III
The name of Pittacus was known all over the world. He was a brave soldier and a wise teacher. The people of his country had made him their king; but as soon as he had made good laws for them he gave up his crown.
One of his mottoes was this: "Whatever you do, do it well."
The messengers found him in his house talking to his friends and teaching them wisdom. He looked at the tripod. "How beautiful it is!" he said.
Then the messengers told him how it had been taken from the sea, and they repeated the words of the oracle:—
"Give not the merchant nor the fishermen the prize; But give it to that one who is wisest of the wise."
"It is well," said he, "that neither a merchant nor a fisherman shall have it; for such men think only of their business and care really nothing for beauty."
"We agree with you," said the messengers; "and we present the prize to you because you are the wisest of the wise."
"You are mistaken," answered Pittacus. "I should be delighted to own so beautiful a piece of workmanship, but I know I am not worthy."
"Then to whom shall we take it?" asked the messengers.
"Take it to Cleobulus, [Footnote: Cle o bu'lus.] King of Rhodes, [Footnote: Rhodes (pro. rodes).]" answered the wise man. "He is the handsomest and strongest of men, and I believe he is the wisest also."