(1) Bacchus, on a certain occasion, found his old schoolmaster and foster-father, Silenus, missing. The old
drinking. and in that state wandered away, and was found ! some peasants, who
carried him to their king, Midas. Midas recognized him, and treated him hospitably, entertaining him for ten days and nights with an unceasing round jollity.
(2)
eleventh day he brought Silenus back, and restored him it safety to his pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered Midas his choice of a reward, whatever he might wish. He asked that whatever he
might touch should be changed into gold. Bacchus consented, though sorry that he had not made a better choice.
(3] Midas went his way, rejoicing in his new-acquired power, which he hastened to put to the test. He could scarce believe his eyes when he found a twig of an oak, which he plucked from the branch,
become gold in his hand. He took up a stone; t changed t gold. He touched a sod; it did the same. He took up an apple from the tree; you vould have thought he had robbed the garden of the
Hesperides. His joy knew no bounds, and as soon as he got home, he ordered the servants to:
splendid repast on the table. Then he found to his dismay that whether he touched bread, it hardened in
his hand; or put a morsel to his lip, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed down his throat like melted gold.
[4] In consternation at the unprecedent
affliction, he strove to divest himself of his power, he hated the gift he lately coveted. But all in vain; starvation seemed to await him. He raised his arms, oll
shining with gold, in prayer to Bacchus, begging to be delivered fr
s glittering destruction. Bacchus, merciful deity, heard and consented. *Go,"
*to River Pactolus, trace ts fountain-head, here
plunge yourself and body in, wash away your fault and its punishment." He did so, and scarce had he touched the waters before the gold-creating power passed into them, and the river sands became
changed into gold, as they remain to this day.
Select possible theme of the yth.
1. Gold is a symbol of wealth and authority in many cultures.
2. People who expect a reward for good deeds are selfish.
3. Money does not bring as much happiness as friendship.
4. Wishes are sometimes better when they don't come true.