The sailors were rude and unruly. The captain himself had been a robber.
When they heard that Arion had a large sum of money with him they began to make plans to get it.
"The easiest way," said the captain, "is to throw him overboard. Then there will be no one to tell tales."
Arion overheard them plotting.
"You may take everything that I have," he said, "if you will only spare my life."
But they had made up their minds to get rid of him. They feared to spare him lest he should report the matter to the king.
"Your life we will not spare," they said; "but we will give you the choice of two things. You must either jump overboard into the sea or be slain with your own sword. Which shall it be?"
"I shall jump overboard," said Arion, "but I pray that you will first grant me a favor."
"What is it?" asked the captain.
"Allow me to sing to you my latest and best song. I promise that as soon as it is finished I will leap into the sea."