Once it happened that Silenus fell asleep in a wood and was left behind. Some Lydian peasants found the old man and carried him upon a litter of branches to their king, Midas, at whose palace Bacchus later arrived. Finding that Silenus had been hospitably entertained, Bacchus assured Midas that any wish of his should be granted. Midas requested that whatever he touched might turn to gold. The request was granted, but Midas soon found that his wish would prove fatal, for not only water and wine, but fruit and all kinds of food, turned to gold when he touched them. Repenting his folly, he implored Bacchus to recall the gift. Taking pity upon him, Bacchus ordered him to bathe in the river Pactolus, having done which, he was soon relieved. From that time the sands of that river became gold. Dionysus next came to the country of Edoni, free passage through which had been promised him by Lycurgus, its prince. When he encamped in the woods with his train he was suddenly attacked by the treacherous prince. He placed himself under the protection of the sea goddess, Thetis, but he and his retinue were taken prisoners and fettered. The punishment of this misdeed came quickly. Lycurgus was seized by an incurable madness, and thinking his own son was a vine he cut off his hands and feet with an axe. But when he saw the bleeding body lying upon the earth he realized what he had done and released Bacchus. But retribution was not yet complete. The earth bore nothing for his people a whole year long. The Edonians in despair consulted the oracle, which announced that full compensation could be rendered only by the death of the king. He was seized and taken to the mountain of Pangaeus where he was torn to pieces by wild horses. Bacchus next went to Thebes, the city of his birth. The palace was in ashes and his mother had perished in it, struck down by Zeus’ thunderbolts. The gray Cadmus was still living, but no longer ruled the city. Pentheus was its prince and to him came the blind seer Tiresias announcing the approach of Bacchus. He was enraged at the words of the seer and rebuked the Thebans when he saw them arraying themselves to meet him. “Is it possible,” he exclaimed, “that you have forgotten your origin? Your fathers were heroes and you would bow before a boy who smears his tresses with balsams, wears a wreath of vine leaves in place of a helmet, and a purple cloak in place of armor?”