Book VI - Then thus reply'd the Prophetess Divine

Then thus reply'd the Prophetess Divine:

O Goddess-born! of Great Anchises Line;

The Gates of Hell are open Night and Day;

Smooth the Descent, and easie is the Way:

But, to return, and view the chearful Skies;

In this the Task, and mighty Labour lies.

To few great Jupiter imparts this Grace:

And those of shining Worth, and Heav'nly Race.

Betwixt those Regions, and our upper Light,

Deep Forests, and impenetrable Night

Possess the middle space: Th' Infernal Bounds

Cocytus, with his sable Waves, surrounds.

(v190 - v201)