Final answer:
King Midas believes the man in his treasure room to be an intruder or thief, drawn to his riches which echo the themes of wealth and the seductive power of gold highlighted in the referenced texts.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story of "The Golden Touch," King Midas believes the man in his treasure room is an intruder or thief, fascinated by his wealth. The descriptions provided in the excerpts imply a strong focus on wealth, referring to characters who are mesmerized by gold and money. These characters are often in awe of or in pursuit of riches, whether it be the gilded punch bowl mutely valued at a million dollars, the generous gold distributions of Mansa Musa, or the golden utensils as visual illustrations of wealth.
While not directly related to King Midas, the references emphasize the allure and power of gold, which likewise seduced King Midas, ultimately leading to his wish for the golden touch. King Midas's assumption about the man in his treasure room likely stems from his own preoccupation with his golden possessions.