Pomona

Pomona gives her attention to the orchard. She trims unruly branches, joins new shoots to bark and waters the roots. She has no wish for love, and fear of rustic violence makes her close the garden and keep men away. Vertumnus loves her, but he approaches in an old woman's guise and argues for his suit through the visitor's story.

The disguised visitor asks Pomona to pity Vertumnus and announces a story known in Cyprus. Iphis, born to a humble family, loves Anaxarete and pleads with her, but she mocks him and refuses even hope. He dies by hanging at her door. His mother carries his body through the city; Anaxarete watches from an upper room. As she sees him on the bier, her body hardens into stone. Vertumnus asks Pomona to set aside her refusal and join the one who loves her.

The argument ends, but its speaker changes. Vertumnus returns to his youthful form and removes the old woman's clothes. He intends to use force, but Pomona is captivated by his appearance and feels a reciprocal wound. The account ends with her answering his desire, not with a wedding scene.