According to ancient Greek legend, Damon and Pythias traveled to Sicily where Pythias was convicted of plotting to overthrow the King, and was sentenced to death. Before dying, Pythias wanted to return to Greece to see his family. Damon offered to take his place and agreed to be executed if Pythias did not return. When the appointed date arrived and Pythias had not returned, the King prepared to execute Damon. At the last minute, Pythias came running into the palace, apologizing for being late. The King was so impressed with Damon’s and Pythias’s loyalty to each other that he spared both their lives.

(The Friendship of Damon and Pythias Tested, Eloi Firmin Feron, c. 1826)