SOME TREE LORE 69 



all closed, for it was late, and the inhospitable in- 

 habitants would not disturb themselves. 



At last a small thatched cottage received them, 

 where Baucis, a pious old dame, and her husband 

 Philemon had grown old together. 



When the two guests crossed the threshold and 

 bowed their heads to pass under the low door, the 

 old man placed a seat, on which Baucis, bustling 

 and attentive, spread a cloth, and begged them to 

 sit down. Then she raked out the coals from the 

 ashes, kindled a fire, and prepared some pot-herbs 

 and bacon for them. A beechen bowl was filled 

 with warm water that their guests might wash. 



Meanwhile, the old woman set the table; one leg 

 was shorter than the rest, but a piece of slate put 

 under it restored the level. When it was steady, 

 she rubbed the table down with sweet-smelling herbs, 

 and then set thereon some of chaste Minerva's 

 olives, some cornel berries preserved in vinegar, 

 and added radishes and cheese, with eggs lightly 

 cooked in the ashes. The meal was served in 

 earthen dishes, with wooden cups, and some wine, 

 not of the oldest, was added. Now while the repast 

 proceeded, the old folks were astonished to see that 

 the wine, as fast as it was poured out, renewed itself 

 of its own accord. Struck with terror, Baucis and 

 Philemon recognised their heavenly guests, and 

 fell on their knees and implored forgiveness for their 

 poor entertainment. But the gods made reply: 

 " This inhospitable village shall pay the penalty of 

 its impiety; you alone shall go free of chastisement. 

 Quit your house and come with us to the top of 

 yonder hill." 



They hastened to obey, and saw the country 



