"Then the goddess came forward on the plain. She was beautiful, tall, stately. She seemed to be holding something very small in her hand. She opened her hand before the people and commanded a gardener to dig a hole in the earth at her feet. Into this hole she dropped the small something which was in her hand. As soon as the earth was over it, tiny leaves came out. Then it grew instantly into a tree covered with silver-gray leaves. Its trunk grew larger and larger. It seemed to touch the skies It was filled with fruit. She showed them how to extract the oil. She showed them how to use the fruit. "The horse neighed and pawed, and Poseidon laughed at the woman's gift. 'Here is war, glory, and power!' he cried. "'Here is life, peace, and plenty!' said the goddess. "'The city shall be named Athena' came from Jupiter on the mountain top. "And so the city of Athens was named and the people loved Athena for her gift of the olive tree." THE LINDEN AND THE OAK _Greek_ Two grand trees stood on a hill near a lake. One was an oak with wide branches. The other was a linden. "Man and wife," the people called them, and when asked why, said, "Because it is true. Once they could walk around and talk. Now they stand there side by side forever. But you can hear them whisper to each other sometimes." And if asked, "Who were they?" even the little children would say, "Why, Philemon and Baucis." Many children had these names in those days, and knew the story of the two trees well, for there were none like them anywhere else in the land. It was said that these two people who lived in such strange form were once a poor old couple, and their home was a wretched house in the valley. Simple, honest, and quiet, they had little to do with their bustling neighbors. One evening two strangers walked into the village, and stopping at the first house to ask for food, were sent away in a hurry. "We work for a living and have nothing for those who don't. Go away." They were told the same at the next house, and at the next, all down the street. Tired and hungry, they neared the cottage where Philemon and Baucis lived. "I will try here," said the shorter of the two strangers. The other was silent. But before they reached the door, Philemon came to meet them. And Baucis placed the best chairs for them as they entered, first spreading over the chairs pieces of cloth she had woven. "You are hungry," she said, and she went to the fire-place and uncovered the few coals she had saved in the ashes for her morning fire. On these she put sticks and dry bark, and with all her little strength, blew hard on them, and the fire began to burn.