There once lived a king named Midas who was very rich. He loved two things above all else: his little daughter and gold. The king had many rooms full of gold, but he wasn't satisfied. He wanted to get even more gold.
One day when the king was taking a walk in his garden, an unknown visitor came to him. He told the king that he could wish for anything the king wanted. At first the king did not believe the stranger, but finally he was convinced (信服的) . "I wish to have more gold," the king said." "Very well," answered the stranger. "You shall have your wish. From tomorrow, everything you touch will turn to gold."
The next morning the king got out of bed early. He wanted to see if his wish had been given. First, he touched a chair, then a flower, then a table. Everything he touched turned to gold! The king was very happy. Then he sat down to eat breakfast. But as soon as he touched his food, it turned gold. The king began to worry. What would happen if he couldn't eat anything? Just then his daughter came into the dining room. She ran to her father. But as he touched her, she turned to gold.
The king was sad and worried. He went out to the garden. As he was walking, he saw the stranger again. The king asked him to take back the wish. "I don't want any more gold," he cried. The stranger warned the king to be sure this time. Then he agreed to take back the wish. From that day on, the king was a wiser and happier man, even though he had less gold.
