The New Student's Reference Work/Philemon and Baucis

Philemon (fī́ lē′mŭn) and Baucis (ba′sĭs), an old married couple in Phrygia, famed in antiquity for true love and splendid hospitality. Ovid, the Latin poet, tells how once Jupiter and Mercury wandering through Phrygia, both in human form, presented themselves at many a door as weary travelers seeking rest and shelter, and the inhospitable inhabitants would not receive them. At last they came to the small thatched cottage of Philemon and Baucis, and were received most hospitably. Philemon placed a seat and Baucis, bustling and attentive, spread a cloth upon it and begged the visitors to be seated. The fire was kindled and food prepared, and a beechen bowl was filled with warm water that the guests might wash. Wine was served with the food, and while the repast proceeded Philemon and Baucis were astonished that the wine, as fast as poured out, renewed itself in the pitcher. Thus they recognized their divine guests. They immediately fell upon their knees and begged forgiveness for their poor entertainment. Jupiter spoke of the inhospitable treatment that they had received from their neighbors, then led them to a nearby hill where they saw their own humble cottage turned into a magnificent temple while their neighbors were destroyed by a flood which Jupiter caused. Philemon and Baucis, in accordance with their own expressed wish, were made priests and guardians of the temple, where they served many years, and left this life at one and the same hour.