(01.05 MC) Read the Greek myth *Midas* retold by Thomas Bulfinch and answer the question.
[1) Bacchus, on a certain occasion, found his old schoolmaster and foster-father, Silenus, missing. The old man had been drinking, and in that state 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.
(2) On the eleventh day he brought Silenus back, and restored him in 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
plucked from the branch, become gold in his hand. He took up a stone; it changed to gold. He touched a sod; it did the same. He took up an apple from the tree; would have
thought he had robbed the garden of the Hesperides. His joy knew no bounds, and as soon as he ot home, he ordered the servants to set a spiendid 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, defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed down his throat
like melted gold.
(4] 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 glittering destruction. his
, merciful deity, heard and consented. "Go,"
said he, "to River Pactolus, trace its fountain-head, there plunge yourself and body in, and wash away your fault and its punishment." He did so, and scarce had he touched
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 myth.
Goid is symbol of wealth and authority in many cultures.
People who expect a reward for good deeds are selfish.
Money does not bring as much happiness as friendship.
Wishes are sometimes better when they don't come