FOREVER: A Legend of Love that Never Dies. Philemon and Baucis were married for many years. Though poor, their love made them rich, and they counted themselves blessed. One day, they offered their humble hospitality to two weary travelers who had been turned away from other, richer houses. During supper, to the hosts' astonishment, their wine bowl miraculously refilled itself, and their only goose, which they would have killed to feed the strangers, flew to them for refuge. Marveling at these events, Baucis and Philemon shyly offered their bed to the visitors, and slept on the floor. Next morning, Zeus and Hermes, King and Messenger of the Gods, cast aside their disguises and revealed themselves in all their glory to the terrified couple. Zeus offered to grant them any wish. They wanted only one thing – to live together all their lives, and to die at the same instant so that neither would suffer the pain of life without the other. Moved by their devotion, Zeus transformed their cottage into a temple, where the couple happily served as his priests till the hour of their death. Still unwilling to part with them, Zeus transformed them into a mighty oak and a graceful linden tree. The two trees grew together as one – their branches and roots lovingly twined around each other. Lovers of all ages can look to Baucis and Philemon for inspiration on special anniversary days. Love is forever. |