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 Baucis 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 . The milk-pitcher , I must not forget to say , retained its marvellous quality of being never empty , when it was desirable to have it full . Whenever an honest , good-humored , and free-hearted guest took a draught from this pitcher , he invariably found it the sweetest and most invigorating fluid that ever ran down his throat . But , if a cross and disagreeable curmudgeon happened to sip , he was pretty certain to twist his visage into a hard knot , and pronounce it a pitcher of sour milk ! Thus the old couple lived in their palace a great , great while , and grew older and older , and very old indeed .
At length , however , there came a summer morning when Philemon and Baucis failed XXXXX make their appearance , as on other mornings , with one hospitable smile overspreading both their pleasant faces , to invite the guests of overnight to breakfast .
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