The old man and his wife were stirring , betimes , in the morning , and the strangers likewise arose with the sun , and made their preparations to depart . Philemon hospitably entreated them to remain a little longer , until Baucis could milk the cow , and bake a cake upon the hearth , and , perhaps , find them a few fresh eggs , for breakfast . The guests , however , seemed to think it better to accomplish a good part of their journey before the heat of the day should come on . They , therefore , persisted in setting out immediately , but asked Philemon and Baucis to walk forth with them a short distance , and show them the road which they were to take . So they all four issued from the cottage , chatting together like old friends . It was very remarkable indeed , how familiar the old couple insensibly grew with the elder traveller , and how their good and simple spirits melted into his , even as two drops of water would melt into the illimitable ocean . And as for Quicksilver , with his keen , quick , laughing wits , he appeared to discover every little thought that but peeped into their minds , before they suspected it themselves . They sometimes wished , it is true , that he had not been quite so quick-witted , and also that he would fling away his staff , which looked so mysteriously mischievous , with the snakes always writhing about it . But then , again , Quicksilver showed himself so very good-humored , that they would have been rejoiced to keep him in their cottage , staff , snakes , and all , every day , and the whole day long . `` Ah me ! Well-a-day ! '' exclaimed Philemon , when they had walked a little way from their door . `` If our neighbors only knew what a blessed thing it is to show hospitality to strangers , they would tie up all their dogs , and never allow their children to fling another stone . '' `` It is a sin and shame for them to behave so , -- that it is ! '' cried good old Baucis , vehemently . `` And I mean to go this very day , and tell some of then what naughty people they are ! '' `` I fear , '' remarked Quicksilver , slyly smiling , `` that you will find none of them at home . '' The elder traveller 's brow , just then , assumed such a grave , stern , and awful grandeur , yet serene withal , that neither Baucis nor Philemon dared to speak a word . They gazed reverently into his face , as if they had been gazing at the sky . `` When men do not feel towards the humblest stranger as if he were a brother , '' said the traveller , in tones so deep that they sounded like those of an organ , `` they are unworthy to exist on earth , which was created as the abode of a great human brotherhood ! ''
`` And , by the by , my dear old people , '' cried Quicksilver , with the liveliest look XXXXX fun and mischief in his eyes , `` where is this same village that you talk about ?
If So about as at like of that until with