King Midas helped Silenus and offered him hospitality. So pleased was Dionysus with this behaviour that he offered Midas whatever he wished. The kind asked for everything he touched to be turned into gold. At first, Midas was overjoyed with the gift, but once he realized that every food and drink were transformed to gold on touching his lips, he was horrified. Out of pity, Dionysus told him to wash away his golden touch, which Midas did in the River Pactolus, thereafter famous for the gold dust to be found on its bed.