When he reaches the upper ledge, Virgil bargains with him to carry them down, while Dante converses with neighboring sorrowful souls, who are perched on the top of the cliff and hide their faces in their hands.

All these spirits wear purses around their necks, because as usurers while on earth they lived on ill-gotten gains.

Not daring to keep his guide waiting, Dante leaves these sinners, and hurries back just as Virgil is taking his seat on the monster's back.

Grasping the hand stretched out to him, Dante then timorously mounts beside his guide.
"As one, who hath an ague fit so near, His nails already are turn'd blue, and he Quivers all o'er, if he but eye the shade; Such was my cheer at hearing of his words.
But shame soon interposed her threat, who makes The servant bold in presence of his lord.
I settled me upon those shoulders huge, And would have said, but that the words to aid My purpose came not, 'Look thou clasp me firm.'" Then, bidding Dante hold fast so as not to fall, Virgil gives the signal for departure.

Wheeling slowly, Geryon flies downward, moderating his speed so as not to unseat his passengers.