Baucis and Philemon, in Greek mythology, an aged couple of Phrygia. The story runs that Zeus and Hermes were once traveling in disguise through the country. In their weariness they sought rest and refreshment, but were turned from every door until they reached Philemon's cottage. He received the strangers hospitably, while Baucis prepared the very best meal her poverty permitted. When the repast was ended the visitors disclosed their identity. They punished the inhospitable people by sinking the entire country until only a lake was to be seen. Philemon's cottage, however, remained standing, but was changed into a beautiful temple, of which he and his wife were appointed keepers. Then the gods offered to grant any request the old people might make. After consulting together, Baucis and Philemon requested only that they might die, as they had lived, together. The request was granted. They lived to be very old and then were changed at the same moment into two trees standing before the door of the temple.
The Roman Ovid has written a poem entitled Baucis and Philemon of which Dryden has made a translation. Goethe also wrote a poem having the same title. Swift has treated the subject in burlesque style, representing the cottage as changed into a church, of which Philemon becomes parson.
The groaning chair began to crawl, Like a huge snail, along the wall: There stuck aloft in public view, And, with small change, a pulpit grew, A bedstead of the antique mode, Compact of timber many a load, Such as our ancestors did use, Was metamorphosed into pews, Which still their ancient nature keep By lodging folks disposed to sleep.
The names of Baucis and Philemon are of frequent occurrence, in literature and conversation, to designate loving and faithful married people.
