I came across this story while reading the other night and thought it rather instructive. In a time not long after King Cyrus died, there was a ruler in a certain area of Greece named Polycrates.
Also, at this time there was a king in Egypt named Amasis.
That turns out that the fame of Polycrates had spread over parts of the Mediterranean region. In fact, Amasis knew Polycrates and once sent him a famous letter which you will learn about below.
Polycrates had become famous over the course of his life for always having good fortune. No matter what he did, it always turned out good for him.
Amasis found that to be a bit suspicious and given his superstitions wrote to him in the following way.
Polycrates,
I’ve never known a man to have consistent good fortune over his entire life who did not meet some tragic and undesirable end. Please take my advice. Go forth now and find something that you treasure most dearly and get rid of it in such a fashion no man will ever see it again. It will be good that your heart will be grieved over some loss. Then you will be able to right the fates and experience good fortune and bad fortune and alternating fashion. If you do this, then perhaps you can avoid the tragic end which is now coming for you.
Your friend,
Amasis
After receiving this letter, Polycrates began to ponder what he had read. He decided that his friend indeed had his best interest at heart and proceeded forward with the suggestion.
Polycrates had a special gold ring which was a signet with an emerald stone. He treasured it most of all and knew that losing it would grieve him greatly. He ordered a 50-man rowing boat be dispatched and he immediately got on board. As the men rolled the boat out into the sea, Polycrates went to the very end of the boat, took off his ring which he treasured so much, and threw it as far as he could into the sea.
Upon returning to his home, he grieved.
Many days later a fisherman came to Polycrates’s home and offered him a gift.
The fishermen spoke with Polycrates and told him that he had caught a large majestic fish and wish to give it to Polycrates his king. Polycrates was very grateful and thanked the fishermen for the his kind words and for the gift of the fish. Polycrates then invited the fisherman and his family to come and dine with them that night.
Upon directing the servants to prepare the fish for dinner that evening, as you might imagine, they cut open the stomach of the fish to find the lost signet ring of Polycrates.
Polycrates immediately wrote to his friend Amasis in Egypt and told him of these events. Amasis then cut off his friendship with Polycrates.
So, what are the lessons to be learned here?
Well, how about the fact that God is in control and not you. Providence does have its place in our daily lives. Such realizations should not be burdensome, but rather bring relief.
How about the fact that misfortune does not have to follow good fortune.
There’s a sad reality that some friends will leave you when success comes your way.
Just some things to ponder.
Jonathan