"Grant, O Zeus, that one of us may not outlive the other," they cried in
one voice.

"Your wish is granted," said Zeus; "yes, and more. Return to your home
and be happy."

[Illustration: Philemon and Baucis walking home]

Philemon and Baucis turned homeward, and, lo! their hut was changed to a
beautiful castle.

The old people turned around to thank their guests, but they had
disappeared.

In this castle Philemon and Baucis lived many years. They still did all
they could for others, and were always so happy that they never thought
of wishing anything for themselves.

As the years passed, the couple grew very old and feeble. One day Baucis
said to Philemon, "I wish we might never die, but could always live
together."

"Ah, that is my wish, too!" sighed old Philemon.

The next morning the marble palace was gone; Baucis and Philemon were
gone; but there on the hilltop stood two beautiful trees, an oak and a
linden.

No one knew what became of the good people. After many years, however, a
traveler lying under the trees heard them whispering to each other.