1 King Midas recognized Silenus as a friend of the god Dionysus, and saw through Silenus as an opportunity to increase his own wealth.

2 In appreciation of the hospitality King Midas showed Silenus, the god Dionysus offered King Midas a wish for anything he desired.

3 King Midas invited Silenus into his palace and showed him great hospitality entertaining him generously.

4 Dionysus, who had been worrying about Silenus, sent to ask how Midas wished to be rewarded.

5 One day an old satyr called Silenus came to King Midas' palace.

6 King Midas seeks out Silenus, the constant companion of Dionysus, and asks him:"What is man's greatest happiness?"

7 An old legend has it that King Midas hunted a long time in the woods for the wise Silenus , companion of Dionysus, without being able to catch him.

8 Here we have, in a great symbol of art, both the fair world of Apollo and its substratum, the terrible wisdom of Silenus , and we can comprehend intuitively how they mutually require one another.

9 He is ironical, provoking, questioning, the old enemy of the Sophists, ready to put on the mask of Silenus as well as to argue seriously.