# Quote — Virgil, The Aeneid

> The gates of hell are open night and day;
>
> Smooth the descent, and easy is the way:
>
> But to return, and view the cheerful skies,
>
> In this the task and mighty labor lies.

- Author: [Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md)
- Book: [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md)
- Original (la): Facilis descensus Averno / Noctes atque dies patet atri ianua Ditis; / Sed revocare gradum superasque evadere ad auras, / Hoc opus, hic labor est.
- Source: [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Virgil#Book_VI) ([CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/))
- Quote page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/the-gates-of-hell

## More from this book

> But the trumpet with brazen song rang out afar its fearful call; a shout follows and the sky re-echoes.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/but-the-trumpet.md)

> Chance joins with force to guide the steel.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/chance-joins-with.md)

> Valiant of tongue, though his hand was cold for battle.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/valiant-of-tongue.md)