Philemon and Baucis were a devoted couple, long ago, who loved each other with two hearts beating as one. They lived a simple life, away from the rat race, where their small house and modest acre provided everything they could wish for in life: food from the plants, honey from the bees and their love for one another to nourish the soul. In quiet moments the two would lovingly tend to their flowerbeds. Together, they were very happy.
One ordinary day, two ragged beggars happened upon a small home is the woods. Baucis answered the door and welcomed these strange men inside for food and shelter, they gladly accepted as she busied herself to fix a meal for these unexpected guests. Meanwhile her husband set about slaying the goose that faithfully stood guard outside, to provide a square meal for their hungry visitors. But then something peculiar happened; the goose leapt into the lap of the taller stranger, who begged of Philemon that its life might be spared. And so it was, the goose was set free. So, in happy company, the four sat down to a modest meal of bread, herbs, honey and wine; each guzzling heartily until twilight fell, while the goose kept guard outside. That night, Baucis and Philemon slept on the sheltered floor while the two travellers got a good night's sleep in the house's only small bed. The following morning, Baucis rose early and began to clean up from last night's feast. But the honeycomb was still full, the loaf was intact and the crockery had been turned to silver. Confused, she went to awaken her husband, whereupon the two visitors reappeared, dressed in the finest robes that Philemon ever did see. The younger introduced himself as Mercury and, with a mighty clap of thunder, Jupiter, king of gods did likewise. At this, the mortal couple fell to their knees, begging forgiveness for the meagre fare they had been able to serve the previous evening, but Jupiter called Baucis to her feet, thanking her for such kindness and granted Philemon anything that he desired. Although they wanted for nothing in life, Philemon and Baucis did have one wish: "Let us never leave each other, let neither of us outlive our cherished beloved, let our two hearts be as one forever, just as they are at this moment." The gods nodded and were gone, never to be seen again.
---Many years passed---
Now frail and grey, Philemon and Baucis retired to their one small bed that evening, just as it became twilight, much as they had done every night for years. Only tonight they were maybe that much tireder than ever before. They embraced one another and each drifted off to a blissful, deep sleep. The next morning, the house was gone. The goose was gone. Philemon and Baucis were gone. In their place, there now stand two trees, intertwined as if they are embracing one another, still offering shelter to any traveller who comes this way. Forever in a moment, even 2000 years later. And to this day, whenever a rumble of thunder comes, a lightning bolt pierces the air to cherish the common heart that the two trees share. Jupiter has honoured his promise.
