Baucis and Philemon

People into Trees

 

The gods reward Baucis and Philemon – a poor, elderly couple – for their piety. The pair prays that neither has to watch the other die. To grant the wish, the gods perform a metamorphosis.

 

Baucis beheld Philemon shoot in leaves,

And leaves Philemon saw from Baucis sprout;

And from their heads o'er either's face they grew.

Still while they could with mutual words they spoke;

At once exclaim'd,—O, dearest spouse, farewell!—

At once the bark, their lips thus speaking, clos'd.

Ev'n yet a Tyanæan shews two trees

Of neighbouring growth, form'd from the alter'd pair.

Nor dotard credulous, nor lying tongue

The fact to me related. On the boughs

Myself have seen the votive garlands hung;

And whilst I offered fresher, have I said—

Heaven guards the good with care; and those who give

The gods due honors, honors claim themselves.