Darkness filled the corners of the dungeon under the castle. All about on the hard floor lay men who had been arrested by the ruler\u2019s soldiers. Most of them had been condemned to death. A hopeless silence filled the room so that the low words of the young man outside the barred door sounded loud and angry.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did you do, my good friend, Pythias?\u201d the young man demanded. \u201cWhat did you do that so displeased the king?\u201d<\/p>\n
The prisoner at the door signed. His hand reached through the narrow bars and touched his friend\u2019s arm. Since early childhood these two had always been together. Now Pythias knew that he was going to leave his friend forever and his heart ached at the thought of this separation. \u201cI did nothing, Damon,\u201d he insisted. \u201cbut the king has claimed that I am a rebel. There is nothing that can be done about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen what can I do for you?\u201d Damon asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cShall I go to your home and comfort your parents?\u201d<\/p>\n
Neither of the young men had heard the great outer door open. They did not see the ruler as he came near to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to see them myself once more.\u201d Pythias\u2019 voice was hopeless. \u201cI would come back here and pay with my life if I could only say farewell to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
A loud laugh startled the two young men. Damon whirled around and found himself face to face with his king. Quickly he bowed and waited for the ruler to speak. Again, the king laughed as he looked at the prisoner.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you would come back to die if I would let you go to your distant home?\u201d he mocked Pythias and all the prisoners.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would come back,\u201d Pythias stated simply. \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do I know that you would keep your promise?\u201d the kings eyes narrowed as he watched the man. \u201cYou are trying to cheat me. You cannot go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen let me stay in prison in his place,\u201d Damon looked straight at the king as he made his request. \u201cHe has never broken a promise, but if he does not return, I will die for him on the day that is set for his execution.\u201d<\/p>\n
The king was amused. This strange request would make a delightful story to tell his friends. A young man who offered to die for his friend! This was the best jest of the year and he and his courtiers would watch it with interest.<\/p>\n
Soon the prison door closed behind Damon, the Pythias was on his way home. The days passed and the day of execution came nearer and nearer. Day by day the king came to the prison to taunt the foolish man. Again and again his cruel laughter rang out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Pythias does not come back, it will not be his fault,\u201d Damon stated calmly. \u201cSomething will have happened to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
At last the day for his execution arrived and Pythias had not returned. The king and his courtiers jeered at Damon as he was led from the cell.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe man who dies for his friend, a false friend,\u201d They called out. \u201cWe told you that he would not return.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe will come if he can,\u201d Damon said to himself as he walked straight and tall in the line of condemned men. \u201cHe will come if …\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHere he comes!\u201d A soldier ran shouting to the king.
\nDamon smiled as he saw his friend. Pythias was hardly able to breathe. Storms and misfortunes had beset him all the way back. He had feared that Damon would die before he could arrive. His face beamed with happiness when he found his friend alive. Quickly he fell into line of the prisoners and pushed Damon aside.<\/p>\n
\u201cI came,\u201d he panted.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew that you would!\u201d<\/p>\n
The king could hardly believe his eyes and ears. Never had he known that there could be such friendship. His heart softened before such a great love.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo!\u201d he said to the two young men. \u201cGo back to your homes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then he turned to his stunned courtiers and added, \u201cI would give all my wealth to have such a friend!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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