Baucis and Philemon Welcome the Strangers
A kind heart is a better treasure than any earthly wealth.
Treat others with sincerity, no matter how little you have, for virtue endures and will bring its own rewards.
A generous heart makes even a humble home worthy of blessing.
Hospitality in a Poor House
In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Jupiter and Mercury visit a Phrygian village disguised as travelers. Wealthier households refuse them, but the elderly Baucis and Philemon share their humble food and wine without hesitation. The gods reveal themselves, save the couple from a flood, and grant their wish to serve together and die together. Their cottage becomes a temple. The myth makes hospitality a test of character: generosity is measured by sincerity, not surplus.
Meaning of This Lot
This lot expresses its lesson through Baucis and Philemon Welcome the Strangers. A kind heart is a better treasure than any earthly wealth. Treat others with sincerity, no matter how little you have, for virtue endures and will bring its own rewards.
Its practical counsel is therefore specific: career: Steady work brings gradual progress.; wealth: Moderate gains through prudent choices.; love: Exceptional harmony and lasting devotion are favored.; health: Condition is stable with sensible care.; relationships: Helpful allies and loyal friends appear.; travel: Plans are uncertain; prepare alternatives. The overall judgment is good fortune, so act in proportion to that sign—welcome openings where they are offered, but respect every warning contained in the verses.