Histories

When Amasis had read Polycrates' letter, he perceived that no man could save another from his destiny, and that Polycrates, being so continually fortunate that he even found what he cast away, must come to an evil end.

So he sent a herald to +Nisos Samos [26.8,37.75] (island), Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Samos to renounce his friendship, determined that when some great and terrible mischance overtook Polycrates he himself might not have to sadden his heart for a friend.

It was against this ever-victorious Polycrates that the Lacedaemonians now made war, invited by the Samians who afterwards founded +Khania [24.33,35.516] (inhabited place), Canea, Crete, Greece, Europe Cydonia in +Crete [25,35.166] (region), Greece, Europe Crete. Polycrates had without the knowledge of his subjects sent a herald to Cambyses, son of Cyrus, then raising an army against Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt, inviting Cambyses to send to +Nisos Samos [26.8,37.75] (island), Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Samos too and request men from him.

At this message Cambyses very readily sent to +Nisos Samos [26.8,37.75] (island), Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Samos, asking Polycrates to send a fleet to aid him against Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt. Polycrates chose those men whom he most suspected of planning a rebellion against him, and sent them in forty triremes, directing Cambyses not to send the men back.