A Book of Myths, by Jean Lang - Umnet

This is the story of Midas, one of the chief tragic comedians of
mythology.
Once upon a time the kingdom of Phrygia lacked a king, and in much
perplexity, the people sought help from an oracle. The answer was very
definite:
"The first man who enters your city riding in a car shall be your king."
That day there came slowly jogging into the city in their heavy,
wooden-wheeled wain, the peasant Gordias and his wife and son,
whose destination was the marketplace, and whose business was to sell
the produce of their little farm and vineyard--fowls, a goat or two, and a
couple of skinsful of strong, purple-red wine. An eager crowd awaited
their entry, and a loud shout of welcome greeted them. And their eyes
grew round and their mouths fell open in amaze when they were hailed
as King and Queen and Prince of Phrygia.
The gods had indeed bestowed upon Gordias, the low-born peasant, a
surprising gift, but he showed his gratitude by dedicating his wagon to
the deity of the oracle and tying it up in its place with the wiliest knot
that his simple wisdom knew, pulled as tight as his brawny arms and
strong rough hands could pull. Nor could anyone untie the famous
Gordian knot, and therefore become, as the oracle promised, lord of all
Asia, until centuries had passed, and Alexander the Great came to
Phrygia and sliced through the knot with his all-conquering sword.
In time Midas, the son of Gordias, came to inherit the throne and crown
of Phrygia. Like many another not born and bred to the purple, his
honours sat heavily upon him. From the day that his father's wain had
entered the city amidst the acclamations of the people, he had learned
the value of power, and therefore, from his boyhood onward, power,
always more power, was what he coveted. Also his peasant father had
taught him that gold could buy power, and so Midas ever longed for
more gold, that could buy him a place in the world that no descendant
of a long race of kings should be able to contest. And from Olympus
the gods looked down and smiled, and vowed that Midas should have
the chance of realising his heart's desire.