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 happened to have turned to the wall, and for a time neither looked at the man, nor gave him an answer. So the reason of the death of Polycrates is told in two ways.

156.But Oroetes, who used to live at Magnesia, sent a certain Lydian, bearing a message by which he might ascertain the intention of Polycrates. Now Polycrates had great hopes that he would gain the sovereignty of Ionia and the islands. Oroetes, understanding that he was considering this in his mind, having sent a messenger, said as follows: ‘Oroetes sends greeting to Polycrates. I have understood that thou art planning great things, but that thou hast little money. Now, if thou doest (lit. shalt have done) these things, thou wilt both increase thy own property and wilt also save me. Cambyses is planning my death. Do thou therefore both lead me forth from this land and carry away my money. Of this, indeed, do thou take part and allow me to keep part ; by help of this thou wilt obtain the sovereignty of Greece. But if thou dost not believe me, send the most faithful slave thou hast, and I shall show him the money.’

157.Having heard this, Polycrates was delighted and accepted the conditions. So he first sent Maeandrius, who was a secretary of his, for the sake of spying. Oroetes, when he knew that a spy was expected, did this. He filled eight chests with stones, excepting a little space round the edge, and put gold over the stones; then he sealed up the chests and kept them in readiness. And Maeandrius, when he came and saw them, brought the news back to Polycrates. Thus they say that Polycrates was entirely deceived. 158.Then he, although the seers tried to dissuade him, determined to go thither in person. Besides this, his daughter while sleeping had seen some such vision as this. Her father seemed to her to be uplifted in the air, and to be washed by