Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1873-10-23
E 2 J w. fIyK. FISK FISK Bros, Publishers
TOO MUCH GOLD.

tlOuS Story, tO-ulSu III.
Minnie Percy had seated herself, without
help, on her papa's lap. He was sitting in 8
large rocking-cha pretending to be asleep
his hand over his eyes and his elbow resting
upon the arm of the chair. Minnie knew
we'll enough that he was playing "possum,
so she had climbed up and cuIled down for 8
goodnight story. Her father laughed out as
She spoke, and said
"An ambitious story! Pray tell what kind
of Il story is that?"
"Why, don't you member, papa? It's a
story that isn't true"
"You mean fictitious said Mr.. Percy,
much amused
Yes, that's it; something that didn't hap.
pen, you know and the little girl smoothed
her rutfled white apron, put her tiny hands in
the pockets, sat about five seconds, then
asked
"Are you thinking, papa?'
Eyes, yes; let me see,' her papa replied,
rubbing his forehead The fact was he had
50 many stories to tell it kept him busy,
though Minnie liked to hear some of them
over and over.
Didn't hear my little daughter, while
ago, at her play, saying, 8 wish had gold
house, and gold dress, and gold doll, and
everything l had was gold?'"
Minnie smiled.
any happier if everything she had was gold? q
80. no; but it would be so nice" faltered
Minnie.
"Well, think will tell you not only an
ambitious"
Fictitious, papa, remember now,' said
Minnie
Fictitious, yes, that's it-but classical
story, too, you are SO fond of long names" +"
What's classical? ?" asked Minnie.
"Ah! | expected to hear that question,
SO | am ready with the answer. 1t means
the best writer's and the best literature. 1t
used to apply only to the ancient Greeks
Virgil, lying on the table there, are classi-
cal books. l am going to tell you very
old story by one Of those old writers. There
was once a King in Phrygia by the name of
Midas. Phrygia is all inland province of
Asia Minor, a part of it is high table-land,
celebrated for its corn and wine, and fine cat
tie and sheep. King Midas living in such
country was, of course, very rich; but he
was not satisfied; he was fond of show and
power, like most kings, fear; to have these
he must have great deal Of gold; he was
always wishing for more. One time he was
entertaining Silenus, who was pupil OF Bac-
chus Classic lore tells us that Bacchus was
god of wine, that he invented it, and presid-
ed oyer feasts and revelries, and liked moth
ing better than to see his followers drunken
and noisy Silenus must have believed Bac-
chus fully, for it is said he used to decorate
his choriot with festoons of grapes, in honor
of his teacher. Silenus had perfected him
self in many of the magic arts employed in
those days, and he amused the King by per-
forming some of them; in return the King
paid him great honor and attention, which
fiattered him very much. One day he told
the King he had not as yet revealed to him
all his power; that the King might ask for
anything he wished, and he would grant it.
Then, very much excited, Midas said:
6 l wish everything touch might turn to
gold"
"Granted," said Silenus. ''Touch that
tablet turned to gold. "The mat upon
which you are sitting,"-it turned to gold.
Then the King, wild with excitement, walked
about and rested not until he had turned
every object in the room into gold. BY and
by such splendor dazzled and beWildered him.
Let us go out" he said.
He ordered groom to bring round his fav-
orite horse. AS the beautiful white creature
was led up to his master, and he, praising his
excellent qualities, put out his hand to pat the
noble animal-he turned to gold.
" How is this?" cried the King, confused,
staring at the golden statue. 81 would not
have taken his weight in gold three times
over for him.
1.-THE King should not have touche1 the
horse. You have your wish,' Silenus re-
piled, quietly.
Midas became uneasy. They walked around
for some time, but be was careful not to touch
anything he valued; then, returning 10 tue
palace, he said:
1--WE will haye some wine and fruit,
He felt strange and faint. They lay on
their couches, and the King filled wine:cup
Tor Silenus; then taking his own cup, saia
"Ah! no change. The charm is oroken'
and he looked relieved and happy:
1.-The Kings cup was gold, Silenus s"l"