By way of experiment, he ordered one man to be hung up three times, questioning him at each interval, whether he repented of his crime: but the man obstinately asserting, that notwithstanding the past, he still would willingly engage in the same cause, Kirke ordered him to be hung in chains.

One story, commonly told of him, is memorable for the treachery, as well as barbarity, which attended it.

A young maid pleaded for the life of her brother, and flung herself at Kirke's feet, armed with all the charms which beauty and innocence, bathed in tears, could bestow upon her.

The tyrant was inflamed with desire, not softened into love or clemency.

He promised to grant her request, provided that she, in her turn, would be equally compliant to him.