In consequence of this victory, the Mytilenaeans held Pittacus in the greatest honour and presented the supreme power into his hands.

When the Athenians were about to attack Sigeion, Pittacus challenged their general to a single combat, with the understanding that the result should decide the war, and much bloodshed be thereby avoided.

He was then chosen ruler of his city and governed for ten years, during which time he made laws in poetry, one of which was to this effect: "A crime committed by a person when drunk should receive double the punishment that it would merit if the offender were sober."

The legend says that his son was killed and when the murderer was brought before Pittacus, he dismissed the man and said, "Pardon is better than repentance."

[4] Pittacus instituted a law stating that crimes committed in drunkenness should be punished twofold;[5] that was directed predominantly against the aristocrats, who were more often guilty of drunk and violent behaviour.