Once upon a time there lived in the ancient land of Phrygia a king named Midas.

He cared for nothing else except his riches and his little daughter Marygold.

He loved gold for itself and not for the good which he could do with it. Although he had much gold, he wanted still more.

Midas however was a kind man who welcomed tired travelers to his palace. No stranger was ever sent away. Midas gave travelers food and a place in which they were able to rest. His greatest joy was to go to his treasure place and to look at the gold and chests of jewels.

One day, while he was in the treasure place, he looked up and saw a stranger.

Astonished, he saw that the stranger was the god Bacchus. Bacchus thanked Midas because he had been kind to a weary stranger, Bacchus' foster father.

"For your kindness," said Bacchus, "I will grant you any wish." "Gold!" cried Midas. "I want more gold than anyone ever had."

Bacchus looked at Midas and said, "Your wish shall be granted. Whatever you touch will become gold." Midas ran out into his garden. He touched a branch of a tree which became golden. He touched the roses in his garden which became golden. He picked an apple which was changed into gold in his hands. He ran into his palace and sat on his throne which he changed into gold.

He took a book from the table, which at his touch became a bundle of thin, golden leaves. How excited Midas was! Midas walked into the dining room where his little daughter Marygold was. Everything he wore, not even excluding his sandals, had been changed into shining gold.

He broke a piece of bread which, when raised to his lips, was changed into gold.

Suddenly afraid, he selected a sweet grape which was immediately changed into gold. Midas looked terrified. Of what use was all this gold? He could not eat gold.

Marygold, who was watching all this, ran to her father. Midas bent down, wishing to kiss her. Quaking with fear, he saw that his beloved daughter had been changed into a cold, golden statue. Then Midas fell on his knees and prayed to Bacchus. He no longer wanted his horrible gift. Bacchus came and said to Midas, "Wash yourself in the nearby river and pour water over Marygold."

Seizing a golden pitcher, Midas ran and plunged into the river. His stiff, golden garments became soft and white. However, the river sands which he passed over became golden and remained so forever. He ran back to the palace and poured water from the pitcher upon Marygold.

While the former watched joyfully, the latter's color returned and she grew soft and warm. She ran to her father whom she embraced. She did not remember what had happened to her. The servants brought more food and Midas and Marygold finished their dinner. Then they went out into the garden. Midas poured water on the golden roses which were changed into real roses. Midas was a changed man. He gave much of his wealth away to the poor.

Afterwards he and Marygold lived in the country, where men were judged by their goodness and not by their wealth.

The End...                        -Top-