It was made of olive-wood , and had something like a little pair of wings near the top . Two snakes , carved in the wood , were represented as twining themselves about the staff , and were so very skilfully executed that old Philemon -LRB- whose eyes , you know , were getting rather dim -RRB- almost thought them alive , and that he could see them wriggling and twisting . `` A curious piece of work , sure enough ! '' said he . `` A staff with wings ! It would be an excellent kind of stick for a little boy to ride astride of ! '' By this time , Philemon and his two guests had reached the cottage-door . `` Friends , '' said the old man , `` sit down and rest yourselves here on this bench . My good wife Baucis has gone to see what you can have for supper . We are poor folks ; but you shall be welcome to whatever we have in the cupboard . '' The younger stranger threw himself carelessly on the bench , letting his staff fall , as he did so . And here happened something rather marvellous , though trifling enough , too . The staff seemed to get up from the ground of its own accord , and , spreading its little pair of wings , it half hopt , half flew , and leaned itself against the wall of the cottage . There it stood quite still , except that the snakes continued to wriggle . But , in my private opinion , old Philemon 's eyesight had been playing him tricks again . Before he could ask any questions , the elder stranger drew his attention from the wonderful staff , by speaking to him . `` Was there not , '' asked the stranger , in a remarkably deep tone of voice , `` a lake , in very ancient times , covering the spot where now stands yonder village ? '' `` Not in my day , friend , '' answered Philemon ; `` and yet I am an old man , as you see . There were always the fields and meadows , just as they are now , and the old trees , and the little stream murmuring through the midst of the valley . My father , nor his father before him , ever saw it otherwise , so far as I know ; and doubtless it will still be the same , when old Philemon shall be gone and forgotten ! ''
`` That is more than can be safely foretold , '' observed the stranger ; and there was something very stern XXXXX his deep voice .
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