生死弟兄Damon and Phintias

49° Damon and Phintias. There were two Syracusan youths of the fourth century B.C. who followed the Pythagorean mandate concerning friendship to such a degree that their names have become synonymous with the fine loyalty of that relationship. Phintias (sometimes incorrectly called Pythias) was sentenced by the tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse to die for treason. The condemned man begged a postponement of his sentence so that he might first return to his home in a neighboring village to arrange his affairs. His petition was granted provided he could obtain someone to remain in his cell as a pledge of his return. His friend Damon offered to do this, and expressed a willingness to die in Phintias's stead should Phintias not appear by the fixed time of the postponed execution. Unexpected predicaments delayed Phintias, and the scheduled day arrived. Damon, still fully believing in his friend's faithfulness, was led out for the execution. People gathered and began to express pity at Damon's credulity, when suddenly the delayed Phintias rushed breathlessly through the crowd into the arms of his friend. Each youth demanded to die for the other. Struck by this loyalty of friendship, Dionysius released both youths and expressed a desire to be admitted to their friendship.