Once there was a king called Midas. He was very rich. Rich people are never satisfied. They want more and more. The more they have, the more they want. The king was not satisfied. He thought, if he had the golden touch, he would be the happiest man. A wise god granted his wish promptly. That afternoon Midas was sitting near an apple tree in the palace orchard. A ripe apple fell from the tree in his front. He picked it up. It became gold. Midas realized that he had been gifted with the golden touch. He was overwhelmed with joy. He entered the palace with an ecstasy of joy.
His little daughter, Marigold, came running to her father. Midas took her up in his arms with an intensity of glee. But alas! There was a statue of gold in his, lap. The princess became all gold. The king was at his wit’s end. A terrible shock rent his heart. The princess was no more than Marigold. Now he needed Marigold and not gold. He was shedding bitter tears. He realized his mistake and tried to rectify himself. Suddenly his face beamed up. He remembered the wise god. He prayed to him to take away the golden touch. The wise god heard the king’s prayer and lifted from him the golden touch. Midas felt profoundly grateful. He took the princess again into his lap. She became Marigold, Midas joys then knew no bounds. He grew wiser and gave up his greed.
Midas hugged his daughter in full happiness and decided to share his great fortune with his people. From now on, Midas became a better person, generous and grateful for all goods of his life. His people led a prosperous life and when he died, they all mourned for their beloved king.
