shall vengeance be unceasing, upon them that solicit not thy power with
sacrifice, and pious deeds, and every acceptable gift."

So spake he, and wise Persephone was glad; and joyously and swiftly she
arose, but the God himself, stealthily looking around her, gave her sweet
pomegranate seed to eat, and this he did that she might not abide for
ever beside revered Demeter of the dark mantle. {204} Then openly did
Aidoneus, the Prince of all, get ready the steeds beneath the golden
chariot, and she climbed up into the golden chariot, and beside her the
strong Slayer of Argos took reins and whip in hand, and drove forth from
the halls, and gladly sped the horses twain. Speedily they devoured the
long way; nor sea, nor rivers, nor grassy glades, nor cliffs, could stay
the rush of the deathless horses; nay, far above them they cleft the deep
air in their course. Before the fragrant temple he drove them, and
checked them where dwelt Demeter of the goodly garland, who, when she
beheld them, rushed forth like a Maenad down a dark mountain woodland.
{205}

[But Persephone on the other side rejoiced to see her mother dear, and
leaped to meet her; but the mother said, "Child, in Hades hast thou eaten
any food? for if thou hast not] then with me and thy father the son of
Cronos, who has dark clouds for his tabernacle, shalt thou ever dwell
honoured among all the Immortals. But if thou hast tasted food, thou
must return again, and beneath the hollows of the earth must dwell in
Hades a third portion of the year; yet two parts of the year thou shalt
abide with me and the other Immortals. When the earth blossoms with all
manner of fragrant flowers, then from beneath the murky gloom shalt thou
come again, a mighty marvel to Gods and to mortal men. Now tell me by
what wile the strong host of many guests deceived thee? . . . "