“You are a very rich man, friend Midas. With all this gold you ought to be the happiest man in the world.”
“Yes,” said Midas, “I have done very well; but it has taken almost a lifetime to get this. Now, if I could live a thousand years, I might get rich!”
“Why, haven’t you enough yet?” asked the young man, opening his eyes very wide.
“No,” said Midas.
“Well,” said the stranger, “I should like to know what would satisfy you. Will you be kind enough to tell me?”
The king thought for a time and then said:
“If I could have my way, everything I touch would turn to gold.”
“Are you quite sure this would satisfy you?” asked the young man.
“Sure of it?” cried Midas. “Why shouldn’t it satisfy me?”
“And are you sure you would never be sorry you made such a wish?” said the stranger.