DAMON  , of

Syracuse, a Pythagorean, celebrated for his disinterested affection for Phintias (not, as commonly given, Pythias), a member of the same sect . Condemned to death by Dionysius the Elder (or Younger) of Syracuse, Phintias begged to be set at liberty for a short time that he might arrange his affairs . Damon pledged his life for the return of his friend; and Phintias faithfully returned before the appointed day of execution . The tyrant, to express his admiration of their fidelity, released both the friends and begged to be admitted to their friendship (Diod . Sic. x . 4; Cicero, De Off. iii . 1o) . Hyginus (Fab . 257, who is followed by Schiller in his ballad, Die Burgschaft) tells a similar story, in which the two friends are named Moerus and Selinuntius .