“And yet, said he, legend had it that once in a lifetime one single golden apple would appear among the usual heavy crop of reds. This golden apple could not be treated as part of the common crop. It must be picked at its moment of perfect ripeness, to be shared by two lovers who would thereby be granted their hearts’ desire, and peace and prosperity would reign over the land. If, however, the golden apple was selfishly consumed by any one person—or sold—or, worst of all, left to rot, untasted, then, alas, some terrible fate would befall the whole community.”