There once were two best friends named Damon and Phintias. They lived in Syracuse, Sicily in the 4th century BC. They were philosophers of Pythagorean School.
One day Phintias was sentenced to death by Dionysius the Younger, the ruler of the city, for plotting against his rule. Phintias then begged for permission to go home to finish his private affairs before he's executed. Dionysius of course refused his request. Phintias felt very and hopeless. But then, Damon came to Dionysius and begged to grant Phintias's request. Damon loyally offered to replace Phintias while he is gone. He is willing to take Phintias's place in prison. Dionysius then agreed and granted their request.
Phintias was very happy and thankful for his friend's sacrifice. He promised Damon that he will returned as soon as possible. He started home as fast as he can.
Days gone by and Damon waited very patiently in jail. But until the day before his execution, Phintias had not returned. And on his execution day Phintias still had not returned. Damon knew that he had to take Phintias's place and get executed if Phintias didn't show up.
It turned out that Phintias had tried to keep his promise to his best friend, but he cannot. He got delayed on his way back. Phintias heart beat fast. He felt very uneasy. He feared that he would be too late, and Damon, his faithful friend will get executed because of him.
Dionysius told Damon that it's the execution day and since Phintias had not returned he had to take his place. Incredibly, just as Damon was about to die in his place, Phintias arrived. He
shouted to stop the execution. He felt so relief that his friend is still alive. He apologized to Damon for his delay. Damon said that it's alright and he told Phintias that he trusted him.
Dionysius was so impressed by this example of loyalty that he pardoned Phintias and asked to share their friendship.
