The Singing Scoutmaster: King Midas and the Golden Touch

Long ago, in the land of Phrygia, there lived a wealthy and powerful ruler named King Midas. His kingdom was prosperous, his treasury filled with gold, and his fields abundant with crops. But for King Midas, it was never enough. He loved gold more than anything in the world, and he dreamed of possessing even greater riches. His thirst for wealth consumed his thoughts, blinding him to the true joys of life.

One day, King Midas's life would change forever. He had done a great service for the god Dionysus, the god of wine and celebration. Pleased with Midas's hospitality and generosity, Dionysus appeared before him and offered to grant him a single wish as a reward. Without a moment's hesitation, Midas spoke. "I wish for everything I touch to turn to gold," he declared, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Dionysus frowned slightly, for he understood the consequences of such a wish. "Are you sure, King Midas?" he asked, his voice gentle but firm. "Gold may be beautiful, but it cannot feed you, nor can it keep you warm at night. Consider carefully." But Midas, blinded by greed, nodded eagerly. "Yes, I am sure! With this power, I shall be the richest man in all the world!"

With a sigh, Dionysus waved his hand, and a soft glow surrounded the king. "Your wish is granted, King Midas. May you find what you seek." Then, with a flash of light, the god disappeared, leaving Midas alone in his palace. For a moment, everything was still. Midas glanced around, unsure if anything had truly changed. But when he reached out to touch a nearby table, his eyes widened in amazement. Before his very eyes, the wood shimmered and transformed into solid gold.

A laugh of pure delight escaped Midas's lips. It had worked! The power was his! He ran through his gardens, touching trees and flowers. Leaves and petals turned to gold at his touch, gleaming in the sunlight. He knelt by a stream and picked up a small stone. It, too, became a golden nugget in his hands. Overjoyed, Midas hurried back to his palace, his fingers brushing against walls and furniture, turning everything into precious metal. His throne, his cups, his plates—everything glittered with the brilliant luster of gold.

But his joy was short-lived. As evening fell, Midas sat down for a grand feast. He reached for a loaf of bread, but the moment his fingers touched it, the bread turned to solid gold. He picked up a juicy grape, but it, too, became a hard, inedible lump of gold. Panic began to set in. He grabbed a piece of meat, only to find it transformed into a lifeless, metallic slab. Hunger gnawed at him, but no matter what he tried, all his food turned to gold before he could taste it.

Distressed and weakened, Midas heard the light footsteps of his beloved daughter as she entered the room. "Father, what is wrong?" she asked softly, her face filled with concern. Without thinking, Midas reached out to embrace her, seeking comfort in her presence. But the instant his hands touched her, a terrible transformation took place. Her soft skin hardened, her warm smile froze, and before Midas's horrified eyes, she became a lifeless golden statue.

Midas cried out in anguish, dropping to his knees beside his daughter's golden form. "No! What have I done?" he wailed, his voice echoing through the empty palace. The glittering gold that once filled him with joy now felt like a heavy chain around his heart. He had turned his own child into a statue, trapped forever in a golden prison. His gift had become a curse, and everything he had loved was slipping away.

Desperate and broken, Midas called out to Dionysus, his voice choked with sorrow. "Please, great god, take this curse from me! I was a fool to wish for such power. Take it away and give me back my daughter!"

Dionysus, hearing the heartfelt plea, took pity on the miserable king. He appeared once more before Midas, his gaze soft with compassion. "You have learned the weight of your greed, King Midas," he said gently. "To undo this curse, go to the river Pactolus and wash your hands in its waters. The golden touch will be washed away, and your daughter shall be restored."

With trembling hands, Midas made his way to the river. He plunged his hands into the cool, clear water, feeling the magic drain away. As he watched, the water shimmered with a golden glow, carrying the cursed touch away. He rushed back to his palace and ran to his daughter's side. Tentatively, he reached out, his fingers brushing against the golden surface of her cheek.

Slowly, the gold melted away, revealing her soft skin beneath. His daughter blinked, taking a breath, and smiled up at him. Midas wept tears of joy, hugging her tightly. She was alive! She was free!

From that day on, King Midas cared little for gold or riches. He had learned what truly mattered in life. He ruled his kingdom with wisdom and kindness, grateful for the love of his daughter and the simple pleasures of life. And whenever he looked at the golden shimmer in the river Pactolus, he remembered the lesson he had learned—that the true treasures of life are love, family, and the joy of being together.