The sailors agreed; for they were anxious to hear the musician whose songs were famous all over the world.
[Illustration]
Arion dressed himself in his finest clothing. He took his stand on the forward deck, while the robber sailors stood in a half circle before him, anxious to listen to his song.
He touched his lyre and began to play the accompaniment. Then he sang a wonderful song, so sweet, so lively, so touching, that many of the sailors were moved to tears.
And now they would have spared him; but he was true to his promise,— as soon as the song was finished, he threw himself headlong into the sea.
The sailors divided his money among themselves; and the ship sailed on. In a short time they reached Corinth in safety, and the king sent an officer to bring the captain and his men to the palace.
"Are you lately from Italy?" he asked.
"We are," they answered.
"What news can you give me concerning my friend Arion, the sweetest of all musicians?"
"He was well and happy when we left Italy," they answered. "He has a mind to spend the rest of his life in that country."