It has never left my finger since I quitted Egypt, and it has a significance far beyond its outward worth.
Pythagoras, the noblest of the Greeks, gave it to my mother, when he was tarrying in Egypt to learn the wisdom of our priests, and it was her parting gift to me.

The number seven is engraved upon the simple stone.
This indivisible number represents perfect health, both to soul and body for health is likewise one and indivisible.
[Seven, the "motherless" number, which has no factor below ten.] The sickness of one member is the sickness of all; one evil thought, allowed to take up its abode within our heart, destroys the entire harmony of the soul.

When you see this seven therefore, let it recall my heart's wish that you may ever enjoy undisturbed bodily health, and long retain that loving gentleness which has made you the most virtuous, and therefore the healthiest of men.

No thanks, my father, for even if I could restore to Croesus all the treasures that he once possessed, I should still retrain his debtor.

Gyges, to you I give this Lydian lyre; let its tones recall the giver to your memory.