DEMETRIUS, 139-127 B.C., was a Spartan king, to whom the Parthian king sent, as an insult, a set of dice because he refused to behave as an adult. John of Salisbury tells the story to illustrate the uses and abuses of gambling. He adds the story of Chilo, who refused to conclude a treaty with the Corinthians because they all played chequers (Policraticus I.5).

The Pardoner includes this story in his homily on gambling, PardT 603-628. [Athalus: Stilboun]

The name appears in final rhyming position, PardT 621.