Histories

Some say that Oroetes, angered by this reproach, did not so much desire to punish the source of it as to destroy Polycrates utterly, the occasion of the reproach.

A few people, however, say that when Oroetes sent a herald to +Nisos Samos [26.8,37.75] (island), Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Samos with some request (it is not said what this was), the herald found Polycrates lying in the men's apartments, in the company of Anacreon of +Teos [26.8,38.1667] (Perseus) Teos;

and, whether on purpose to show contempt for Oroetes, or by mere chance, when Oroetes' herald entered and addressed him, Polycrates, then lying with his face to the wall, never turned or answered him.

These are the two reasons alleged for Polycrates' death; believe whichever you like. But the consequence was that Oroetes, then at Magnesia ad Meander [27.416,37.833] (deserted settlement), Aydin Ili, Ege kiyilari, Turkey, AsiaMagnesia which is above the river +Buyukmenderes Nehri [27.183,37.466] (river), Turkey, Asia Maeander, sent Myrsus son of Gyges, a Lydian, with a message to +Nisos Samos [26.8,37.75] (island), Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Samos, having learned Polycrates' intention;

for Polycrates was the first of the Greeks whom we know to aim at the mastery of the sea, leaving out of account Minos of +Knossos [25.166,35.3] (deserted settlement), Iraklion, Crete, Greece, Europe Cnossus and any others who before him may have ruled the sea; of what may be called the human race Polycrates was the first, and he had great hope of ruling Ionia (region (general)), Europe Ionia and the Islands.

Learning then that he had this intention, Oroetes sent him this message: “Oroetes addresses Polycrates as follows: I find that you aim at great things, but that you have not sufficient money for your purpose. Do then as I direct, and you will succeed yourself and will save me. King Cambyses aims at my death; of this I have clear intelligence.