 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
Midas
Turn all I touch to gold,
King Midas said.
His wish was granted, and behold!
His very meat was gold, gold his bread.
King Midas said.
His wish was granted, and behold!
His very meat was gold, gold his bread.
And liquid gold the drink
He raised on high;
When o'er the golden goblet's brink,
The water to his eager lips came nigh.
He raised on high;
When o'er the golden goblet's brink,
The water to his eager lips came nigh.
410
Ah fatal gift! that balked
His greedy soul;
Which in its very richness mocked;
For gold is but one thing, and not the whole.
His greedy soul;
Which in its very richness mocked;
For gold is but one thing, and not the whole.
So they, who money seek,
Gold, only gold;
Are childish, disappointed, weak,
Though gained their end; like that famed king of old.
Gold, only gold;
Are childish, disappointed, weak,
Though gained their end; like that famed king of old.
Poem No. 745; c. 29 October 1867
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |