[Jhome-users] S, whose province it was to interpre

[Magness S. <mi...@bc...>]

His extraordinary story was true, or whether it was all fabricated
after the fall of Polycrates, as a dramatic embellishment
of his history, we can not now know. The result, however, corresponded
with these predictions of Amasis, if they were really made;
for it was soon after these events that the conversation
took place at Sardis between Oretes and Mitrobates, at the gates of the
palace, which led Oretes to determine on effecting Polycrates's
destruction. In executing the plans which he thus formed, Oretes had
not the courage and energy necessary for an open attack on Polycrates,
and he consequently
resolved on attempting to accomplish his end
by treachery and

stratagem. The plan which he devised was this: He sent a messenger to
Polycrates with a letter

of the following purport: "_Oretes, governor
of Sardis, to Polycrates of Samos._ "I am aware, sire,

of the plans which you have long been enter