Damon and Pithias
Damon and Pithias,a rhymed play by R. Edwards , acted probably 1564 , printed 1571 .
Damon and Pythias, Pythagorean Greeks, visit Syracuse, and the former is presently arrested on a baseless charge of spying and conspiring against Dionysius the tyrant of Syracuse, who orders his execution. Damon obtains a respite of two months to return home in order to settle his affairs, Pythias offering himself as security for his return. Damon is delayed and arrives when Pythias is just about to be put to death. They contend which shall be executed, each striving to save the other. Dionysius, impressed with their mutual loyalty, pardons Damon and asks to be admitted to their brotherhood.
In the original classical legend it is Phintias (of which ‘Pythias’ is a corruption), not Damon, who is sentenced, and Damon goes bail for him.
[The entire page is 144 words long]
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