Baucis et Philemon

Jupiter and Mercury arrive in Phrygia in disguise and are turned away from a thousand homes — until one humble cottage, the home of Baucis and Philemon, takes them in.

The disguised gods stoop into the cottage; old Philemon offers them a couch while busy Baucis revives the fire and the couple set about cooking a humble meal.

While the meal cooks, the couple fill the wait with talk and ready a beechwood basin of warm water and a willow couch dressed for a feast day.

The meal is served, and the wine bowl keeps refilling of its own accord — the terrified couple realise their guests are gods and move to sacrifice their one goose.

The gods reveal themselves and lead the couple up the mountain; a flood drowns the godless region but spares the cottage, which is transformed into a temple.

Asked to name their wish, the couple ask to serve as priests and to die together; in old age they are granted their prayer and turned into intertwining trees.