Entry tags:
Arion's dilemma
“they plotted to throw Arion overboard in order to get his money. Once Arion perceived this, he begged them to take his money but spare his life. [3] But he could not persuade them. The sailors ordered him to kill himself if he would have a grave on land or to get it over with immediately and to jump into the sea. [4] Arion, made desperate by their decision, asked one request of them. Would they permit him to sing for them from the stern in full costume?[5] He promised that as soon as his song was ended, he would kill himself. Delighted at the prospect of hearing the best of all singers, the sailors retreated from the stern to the middle of the ship. Arion put on his costume, picked up his lyre, stood on the deck, and performed the high-toned hymn. When he finished the song, he leapt into the sea, still in full costume. [6] And the men sailed back to Corinth.”
--- Herodotus. 1:24.