they may be placed in some treasure-house at Delphi as an offering from Rhodopis.  As for myself, being a rich man, I sign my name for a thousand drachmae, and beg that my gift may be publicly announced at the next Pythian games.  To that rude fellow, Aristomachus of Sparta, express my thanks for the effectual manner in which he fulfilled my intention in coming to Egypt.  I came hither for the purpose of having a tooth extracted by an Egyptian dentist said to take out teeth without causing much pain.

     [The Egyptian dentists must have been very skilful.  Artificial
     teeth have been discovered in the jaws of mummies.  See Blumenbach
     on the teeth of the ancient Egyptians, and on mummies.]

Aristomachus, however, knocked out the defective tooth and so saved me from an operation, the thought of which had often made me tremble.  On recovering consciousness, I found that three teeth had been knocked into my mouth, the diseased one and two others, which though healthy, would probably at some future time have caused me pain.  Salute Rhodopis and the handsome Phanes from me.  You I invite to an entertainment at my house in Sybaris, this day year.  We are accustomed to issue invitations somewhat early, on account of my necessary preparations.  I have caused this epistle to be written by my slave Sophotatus in an adjoining chamber, as merely to behold the labor of writing causes cramp in my fingers.”

A burst of laughter arose at these words, but Rhodopis said:  “This letter gives me pleasure; it proves that Philoinus is not bad at heart.  Brought up a Sybarite” . . .  She was suddenly interrupted by the voice of a stranger, who had entered unperceived, and, after apologizing to the venerable hostess and her guests for appearing without invitation among them, continued thus:  “I am Gyges the son of Croesus; and it has not been merely for pastime, that I have ridden over from Sais in two hours lest I should arrive too late!”

“Menon, a cushion for our guest!” cried Rhodopis.  “Be welcome to my house and take some repose after your wild, thoroughly Lydian, ride.”

“By the dog, Gyges!” exclaimed Croesus.

     [An oath of Rhadamanthus used in order to avoid mentioning the names
     of the gods.  Schol.  Aristoph.  Aves. 520.]

“What brings thee here at this hour?  I begged thee not to quit Bartja’s side . . .  But how thou look’st! what is the matter? has aught happened? speak, speak!”

In the first moment Gyges could not answer a word.  To see his beloved father, for whose very life he had been in such anxiety, a safe and happy guest at this rich banquet, seemed to rob him of his speech a second time.  At last, however, he was able to say:  “The gods be praised, my father, that I see thee safe once more!  Think not I forsook my post thoughtlessly.  Alas!  I am forced to appear as a bird of evil omen in this cheerful assembly.  Know at once, ye guests, for I dare not lose time in preparing my words, that a treacherous assault awaits ye!”