Damon and Pythias

Damon and Pythias (more correctly Plin-tias), two noble Pythagoreans of Syracuse, remembered as the models of faithful friendship. Pythias having been condemned to death by the elder Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse, begged to be allowed to go home, for the purpose of arranging his domestic affairs, Damon pledging his own life for the reappearance of his friend at the time appointed for his doom. Dionysius consented, and Pythias returned just in time to save Damon from death. Struck by so noble an example of mutual affection, the tyrant pardoned Pythias, and desired to be admitted into their sacred fellowship.