willing to meet it in your stead, he
shall die, and you shall live on, more than the mortal length of days.
Such kings deserve long life."

So ended the happy year when Apollo tended sheep.

262

This version of the Midas story is taken from
Bulfinch's _Age of Fable_, which is still one
of the most valuable and interesting handbooks
in its field. One who wishes simply good
versions of the old myths without any of the
apparatus of scholarship will find Bulfinch
excellent. It serves well for younger or
general readers who would be worried by
references or interpretations. Hawthorne's
version of this favorite myth may be found in
his _Wonder-Book_ as "The Golden Touch."

MIDAS

Bacchus, on a certain occasion, found his old schoolmaster and
foster-father, Silenus, missing. The old man had been drinking, and in
that state had wandered away, and was found by 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 of jollity. On the eleventh day he brought Silenus back, and
restored him in safety to his pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered Midas his
choice of whatever reward 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.

Midas went his way, rejoicing in his newly acquired power, which he
hastened to put to the test. He could scarce believe his eyes when he
found that a twig of an oak, which he plucked from the branch, became
gold in his hand. He took up a stone--it changed to gold. He touched a
sod--it did the same. He took an apple from the tree--you would 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 set a
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 lips,
it defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed down his
throat like melted gold.

In consternation at the unprecedented affliction, he strove to divest
himself of his power; he hated the gift he had lately coveted. But all
in vain; starvation seemed to await him. He raised his arms, all shining
with gold, in prayer to Bacchus, begging to be delivered from his
glitte