There needed but little change , for they were already a scaly set of rascals , and the coldest-blooded beings in existence . So , kind Mother Baucis , whenever you or your husband have an appetite for a dish of broiled trout , he can throw in a line , and pull out half a dozen of your old neighbors ! '' `` Ah , '' cried Baucis , shuddering , `` I would not , for the world , put one of them on the gridiron ! '' `` No , '' added Philemon , making a wry face , `` we could never relish them ! '' `` As for you , good Philemon , '' continued the elder traveller , -- `` and you , kind Baucis , -- you , with your scanty means , have mingled so much heartfelt hospitality with your entertainment of the homeless stranger , that the milk became an inexhaustible fount of nectar , and the brown loaf and the honey were ambrosia . Thus , the divinities have feasted , at your board , off the same viands that supply their banquets on Olympus . You have done well , my dear old friends . Wherefore , request whatever favor you have most at heart , and it is granted . '' Philemon and Baucis looked at one another , and then , -- I know not which of the two it was who spoke , but that one uttered the desire of both their hearts . `` Let us live together , while we live , and leave the world at the same instant , when we die ! For we have always loved one another ! '' `` Be it so ! '' replied the stranger , with majestic kindness . `` Now , look towards your cottage ! '' They did so . But what was their surprise , on beholding a tall edifice of white marble , with a wide-open portal , occupying the spot where their humble residence had so lately stood ! `` There is your home , '' said the stranger , beneficently smiling on them both . `` Exercise your hospitality in yonder palace , as freely as in the poor hovel to which you welcomed us last evening . '' The old folks fell on their knees to thank him ; but , behold ! neither he nor Quicksilver was there .
So Philemon and XXXXX took up their residence in the marble palace , and spent their time , with vast satisfaction to themselves , in making everybody jolly and comfortable who happened to pass that way .
Baucis Olympus Philemon ambrosia appetite edifice fount gridiron knees viands