There lived in Corinth a certain singer, Arion by name, whom the tyrant Periander held in
great honour on account of his skill. He set out from there in order to visit Italy and Sicily for
the purpose of seeking money. Having acquired great riches there, when he wanted to return
home, he boarded a Corinthian ship. In the middle of the sea however the sailors made a plan
to kill Arion. When he found out about this Arion offered to hand over his wealth if they
would spare him; but he was ordered to jump into the sea. He asked however that he might be
allowed to sing one final song. And so, wearing a magnificent costume, he took his lyre and,
standing on the stern, sang in a very sweet voice. When the song was finished he threw
himself into the sea. The sailors, who believed he had perished, sailed to Greece. But a
dolphin, attracted by such a sweet song, approached Arion through the waves and carried him
safe on its back to Taenarum. Arion made for Corinth as quickly as possible, and told the
tyrant how he had been saved. When the sailors arrived in Corinth not long afterwards,
Periander summoned them and asked them what news they had of Arion. When they replied
that he was thriving in Sicily, Arion suddenly appeared. The sailors were so astonished that
they revealed the whole story, and they were all punished.