Then, the son of Jupiter said calmly, “Tell me, loyal man and wife, worthy of good things, what you hope for.” Jupiter, after talking with Baucis about a few things, Philemon explained their decision to the gods: “We ask to be priests and to protect you temple. Also, because we live happily together, ask that the same hour may take away us both, so that I may not see the death of my spouse, nor she have to bury me.” The gods quickly fulfilled the wishes: they became the defense of the temple. Long life together, with long years and age, was given to them before the sacred steps. Baucis saw that Philemon was sprouting leaves and Philemon saw the same of older Baucis. Above their mutual expressions, as they were changing, while they still had the time, said to each other, “Goodbye, oh spouse.” Then, together, leaves concealed their mouths at the same time.
A Bithynian dweller noticed the closeness of the new, twin trees. The wise people told me, truthfully (why would they want to lie to me?), that I saw fresh garlands hanging above the branches. I said, “Those taken care of by the gods are too gods and those who took care of the gods are taken care of.”
Lelex finished the story, and everyone was moved, especially Theseus. He wanted miraculous things to be done by the gods, so he, the Calydonian river god, leaning over, spoke about this, “There are those who were changed and renewed by this story. There are those whose duty is to change into many forms. Such as you, Proteus, a resident of the sea, now claims the land. And for all those who border on youth, see the violent lion, which you were fearing. You were a snake, but these horns make you a bull. You are able to be seen as a tree, or able to imitate the movement of water, from a river to waves, contrary to fire.”