Finally, Eros surrendered to Psyche's passionate pleas and told Zephyr to carry her sisters down the crag. The sisters, beholding the marvels that surrounded Psyche, felt anger rising in their heart, jealousy burned like afire inside them, and – though secretly and to themselves – they began to bewail their own fortunes. “Why should she live here as a Goddess, while I, poor wretch, have a husband older than my father, balder than a pumpkin, and feebler than a child, and who keeps the whole house under lock and key? ” They left to plot evil, and returning, they said to their young sister:

“Psyche, dear sister, we are torn with anguish for your misfortune. He that lies by your side in the night is a huge serpent, a fierce and ugly beast who only has lured you to devour you. You must act quickly to save yourself. Here, take this two-edged blade and hide it in your bed, and when night falls, light a lantern and hew off the serpent's head.”

The sisters departed again. Night fell and trembling, Psyche rose and lit the lamp. But as soon as the light fell on the bed, Psyche beheld the fairest, most beautiful youth, Eros himself. The blade slid from her hand as, trembling, she watched the glorious sight. She took an arrow from Eros' quiver, but her hand shook and the arrow's point pricked her skin. Soon ecstasy filled her heart and she bowed down to kiss him on his lips.