_Mid._ (_feeling his ears_)
They're long & thick; I fear 'twould give me pain;
And then if vengeful Phoebus should command
Another pair to grow--that will not do.

_Zopyr._ You wear a little crown of carved gold,
Which just appears to tell you are a king;
If that were large and had a cowl of silk,
Studded with gems, which none would dare gainsay,
Then might you--

_Mid._ Now you have it! friend,
I will reward you with some princely gift.
But, hark! Zopyrion, not a word of this;
If to a single soul you tell my shame
You die. I'll to the palace the back way
And manufacture my new diadem,
The which all other kings shall imitate
As if they also had my asses['] ears.

(_Exit._)

_Zopyr._ (_watching Midas off_)
He cannot hear me now, and I may laugh!
I should have burst had he staid longer here.
Two long, smooth asses' ears that stick upright;
Oh, that Apollo had but made him bray!
I'll to the palace; there I'll laugh my fill
With--hold! What were the last words that Midas said? [43]
I may not speak--not to my friends disclose