_The author, pursuing the deeds of Theseus, relates how he, with his friend Pirithous, were invited by Achelous, the River-God, to stay with him, till his waters were abated. Achelous entertains them with a relation of his own love to Perimele, who was changed into an island by Neptune, at his request. Pirithous, being an Atheist, derides the legend, and denies the power of the Gods to work that miracle. Lelex, another companion of Theseus, to confirm the story of Achelous, relates another metamorphosis, of Baucis and Philemon into trees; of which he was partly an eyewitness._ Thus Achelous ends; his audience hear With admiration, and, admiring, fear The powers of heaven; except Ixion's son, Who laughed at all the gods, believed in none; He shook his impious head, and thus replies,-- These legends are no more than pious lies; You attribute too much to heavenly sway, To think they give us forms, and take away.-- The rest, of better minds, their sense declared Against this doctrine, and with horror heard. Then Lelex rose, an old experienced man, And thus with sober gravity began;-- Heaven's power is infinite; earth, air, and sea, The manufacture mass, the making power obey. By proof to clear your doubt;--In Phrygian ground Two neighbouring trees, with walls encompassed round, Stand on a moderate rise, with wonder shown, One a hard oak, a softer linden one; I saw the place and them, by Pittheus sent To Phrygian realms, my grandsire's government. Not far from thence is seen a lake, the haunt Of coots, and of the fishing cormorant. Here Jove with Hermes came; but in disguise Of mortal men concealed their deities; One laid aside his thunder, one his rod, And many toilsome steps together trod; For harbour at a thousand doors they knocked, Not one of all the thousand but was locked; At last an hospitable house they found, } A homely shed; the roof, not far from ground, } Was thatched with reeds and straw together bound. } There Baucis and Philemon lived, and there Had lived long married, and a happy pair; Now old in love; though little was their store, } Inured to want, their poverty they bore, } Nor aimed at wealth, professing to be poor. } For master or for servant here to call, Was all alike, where only two were all. Command was none, where equal love was paid, Or rather both commanded, both obeyed. From lofty roofs the gods repulsed before, Now stooping, entered through the little door; The man their hearty welcome first expressed, } A common settle[25] drew for either guest, } Inviting each his weary limbs to rest. } But, ere they sat, officious Baucis lays Two cushions stuffed with straw, the seat to raise;