinations; Theodora, before she was thirteen Years of Age, had made a powerful Conquest over the Affections of a Youth of Gallantry, his Name was Leander, and he was the eldest Son of a Nobleman of Naples; but Theodora's Father having no regard to the Happiness of his Daughter, after Leander had made his Addresses, he forbad him his House, not approving the Circumstances or the Character of the young Gentleman; for the Father of Theodora was a mercenary Courtier, having no regard to any but such as were in their Nature Misers and sanctified Hypocrites, and Leander being a Gentleman inclin'd to Extravagancy. Leander setting a greater value upon his Education, Manners and good Nature than his Fortune, was oblig'd to desist in his Pretensions and to sink under the oppression of Avarice: He determin'd to leave Ferara, since he was there to see his Happiness, no more, however, he resolv'd to send his Fair One, a moving Billet Doux before his Departure, which he did, and it was as follows.

To the GODDESS of Ferara, the Beautiful THEODORA.

Divine Creature,

It is not to be admir'd that I, the meanest of your Servants, should be rejected by your wealthy Parents, and that Heaven should deny me a Happiness which it self only ought to enjoy; Why did Nature make you so Beautiful and Deserving, and me so unworthy of your Affection? My misery increases with your Happiness, unless you participate my Pains; you are in the Bud of your Beauty, which when full blown, will be like the Sun in the midst of the Horizon, Illuminating the whole World, but its penetrating Rays not to be gaz'd upon. You are the Lilly and I am the Thorn; you beautify the rich fertile Vale, whilst I retire to the barren Mountains. I will pass the Alps 'till I approach the most aspiring Mount, and there, in view of Ferara, I will lay me down and bid the World Adieu. When I am gone, remember that you had once a Lover who could sacrifice every thing for our Service, and without you he could enjoy nothing. I have not only concerted my Journey from Ferara, but likewise to the Elysian Groves; if my grizly Ghost should terrify that sordid Wretch your Father, 'tis no more than he deserves, and if my Shade appears to you, look on that unconcern'd which cannot injure you. My last Request to you is to take care of your self, who am

Your despairing Lover,

But Admirer,

LEANDER

Theodora receiv'd this moving Letter with a Concern proportion'd to the melancholly Occasion; she communicated it to an intimate Acquaintance, who likewise express'd the utmost Uneasiness; the thoughts of the Catastrophe of the Loves of Theodora and Leander presented a lively Idea to Theodora's Companion, of the Miseries and Misfortunes attending Mankind. "Hard is the Case (says she) that Leander, one of the finest young Gentlemen of Naples, should be sacrific'd to a mercenary Wretch, a Wretch, that in the midst of plenty is poor and miserable, and who, tho' he has all Things to compleat his Happiness, his avaricious Temper will not permit him to enjoy the common Necessaries of Life: The Pleasures of living he's a Stranger to, he lives despis'd, and will die unpitied: But such is the inequality of Fortune's Favours, that Merit must stoop and Ideots be advanc'd to the highest Pomp and Magnificence. It is entirely out of your Power to give the pitied Leander the least Relief; your Father's House is a Nunnery, he has his Locks and Keys to secure you, and his Spies for Intelligence; but I advise you to send the unfortunate Youth an Answer to his mournful Epistle." Upon this, Theodora immediately call'd for Pen, Ink and Paper, and wrote the following Answer.

To the unfortunate LEANDER.

I am sorry that you had the Misfortune ever to see me, and the more for that in vain I seek your Relief; it is not in my Power to forward either your Happiness or my own, which I confess I should think compleat, if my mercenary Father would consent to my Espousals; but it is so far from this, that I am to see for the future, so that the Lilly you admire now droops its Head, and the whole Vale's enclouded at my sorrowful Fate; I would willingly accompany the Briar to the Mountains. Impute not to me your approaching Calamities, which only increase with Theodora's. Think me no longer handsome, who have so many Imperfections to sully those Trifles you call Beauties; No, range me with Deformity, since other Ideas may increase your Pain. I desire you to forget me, of I am oblig'd to endeavour not to remember you.

Your most disconsolate

Lover,

THEODORA.

Upon receipt of this Letter, Leander quitted Ferara with a Grief inexpressible, but however had Resolution to finish his Journey to the Place of his Nativity without self Violence, but soon after, resign'd a miserable life.

I come now to the Story of Amaryllis. Amaryllis was formerly deeply in Love with a Gentleman of France, (she being originally of that Kingdom) whose Name was Sempronius; his Person was stately and very well proportion'd; his Face was ruddy and inclining to be large; his Eyes full and lively, with Eye-Brows and Beard pretty thick; of a dark brown Colour; and his Skin was clear, his Shoulders were strong and well set, and Limbs rather large than small, but exactly shap'd: He was perfectly good natur'd, complaisant in his Behaviour, and gallant in his Amours, his Dress was easy and genteel, his Approaches sprightly, and his Conversation the most endearing. Amaryllis was extremly fond of Sempronius and Sempronius was fond of Amaryllis, without each other they were equally unhappy; repeated Visits introduc'd each coming Day, and innocent Embraces crown'd the Night: Love and Liberty were their constant Themes, and nothing was wanting but the Marriage Ceremony to compleat their Felicity; but it so fell out, that after a Day was appointed for celebrating their Nuptials, that a young Gentleman of Spain call'd Richardo, envying the Happiness of Sempronius, made several Attempts to disconcert his Measures; and one Night, taking with him an Officer of Justice, whom he brib'd to his Interest, he repair'd to the House of Amaryllis; and knocking with great Violence, Amaryllis was very much alarm'd; but she sent down her Servant to enquire into the Occasion of this uncommon Approach. The Servant no sooner open'd the Door, but Richardo and the Officer of Justice enter'd the House, (beating down the Servant) and immediately ascended the Stairs in pursuit of Sempronius; during this Bustle, Amaryllis suspecting a Design against Sempronius, (Richardo having formerly offer'd his Service to her, and Revenge being the common Consequence of a Disappointment with a Spaniard) lock'd him into a private Closet, which was no sooner done, but Richardo enter'd the Room with his Sword drawn, Amaryllis having but just Time to secure her Lover. Richardo demanded of Amaryllis the gay Sempronius as a Criminal, telling her he had committed a Rape on the Body of the virtuous Maria a Lady celebrated for Beauty, and to whom all Italy could not produce an Equal, the Officer ran about the Room, crying, "Justice, Justice, where is the Villain Sempronius." They search'd the Room very diligently, and not finding Sempronius at last Richardo address'd himself to Amaryllis in these Words: "Madam, I hope you have more Virtue and Honour than to shelter a Criminal, especially where one of your most beautiful Sex is concern'd, and the greatest Innocence has been violated: If you allow your House to to be a Sanctuary for Offenders of this Nature, Justice will require Satisfaction at your Door; you may your self expect the same Injury to your Person, and I am now prepar'd to shew a Resentment that will not be pleasing to Amaryllis, either comply with my Desires in producing the Criminal, or expect to fall my Victim." This Speech very much confounded Amaryllis; the Designs of Richardo she could not easily penetrate, whether against her self or Sempronius the Plot was laid, or whether it extended to both, she could not determine: But at last she summon'd her Courage and her Reason, and with a look of Indignation peculiar to her Sex, she answer'd thus the malicious and designing Richardo: "What Crimes Sempronius has been guilty of, is to me a Secret, but that Richardo deserves the Character now given of Sempronius is very obvious, and needs no Difficulty for me to affirm; your brutal Inclinations are not easily satisfied: When you made your Addresses to me, your Designs were base and dishonourable; you more than once attempted with force to violate my Chastity, and for ought I know you are now come upon the same Errand: What could make you approach me in this hostile manner, but to Ravish Amaryllis, or to Murder Sempronius, under a pretence of Justice? But let the Event be what it will, I'll not deliver up him who is dearer to me than Life, but dare a Villain to his worst." This heroick Speech made by Amaryllis dash'd Richardo for the present; but he being resolv'd to prosecute his Intentions (which indeed were both to Murder Sempronius and ravish Amaryllis, as she had guess'd) he advanc'd nearer to Amaryllis, and took her in his Arms, upon which she cry'd out with violence, whereupon Sempronius, who had heard every thing that had pass'd, open'd the Closet Door, and sallying out Sword in Hand to defend himself and his Mistress, Richardo rush'd from Amaryllis and attack'd Sempronius; they fought sometime without any seeming Advantage on either Side, 'til at length the Officer belonging to Richardo knock'd down Sempronius and Richardo ran him to the Heart, Amaryllis, through the Negligence of the Officer, had an opportunity of escaping to a neighbouring House, where, he acquainted the Inhabitants with the dismal Tragedy; upon this Warrants were issu'd from the next Magistrates for Apprehension of Richard, but took Post for Germany, where secur'd himsef: in a famous Monastery. In great despair and confusion Amaryllis left the Kingdom of France and travell'd into Italy, to to forget this barbarous Treatment of her unfortunate Lover. At first she propos'd to retire to some Country Village, and spend the remainder of her Life in Sighs and Groans, and complaining Sonnets; for this purpose she compos'd the following Lines.

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