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" What is the matter ? " said the tyrant . " That sword ! that sword ! " cried Damocles . He was so badly frightened that he dared not move . " Yes , " said Dionysius , " I know there is a sword above your head , and that it may fall at any moment . But why should that trouble you ? I have a sword over my head all the time . I am every moment in dread lest something may cause me to lose my life . " " Let me go , " said Damocles . " I now see that I was mistaken , and that the rich and powerful are not so happy as they seem . Let me go back to my old home in the poor little cottage among the mountains . " And so long as he lived , he never again wanted to be rich , or to change places , even for a moment , with the king . DAMON AND PYTHIAS . A young man whose name was Pythias had done something which the tyrant Dionysius did not like . For this offense he was dragged to prison , and a day was set when he should be put to death . His home was far away , and he wanted very much to see his father and mother and friends before he died . " Only give me leave to go home and say good - by to those whom I love , " he said , " and then I will come back and give up my life . " The tyrant laughed at him . " How can I know that you will keep your promise ? " he said . " You only want to cheat me , and save yourself . " Then a young man whose name was Damon spoke and said , — " O king ! put me in prison in place of my friend Pythias , and let him go to his own country to put his affairs in order , and to bid his friends farewell . I know that he will come back as he promised , for he is a man who has never broken his word . But if he is not here on the day which you have set , then I will die in his stead . " The tyrant was surprised that anybody should make such an offer . He at last agreed to let Pythias go , and gave orders that the young man Damon should be shut up in prison . Time passed , and by and by the day drew near which had been set for Pythias to die ; and he had not come back . The tyrant ordered the jailer to keep close watch upon Damon , and not let him escape . But Damon did not try to escape . He still had faith in the truth and honor of his friend . He said , " If Pythias does not come back in time , it will not be his fault . It will be because he is hindered against his will . " At last the day came , and then the very hour . Damon was ready to die . His trust in his friend was as firm as ever ; and he said that he did not grieve at having to suffer for one whom he loved so much .
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