PHILEMON AND BAUCIS.
N a high hill in Greece, long ago, lived Philemon and Baucis. They had always been poor but never unhappy.
At the time of this story the people in the valley below them were very busy.
Zeus, their king, had sent word that he was about to visit them.
Hermes, his messenger, was to come with him.
The people were getting ready great feasts, and making everything beautiful for their coming. For miles out of the city, men were watching for the golden chariot and white horses of the king.
One night, just at dark, two beggars came into the valley.
They stopped at every house and asked for food and a place to sleep.