The sisters, thus inflamed with jealousy, called on their parents in a careless and disdainful manner; and after being kept awake all night by the turbulence of their spirits, made all haste at morning to the rock, whence, by the wonted assistance of the breeze, they descended swiftly to Psyche, and with tears squeezed out by rubbing their eyelids, thus craftily addressed her:—­

“Happy indeed are you, and fortunate in your very ignorance of so heavy a misfortune.  There you sit, without a thought of danger; while we, your sisters, who watch over your interests with the most vigilant care, are in anguish at your lost condition.  For we have learned as truth, and as sharers in your sorrows and misfortunes cannot conceal it from you, that it is an enormous serpent, gliding along in many folds and coils, with a neck swollen with deadly venom, and prodigious gaping jaws, that secretly sleeps with you by night.  Remember the Pythian Oracle.  Besides, a great many of the husbandmen, who hunt all round the country, and ever so many of the neighbors, have observed him returning home from his feeding-place in the evening.  All declare, too, that he will not long continue to pamper you with delicacies, but will presently devour you.  Will you listen to us, who are so anxious for your precious safety, and avoiding death, live with us secure from danger, or die horribly?  But if you are fascinated by your country home, or by the endearments of a serpent, we have at all events done our duty toward you, like affectionate sisters.”

Poor, simple, tender-hearted Psyche was aghast with horror at this dreadful story; and quite bereft of her senses, lost all remembrance of her husband’s admonitions and of her own promises, and hurled herself headlong into the very abyss of calamity.  Trembling, therefore, with pale and livid cheeks and an almost lifeless voice, she faltered out these broken words:—­

“Dearest sisters, you have acted toward me as you ought, and with your usual affectionate care; and indeed, it appears to me that those who gave you this information have not invented a falsehood.  For, in fact, I have never yet beheld my husband’s face, nor do I know at all whence he comes.  I only hear him speak in an undertone by night, and have to bear with a husband of an unknown appearance, and one that has an utter aversion to the light of day.  He may well, therefore, be some monster or other.  Besides, he threatens some shocking misfortune as the consequence of indulging any curiosity to view his features.  So, then, if you are able to give any aid to your sister in this perilous emergency, don’t delay a moment.”

     [One of them replies:—­]