(ll. 334-346) Now when all-seeing Zeus the loud-thunderer heard this, he sent the Slayer of Argus whose wand is of gold to Erebus, so that having won over Hades with soft words, he might lead forth chaste Persephone to the light from the misty gloom to join the gods, and that her mother might see her with her eyes and cease from her anger.  And Hermes obeyed, and leaving the house of Olympus, straightway sprang down with speed to the hidden places of the earth.  And he found the lord Hades in his house seated upon a couch, and his shy mate with him, much reluctant, because she yearned for her mother.  But she was afar off, brooding on her fell design because of the deeds of the blessed gods.  And the strong Slayer of Argus drew near and said: 

(ll. 347-356) `Dark-haired Hades, ruler over the departed, father Zeus bids me bring noble Persephone forth from Erebus unto the gods, that her mother may see her with her eyes and cease from her dread anger with the immortals; for now she plans an awful deed, to destroy the weakly tribes of earthborn men by keeping seed hidden beneath the earth, and so she makes an end of the honours of the undying gods.  For she keeps fearful anger and does not consort with the gods, but sits aloof in her fragrant temple, dwelling in the rocky hold of Eleusis.’

(ll. 357-359) So he said.  And Aidoneus, ruler over the dead, smiled grimly and obeyed the behest of Zeus the king.  For he straightway urged wise Persephone, saying: 

(ll. 360-369) `Go now, Persephone, to your dark-robed mother, go, and feel kindly in your heart towards me:  be not so exceedingly cast down; for I shall be no unfitting husband for you among the deathless gods, that am own brother to father Zeus.  And while you are here, you shall rule all that lives and moves and shall have the greatest rights among the deathless gods:  those who defraud you and do not appease your power with offerings, reverently performing rites and paying fit gifts, shall be punished for evermore.’

(ll. 370-383) When he said this, wise Persephone was filled with joy and hastily sprang up for gladness.  But he on his part secretly gave her sweet pomegranate seed to eat, taking care for himself that she might not remain continually with grave, dark-robed Demeter.  Then Aidoneus the Ruler of Many openly got ready his deathless horses beneath the golden chariot.  And she mounted on the chariot, and the strong Slayer of Argos took reins and whip in his dear hands and drove forth from the hall, the horses speeding readily.  Swiftly they traversed their long course, and neither the sea nor river-waters nor grassy glens nor mountain-peaks checked the career of the immortal horses, but they clave the deep air above them as they went.  And Hermes brought them to the place where rich-crowned Demeter was staying and checked them before her fragrant temple.