This is always the feeling that people have , when they meet with any one wise enough to comprehend all their good and evil , and to despise not a tittle of it . But Philemon , simple and kind-hearted old man that he was , had not many secrets to disclose . He talked , however , quite garrulously , about the events of his past life , in the whole course of which he had never been a score of miles from this very spot . His wife Baucis and himself had dwelt in the cottage from their youth upward , earning their bread by honest labor , always poor , but still contented . He told what excellent butter and cheese Baucis made , and how nice were the vegetables which he raised in his garden . He said , too , that , because they loved one another so very much , it was the wish of both that death might not separate them , but that they should die , as they had lived , together . As the stranger listened , a smile beamed over his countenance , and made its expression as sweet as it was grand . `` You are a good old man , '' said he to Philemon , `` and you have a good old wife to be your helpmeet . It is fit that your wish be granted . '' And it seemed to Philemon , just then , as if the sunset clouds threw up a bright flash from the west , and kindled a sudden light in the sky . Baucis had now got supper ready , and , coming to the door , began to make apologies for the poor fare which she was forced to set before her guests . `` Had we known you were coming , '' said she , `` my good man and myself would have gone without a morsel , rather than you should lack a better supper . But I took the most part of to-day 's milk to make cheese ; and our last loaf is already half eaten . Ah me ! I never feel the sorrow of being poor , save when a poor traveller knocks at our door . '' `` All will be very well ; do not trouble yourself , my good dame , '' replied the elder stranger , kindly . `` An honest , hearty welcome to a guest works miracles with the fare , and is capable of turning the coarsest food to nectar and ambrosia . '' `` A welcome you shall have , '' cried Baucis , `` and likewise a little honey that we happen to have left , and a bunch of purple grapes besides . '' `` Why , Mother Baucis , it , is a feast ! '' exclaimed Quicksilver , laughing , `` an absolute feast !
and you shall see how bravely I will play my part XXXXX it !
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