Supper with Gods - 3

Metamorphoses VIII, 681-694 - Ovid: Attoniti novitate pavent manibusque supinis They were baffled by this strange sight, and in distress with hands outstretched concipiunt Baucisque preces timidusque Philemon Baucis and trembling Philemon began to pray et veniam dapibus nullisque paratibus orant. begging indulgence for the modest fare and its lack of elegence. Unicus anser erat, minimae custodia villae: There was a solitary goose, the guardian of the tiny homestead, quem dis hospitibus domini mactare parabant; which the householders made ready to kill in honour of their divine guests. ille celer penna tardos aetate fatigat But swift of wing this bird wore out his chasers, who were showed by age, eluditque diu tandemque est visus ad ipsos confugisse deos. and eluded them for a while, finally appearing to take refuge with the gods themselves. Superi vetuere necare The heavenly ones forbade his killing, 'di' que 'sumus,meritasque luet vicinia poenas impia' dixerunt; saying 'We are gods, and your wicked neighbours will pay a deserved penalty; 'vobis immunibus huius esse mali dabitur; but you will be granted exemption from this disaster. modo vestra relinquite tecta Now leave your home, ac nostros comitate gradus et in ardua montis ite simul!' accompany us and together climb to the top of the mountain!' parent ambo baculisque levati nituntur They both obeyed, and leaning on sticks longo vestigia ponere clivo. struggled to make their way up the long slope.