“ The gates of hell are open night and day;Smooth the descent, and easy is the way ”
Virgil, Aeneid (19 BC). copy citation
| Author | Virgil |
|---|---|
| Source | Aeneid |
| Topic | hell descent smoothness |
| Date | 19 BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by John Dryden |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/228/228-h/228-h.htm |
Context
“My mother greater, my descent the same."
So pray'd the Trojan prince, and, while he pray'd, His hand upon the holy altar laid. Then thus replied the prophetess divine: "O goddess-born of great Anchises' line, The gates of hell are open night and day; Smooth the descent, and easy is the way: But to return, and view the cheerful skies, In this the task and mighty labor lies. To few great Jupiter imparts this grace, And those of shining worth and heav'nly race. Betwixt those regions and our upper light,” source
So pray'd the Trojan prince, and, while he pray'd, His hand upon the holy altar laid. Then thus replied the prophetess divine: "O goddess-born of great Anchises' line, The gates of hell are open night and day; Smooth the descent, and easy is the way: But to return, and view the cheerful skies, In this the task and mighty labor lies. To few great Jupiter imparts this grace, And those of shining worth and heav'nly race. Betwixt those regions and our upper light,” source
Meaning and analysis
