Story of Damon and Pythias

Damon and Pythias were devoted friends in Syracuse. Pythias angered Dionysius and was condemned to die. He wished to say goodbye to his old mother and find a husband for his sister. Damon offered to take his place in prison and on the cross if needed. Dionysius allowed it, warning that Damon would die if Pythias was late. Pythias was robbed, bound to a tree, crossed a raging river, and ran across burning sands. At sunset, Damon was about to be crucified when Pythias arrived, pale and bloodstained. Each wanted to die for the other. The tyrant, moved to tears, freed them both, saying he had never believed such devotion possible.