Waving o'er Asia's utmost Citadels,
Guarded by myriads invincible.
Or if the toil of war grows wearisome,
I can buy Empires:--India shall be mine,
Its blooming beauties, gold-encrusted baths,
Its aromatic groves and palaces,
All will be mine! Oh, Midas, ass-eared king!
I love thee more than any words can tell,
That thus thy touch, thou man akin to Gods,
Can change all earth to heaven,--Olympian gold!
For what makes heaven different from earth!
Look how my courtiers come! Magnificent!
None shall dare wait on me but those who bear
An empire on their backs in sheets of gold.
Oh, what a slave I was! my flocks & kine,
My vineyards & my corn were all my wealth
And men esteemed me rich; but now Great Jove
Transcends me but by lightning, and who knows
If my gold win not the Cyclopean Powers,
And Vulcan, who must hate his father's rule,
To forge me bolts?--and then--but hush! they come. [54]
_Enter Zopyrion, Asphalion, & Lacon._
_Lac._ Pardon us, mighty king--
_Mid._ What would ye, slaves?
Oh! I could buy you all with one slight touch
Of my gold-making hand!
_Asph._ Royal Midas,
We humbly would petition for relief.
_Mid._ Relief I Bring me your copper coin, your brass,
Or what ye will--ye'll speedily be rich.
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