Orpheus determines to descend to Hades to try to move the infernal powers "with tearful songs and words of honey'd woe." He remembers that he has moved stones and turned the flowing streams.

He proceeds at once to the iron gates and raises his song.

Pluto demands to know "What man is he who with his golden lyre Hath moved the gates that never move, While the dead folk repeat his dirge of love." These words leave no doubt that Orpheus sang.

Even Proserpine, the spouse of Pluto, confesses to her lord that she feels the new stirrings of sympathy.

She desires to hear more of this wondrous song.