Think about someone you love. It could be a family member or friend, maybe even a pet or a teddy bear. When we love someone, it can be hard to be away from them. And in today's story, we'll meet two people who love each other so very much, they find a way to stay together forever. I'm Rebecca Shear and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today our story is called The Tree of Love. Versions of this tale come from ancient Greece. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this tale, including real-life couple Paige Davis and Patrick Page. Broadway and TV star Paige Davis hosted the reality show Trading Spaces. She was most recently seen off Broadway in the hit play Pen Pals. Patrick Page is starring in the roundabout theater company production of Archduke in New York City. You grown-ups can enjoy Patrick in the hit HBO series The Gilded Age, and you kids can enjoy him in our 2022 Circle Round episode, Poor Rich. So Circle Round everyone, for The Tree of Love. In the long ago times of ancient Greece, in a deep valley surrounded by steep hills, there lay a village. One evening, just before dinner time, the village was hit by a storm. The rain poured down in sheets, and the howling wind rattled every window and clattered every roof. The streets were empty. Everyone was huddled inside their houses, taking refuge from the storm. But suddenly, as a streak of lightning lit up the sky, two strangers appeared in the village square. They were tall and gangly, draped in ragged cloaks full of patches and holes. They trudged down the stone path of a big, stately house, then raised their gnarled walking sticks and tapped on the door. Hello? Is anybody home? The door opened a crack, revealing the pinched, scowling face of a woman. What do you want? I was just sitting down for dinner. The strangers smiled. If you please, ma'am, the two of us are weary travelers. We're seeking shelter from the storm. And a bite of food as well. Will you please help us out? The woman rolled her eyes. Will I help you out? Ha ha ha! Are you for real? There's no way I'll help out a pair of beggars. Be gone at once! And with that, she slammed the door. The strangers heaved a sigh, then trudged to the next house. But again... You vagabonds aren't getting any help from me. Now beat it! The same thing happened at the next house. Get lost! And the next... Lies off! And the next... Take a hike! You gutter snipes! Eventually, the strangers reached the outskirts of the village, where the deep valley gave way to the steep hills. Nestled in the hillside was a ramshackle, thatched roof hut. The strangers gave the peeling, splintered door a tap. Hello? Is anybody home? Greetings! How may we help you? Standing at the door where an elderly man and woman, their hair was as white as sugar, their faces were as crinkled as autumn leaves, and their backs were as curved as the hill, rising high above their hut. The strangers flashed the couple a weak grin. We are travelers seeking shelter and food. Will you please help us out? Now you remember what the other villagers did, right? Well, they turned the two men away? Well, these villagers were much more solicitous. Of course we'll help you out. We'll fetch wood for the fire. And bring you something to eat. You're both thin as a reed. Thin as a rake! All skin and bones. The man and woman ushered the strangers inside. The woman grabbed a moth-eaten blanket, and bundled it around their shoulders. The man tottered out to the woodshed, and returned with an armload of branches. He and the woman arranged the kindling in the hearth, then set it ablaze. These branches are the last of our firewood. At our age, it's getting harder and harder to chop down trees. And to wander up and down the hillside in search of fallen wood. But these flames should last us a while. So please... Warm yourselves. The strangers rubbed their hands by the crackling fire, as the man and woman busied themselves by the table. The woman laid out their best cloth, coarse and threadbare from years of use, but washed to a snowy white. The man set down four clay plates, each one more cracked and chipped than the next. Then he and the woman brought out a hunk of cheese, half a loaf of bread, and a jug of wine with four mismatched cups. Gentlemen, dinner is served. Humble though it may be. But you know the old saying. Eat beans for lunch and have no friends at the dinner table. Oh darling, the other saying. When you get burned by porridge, you also blow the yogurt. No, not that one. The other one. Ho ho ho ho ho. In hospitality, the chief thing is the good will. But the other saying's a pretty good too. The strangers laughed and took their seats. Madam, sir, your hospitality and goodwill are very much appreciated. Yet they appear to be rather uncommon around these parts. Uncommon? How so? Well, my friend and I knocked at every door in your village. And all of your neighbors turned us away. They did? That's a shame. After all, everyone knows that Zeus himself, King of the gods, has laid down rules regarding hospitality. We must be kind to those in need. Generous. We mustn't turn them away. So even though the two of us may not have much. Other than each other. Everything we do have. Is yours. The strangers exchanged a glance. Then they turned back to their hosts. Good sir and madam. My friend and I were wondering. Could you please tell us about yourselves? Yes. With whom do we have the pleasure of dining this stormy evening? The man and woman blushed. Well, this wondrous woman here is Baucus. And this magnificent man is Philemon. We met long, long ago. When we were just youngsters. It was love at first sight. And we've been together ever since. Sharing this tiny, thatched roof hut. And enjoying every second. Every minute. Every hour. Every day. Every week. Every month. Every year. Of which we've accumulated quite a few. Indeed we have, dear. I don't tell him how many. Oh no, that's a secret. Just between us. Yes. Baucus and Philemon knew better than to ask the strangers to share their story. According to Zeus's laws of hospitality, it was up to the visitors to offer that information. And only if they so chose. So Baucus and Philemon found other things to chat about as they and their new friends tucked into the bread, cheese and wine. And even though an angry storm was raging outside, the hut was filled with joy and warmth. However, as the night wore on, Baucus and Philemon discovered something strange. Throughout the humble meal, they kept an eye on their visitors' cups. Topping them off with wine whenever they would empty. But get this, no matter how many cups of wine were poured, the jug remained full. Baucus stared at Philemon. Philemon stared at Baucus. And as a shiver coursed down their spines, it became all too clear. There too, haggard visitors were not the poor, weary travelers they claimed to be. Instead, they were someone and something else entirely. Who do you think the visitors truly are? We'll find out their secret identities after a quick break. The reviews are in and super fans like you are loving the Circle Round Club. An exciting opportunity to support public radio and get cool stuff, including ad-free episodes and a personalized birthday message from me. What I like about the Circle Round Club is that Rebecca Shear sends extra messages and it supports the show and there are no ads. Grownups, support public radio and sign up today at wbr.org slash circle round club. I'm Rebecca Shear, welcome back to Circle Round. Today our story is called The Tree of Love. Before the break, two strangers appeared in a valley village on a stormy night. They wandered from door to door, asking for shelter and food. But everyone turned them away, save for an aging couple named Baucus and Philemon. The couple invited the travelers in to their tiny, thatched roof hut. They lit a fire with the last of their firewood, then served a meal with the last of their bread, cheese and wine. But as the evening wore on, Baucus and Philemon discovered that no matter how often they refilled their guests' cups, the wine jug never emptied. It remained as full as ever. And that's when the couple realized they were witnessing a miracle. A miracle that could only come from the magic of immortals. In other words, the gods themselves. Baucus and Philemon locked eyes, then they sprang from the table and fell to their creaky old knees. Oh great, all powerful gods! Apologize for the meagerness of this meal. And the shabbiness of this hut. Can you please forgive us for offering so little? The strangers traded a look. Then, all of a sudden, there was a starburst of light. And who should Baucus and Philemon find looming above them but Zeus, almighty king of the gods? And Hermes, his swift-footed messenger. Baucus, Philemon. Rise and stand before us. The couple staggered to their feet. Zeus and Hermes peered at them with gleaming eyes. What you say is true, mortals. We are great, all powerful gods. I am Zeus. And I am Hermes. However, what you say is also untrue. For you have not offered us so little. On the contrary, you have offered us so much with your kindness, compassion, and generosity. Unlike your neighbors who cruelly turned us away. And though your hospitality may be humble, it outshines the wealth of the richest kings and queens. So please, come with us up the hillside. There's something we'd like to show you. Zeus and Hermes strode out the door. Baucus and Philemon grabbed each other's hands and did the same. The rain had stopped, the night had passed, and the sky was rosy with dawn, as the aging couple followed the gods up the hill. Oh, we're right behind you. How many years until they invent the escalator? After much huffing and puffing, Baucus and Philemon joined Zeus and Hermes on the summit. Once the couple caught their breath, the gods motioned for them to turn around. Just your eyes downward, friends. Look upon the village you once called home. See what has become of it now. Baucus and Philemon squinted down at the valley and could hardly believe what they saw. The village they once called home was gone. In its place was a wide lake, its placid surface sparkling in the brightening light of day. Not a house was to be seen. Save for Baucus and Philemon's tiny thatched roof hut on the hillside. What happened to our neighbor's houses? What happened to our neighbors? The gods' faces grew grim. Zeus brought this storm to your valley as a test. To see if the people remembered my laws of hospitality. And when your neighbors turned us away, Zeus decided to teach them a lesson. As the rain poured down, it began flooding the village. And your neighbors fled, seeking shelter outside the valley. I hope they are greeted with far more hospitality than they gave. Baucus and Philemon gazed down at the lake, then up at the gods. Mighty immortals, we understand why you did what you did. But how is it that our house survived the flood? We can see it on the hillside. Our tiny thatched roof hut still stands. Are you sure about that? Perhaps you should take another look. Baucus and Philemon peered down again. Their tiny ramshackle home was still there. But before their very eyes, it began to change. The hut grew taller and wider. The brown mud walls turned to sparkling white marble. The corner posts transformed into towering columns. And the thatched roof changed to glittering gold. A temple. Our humble hut has become a magnificent temple. A temple to the gods. And you shall be its keepers. When visitors come to worship, you shall tell them your story. But we'd also like to grant you a wish. Anything you desire. Simply name it. And it is yours. Now, if two all-powerful gods offered you a wish, what would it be? Some people might wish for money. Or fame. Some might wish for unlimited pizza and ice cream. Or staying up as late as they want each and every night. But Baucus and Philemon, they had their own wish in mind. They took hold of each other's weathered hands and looked at the gods with a twinkle in their eye. Dear gods, my beloved and I. I and my beloved. What we wish is never to be parted. Never to live alone. When we breathe our last breaths. We wish to breathe them together. At the exact same moment. So that neither of us must mourn the loss of the other. And we never suffer the pain of being apart. The gods shared a look. Then turned to the couple with smiles. Baucus and Philemon, the two of you shall have your wish. And in the meantime, may you live with kindness and compassion. And hospitality. And goodwill. With that, there was a starburst of light. And the gods were gone. Baucus and Philemon relished their new life, taking care of the temple and telling their story to travelers from near and far. With each passing year, the couple's white hair grew whiter, their crinkly faces grew crinklier, and their curved backs grew curvier. And then, one sunny spring day, as they were tending the temple gardens, do you know what happened? Baucus glanced at Philemon and noticed that his head and hands were sprouting leaves. And hers were too. Oh. Philemon noticed that his wife's legs were turning brown and rough, and his were too. Oh. Baucus and Philemon reached out their arms and pulled each other close. And as their toes and feet rooted into the earth, and their legs and torsos turned hard and coarse, they stared into each other's eyes. I love you, Philemon. I love you, Baucus. Forever. The couple shared one last kiss, and then, at the exact same moment, the breath left their bodies, and Baucus and Philemon were gone. In their place stood two trees. Where Baucus had been, there was a linden tree, with fragrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves. And where Philemon was, there was an oak with frowed bark and gnarled branches. But the trees didn't stand apart. Their two trunks were fused together, and their limbs intermingled and intertwined as if they were growing as one. You might have seen such a thing while hiking through a forest. Two different trees that seemed to be growing together, sharing branches, trunks, and roots. It happens when two young saplings grow so close that they actually become joined. Scientists call it inosculation, which in Latin translates as into a kiss. And how very fitting, since it was after Baucus and Philemon's last kiss that the gods fulfilled their promise and allowed the kind, generous couple to stay together in a loving embrace forever. Now it's your turn. You can make your own tree of love. Draw a picture of a tree with plenty of leaves. On each leaf, draw or write something or someone you love. Once the leaves are full, share your picture with a family member or friend. And if you'd like, share it with us. Grown-ups, send a photo of your Circle Round fan and their drawing to circleround at wbur.org. We may feature you in the Circle Round newsletter, The Lion's Roar. If you haven't yet signed up for this monthly email featuring special announcements, sneak previews, behind-the-scenes articles, and yes, photos of your creations, visit wbur.org. This week's episode, The Tree of Love, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Chimolognes. Eric's featured instrument this week was the Keith-Ara. You can learn more about this ancient Greek stringed instrument and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website. Again, that's wbur.org. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories, and you can print them out and color them in. Grown-ups, download all of our coloring pages at wbur.org. Special thanks to this week's actors, Amy Brantano, Joe Hernandez, Erica Rose, Mike Smith, Patrick Page, and Paige Davis. Patrick Page is currently starring in the Roundabout Theatre Company production of Archduke in New York City. You Grown-ups can enjoy Patrick in the hit HBO series The Gilded Age, and you kids can enjoy him in our 2022 episode, Poor Rich. Broadway and TV star Paige Davis hosted the reality show Trading Spaces. She was most recently seen off-Broadway in the hit play, Pen Pels. Love Circle Round and want to support public media during a time when federal funding is hard to come by? I invite you to join the Circle Round Club. To show our thanks, we'll send you a welcome package with exclusive swag, an ad-free feed, bonus bedtime stories, pre-sale tickets to live events, and an invitation to meet me and Eric after each show. You can also add on goodies like our lion stuffy and a personalized birthday message from me. Sign up for the Circle Round Club today and show your love for public media at wbr.org slash circle round. Grown-ups, if you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five-star rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now. It helps other listeners find the show, so we can make the Circle Round Circle even bigger. Circle Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for circling round with us. Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too. My name is Tobias. And my name is Claire. And we live in Coquitlam, B.C. And I don't have a favorite Circle Round because I just love all of them. And my favorite Circle Round story is a rooster in the sky because I love the part when the rooster says, Cock-a-doodle-doo! We love you, Rebecca Scheer! Hello, my name is Frizy. I live in Vermont State. And my favorite Circle Round story is the Blizzard Resort. And I like all of it. I love you, Rebecca Scheer. I live on an island mobile of Vermont. My favorite Circle Round story is the three clever brothers and I like the poet when they find out what's in the treasure chest. Hi, my name is Donna. And I live in Orwell, Connecticut. And my favorite Circle Round story is friends in high places. And my favorite part is when Gira says, What should we do, Rhino? And Rhino says, I've one idea. Run! I'm Wally. And I live at Richmond. And I read the Sodiak 12. My name is Donna. I live in Richmond. My favorite podcast is Long Heron and the Waterfall. My name is Wesley. I'm from Trumbull, Connecticut. My favorite story is The Pot of Cold. I like it because it's super-duper funny. My name is Blythe and I'm from Albuquerque, New Mexico. And my favorite episode is the nine sticks. And my favorite part about it is when Fear Ball figures out which one of them took the ring. Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry. Grownups, you can find all of our Circle Round stories, plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website, wbr.org slash circle round.
