Baucis and Philemon

* * *

They stepped wearily on the muddy path, the taller man leaning heavily on his staff. They had been searching all night in the rain for someone to take them in. It was the custom set up by the Gods that all people must allow any man to be generously relieved of travel if the traveler so desired. No man, woman, nor child this night had abided by this law, and the elder wayfarers were on the verge of collapse.

In almost complete despair, the travelers knocked upon the lopsided wooden door of a small meek house. The shuffling behind the door told them someone was coming, and soon the visitors were bathed in amicable light from the hearth, and the smell of sweet herbs filled their senses pleasantly.

"We are weary," the taller man spoke in a deep, precise voice from beneath his hood. "We need a place of rest."

Without hesitation the man greeted them warmly into his home.

"We haven't many riches," the gentle man told the guests. "But we will give you all we have. Please! make yourself at home." He quickly cushioned seats for the strangers, and turned toward the hearth where an older woman sat tending the fire.

"This is my wife, Baucis," he indicated. "And I am Philemon. Though we are elderly and humble we will serve you with joviality and juvenility in our bones. I will wash your mud-stained feet. Will you not allow us to dry your sodden cloaks by the fire?"

Though the guests refused to remove their cloaks, Philemon bathed their feet in clean water. Soon the table was laden with a poor man's feast and wine.

While Baucis was recounting her first meeting with Philemon when they were very young, the pious man was surprised to see the wine completely full as he refilled the guests' cups. Almost instantly were the couple on their knees praising and apologising for their poor comforts. They knew that these men must be Gods.

The men removed their cloaks and stood shining with intimidating light as the couple offered their goose as a sacrifice to Jupiter and Mercury.

In an alarmingly radiating and pleasant voice, Mercury told them they need not sacrifice the goose. "There is mercy for such kindness you have shown this night," he said. "Take nothing with you and hasten to climb that hill there. Do not look back until you have reached the top."

Baucis and Philemon wasted no time and were soon climbing the hill as fast as they could. Once at the top they looked back, but all that had been there was swallowed by massive waves.

Jupiter and Mercury reappeared, and the elderly couple was on its knees again.

"What wish is it that you would have acknowledged?" Jupiter inquired.

Without the need for discussion, Philemon said to them, "We wish to remain the rest of our lives together serving You. And, when the time has come, we wish to die together. Not a moment after Baucis do I want to die."

"And, please," pleaded Baucis, "do not give me such a moment as having to see Philemon part from this world."

Jupiter nodded, "I understand; your wish has been received." He then crafted a temple atop the hill that no man could have. A white stone roof and marble columns were drawn from the eyes of the God. The large doors were also white, but shown like gold over the clear water as if there was another sun. The walls had carvings of the Gods more beautiful than any eyes had ever seen. It all stood on a platform so pure it looked as if it had been water, and it shone so bright in the sun and beneath the doors that it sparkled more magnificently than snow.

With a slight sweep of the hand, Jupiter created a low wall surrounding the temple, so white and pure that only those who truly desired to worship could enter.

"May you live peacefully in happiness to the end of days," said Mercury. And, with that, the Gods disappeared.

Even on the very last day Baucis and Philemon were faithful and loyal to each other and the Gods they worshipped in their temple atop the hill. On their final day they had been embraced while looking upon the sparkling blue water covering the former village. As minutes passed, they were changing-branches and leaves were sprouting from the top of their heads and they became rooted to the spot. After all was done, they became Linen and Oak intertwined forever.