was an emerald, set in gold, the work of Theodorus the Samian, beautifully engraved.[1] Resolved on sacrificing this precious jewel, he went on board a fifty-oared vessel, and ordered the men to pull out into the open sea; and when they were a considerable distance from land, Polycrates, taking off the ring, in the presence of his attendants, cast it into the sea, and then gave orders for their return to Samos.
The sacrifice he had made, though voluntary, afflicted him much; and returning to his palace, he gave way to an excess of grief. Five or six days after, a fisherman having caught a fish of very great size and beauty, repaired to the palace, and requesting admission into his presence, presented it to Polycrates in these word:—"Although, Sir, I live by the produce of my industry, I thought so fine a fish ought not to be exposed for sale in the public market place; and deeming it worthy of your majesty's table, I have brought it for your acceptance." Pleased with his conduct, Polycrates replied, "My good man, not only is your present, but the manner in which you have expressed yourself, highly gratifying to me; and I invite you to
- ↑ The word σφρηγις answers exactly to the Khátom of the Arabs; a ring, with an engraved stone, or entirely of gold, with a name or device cut upon it. Pliny and Solinus say the ring of Polycrates was a sardonyx; and the former adds, that in his time they showed one at Rome, in the Temple of Concord, given by Augustus, which was said to be of the Samian king. Clement of Alexandria supposes a lyre was figured upon it. The Arabs have the story of Polycrates's ring, but they omit his name, and the reason of its loss; relating that it fell into the sea by accident. Vide Plin. xxxvii. 2., and Solin. c. xxxiii. p. 63.
