Summary

The chapter begins with Calliope visiting her son as he plays his lyre for the animals of the forest. When she approaches, the animals are frightened away. Calliope tells Orpheus that she left Dream when she learned that he did not help him get his wife back from the underworld. She said Dream could have done it because Hades respects or fears Dream. Orpheus is devastated by the double loss of his wife and wants to be alone. Before leaving, his mother warns him to leave because the crazy, flesh-eating witches are coming to the area. He says he is not afraid and stays. As she is leaving he begins to hear the wild cries of the Bacchante.

The naked, screaming, chanting tribe of witches arrives. They invite Orpheus to have sex with them and eat raw flesh. He tells...