1 54 Language Through Nature 



The king was overjoyed. He hurried home 

 and ordered a splendid meal to be set before him. 

 He sat down to eat, thinking that he was the most 

 fortunate man in the world. But his joy quickly 

 turned to sorrow. The dainty food before him 

 became gold at his touch. The bread hardened in 

 his hand. The wine became solid gold at the touch 

 of his lips. The poor king was in despair. 



"Must I starve to death?" he cried. "I cannot 

 eat gold. Oh, that I were rid of this hateful gift ! " 



The one who had bestowed the gift upon him 

 heard his cry and came in pity to him. "Go," said 

 he to the king, ' ' plunge into the river. It will take 

 away this power that is now so hateful to you." 



Midas hastened to the river. In he plunged and 

 found to his great joy that the power of the golden 

 touch had left him. It passed into the waters of 

 the river, and from that day to this the sands along 

 the river banks are as yellow as gold. 



Ever after the sight of gold was hateful to 

 Midas. Forsaking his splendid palace he dwelt in 

 the country and became a lover of the beauties of 

 Nature. 



Tell this story in your own words. 



