davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Pleading Damon's Cause

But here comes the King. [ must
not be seen talking with you And II
you value your own life you had bet
ter not let 1t be known that you are
friend of Damon"
Surrounded by his guards and in deep
conversation with the chief counselor,
Eubulus, the King passed by.
Eubulus was pleading the cause of
Damon-there was no real evidence
against him; nothing but the report of
the notorious Carisophus-what would
people say if stranger was put to
death upon such grounds?"
Il care not what people say" replied
the King. "All L want Is to live In
safety"
THE way to live in safety is to show
mercy"
"A merciful King the people despise )"
"A cruel King the people hate"
Let them hate Dionysius ought to
be feared.
Better that he should be loved%
And SO talking they passed on Pyth-
las went to the palace, where he vain
ly sought admission.
Even bribery would not now win hin,
a way into the royal residence. The
King had shut himself up against ali
sultors and doubled his guards.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Stephano Hears the News

Meantime Stephano had heard the news
and rushed with it to Pythias Recov-
ering from the first shock of his surprise,
Pythias ordered Stephano to run imme-
diately to the court and learn all he could
of the affar--of what Damon was spe-
officially accused and upon what evidence
II myself" said he. will seek out the
courtier Aristippus-I hear he can do
much with the king"
As Pythias went out into the street he
met Stephano hurrying back from the
court. He declared that, with his own
ears, he had heard the king declare that
Damon should die the next day.
"IIow did you get so near the king as
to hear this?" asked Pythias
Bribery" replied Stephano.
Just then they saw Aristippus approach
ing Pythias greeted him respectfully and
said he was a friend of the imprisoned
Damon, at the same time stating his own
name and rank,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Enduring Friendship

To be young, rich, in good health,
bearing no responsibility-what could
make life more pleasant? And such was
the case with Damon and such was the
ease with Pythias.
They admired each other for each
others talents-real or fanced-they loved
each other for each others virtues they
were drawn to each other by similarity
of ideas, by the ease with which they
exchanged thoughts, and by an entire
absence of selfishness on the part of
each, so that each thought of his friend
before he did of himself.
This friendship had endured, hereto
fore. while all the skies were clear and
all the seas of life ran smooth.
Little did they think, as they roamed
about the magnificent city of the tyrant
Dionysius and viewed the wonders of
that great port and capital that their
friendship was soon to be put to the
final test.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Starting for Athens

Nay replied Doris. IF you loved
me you would stay in Greece. But,
after all, mans love is mere episode
of his existence. 1t is a woman's whole
life"
Il dare not, l cannot stay longer here .
replied Damon in great agitation; Doris.
farewell. farewell forever. Pythias and
honor, friendship and duty call me-
He turned away and was gone. Fever
ishly that day he hurried the prepara-
tions for his departure, not daring to
let his mind dwell upon anything ex-
cept Pythias, friendship, Syracuse and
death.
The morning came when. having COM
pleted all his arrangements Damon be-
ing then at his country place, mounted
his horse and started toward Athens
there to take ship for Syracuse.
Ephorus and some of the other Greek
youths who had been early companions
of Damon resolved that, If possible,
they would prevent his leaving Greece.
They hired slave to stop him on the
way.
AS Damon came galloping along the
road the slave stepped out and sig.
nailed him to halt. Damon drew rein to
see what the man wanted.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Striving to Learn

The air is clear and pure. the climate
delicious" said Damon ga more IA
vored spot l have not seen in my travels.
The people here should be happy and
contented."
But I hear strange rumors about
your King, Dionysius. Is he really as
cruel as they say? However, the char
acter of kings does not concern us. 1t
is beyond our reach. 1 am but a simple
traveller, striving to learn"
"Dionysius!' cried Carisophus, never
since the world began has SO cruel a
man sat upon a throne. He is hateful
to all his subjects. marvel that some
body does not make way with him-and
that right suddenly"
Damon gazed at the man In surprise,
my friend" said he, "the gods for
bid Assassination is no cure for tyranny.
But, my friend, let us leave off talking
about King Dionysus and, l pray thee
the courtesy of describing me- In a few
words, the state of the city,
II am a traveller and desire to know
the condition of each country to which
] journeys not to hurt the state, but to
get experience, | am bit of a philoso-
pher and to study the state of foreign
countries is my hobby"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
A Pledge Demanded

The King was so astonished at the
holiness and strangeness of this request
that he did not even laugh at Its alb
surdity.
I'm truth. pleasant request" he said.
"As though I could trust him absent
whom l cannot trust present!'
The absurdity OF the thing striking him
he laughed and said; Give me a pledge
for your return and have your wish.''
There Is no greater pledge than the
honor of a gentleman"
1T used to be-but times have changed, >
said the King.
Then spoke up Pythiasl Stand to your
word. King; for Kings ought not to say
that which they will not perform, You
require a pledge, Here am take me.
For am Damon's friend, and love him
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
The Mysterious Eel

The Columbia professor had been fish,
ing in the Hudson and all he had to
show for two or three hours time was
one eel about u foot long, says the New
York Sun.
1T isn't much,' he said to the few
who met him homeward bound, but an
eel is a much more Interesting being
than any other fish, because less is
known about it than the others. For
example nobody has yet found out
where the eel deposits its eggs and no.
body ever saw an eel that had laid an
egg, as you might say one spawning
finishes them, as far as anybody knows.
The eel is peculiar from start to
finish. Spawning somewhere in the sea
al depth of 5000 feet the spawn
comes to the surface and develops
slowly A mother eel will deposit from
100000 sto 100000 eggs, a larger
quantity than any othe vertebrate, and
the young ellis in their earlier stages
are not eel shaped, but flat as a postal
card and about tire inches long. In
about year they round out so to
speak, and are less in length.
They are not good swimmers and
the sea currents drift them ashore, but
during the year they are drifting they
take absolutely food When they get
to the shore they make at once for fresh
water streams, though why they should.
sea, nobody knows.
They ascend the rivers all along our
coasts, getting darker in color in the
fresh water, and when they come to OBJ
structions in their passage they have
been known to take to the land or to
trees along shore in order to reach
smooth water beyond. The females are
always larger than the males and more
numerous, and an eel 16 inches long is
invariably a female. The males very
rarely ascend streams beyond the tide
reach and are thus deserted by the fe-
male members of the family. Nobody
knows why this is, either.
When spawning time comes the cells
come down the streams always by night,
even moonlight being sufficient TO delay
them, and they go far out to sea and
deep down in it. There they spawn and
are seen no more. The principal spawning
ground is supposed to be somewhere in
the neighborhood of the Sargosa sea,
as cells are very sensitive to cold, and
usually hibernate in mud banks in win
ter. pling up in heap to keep as warn.
as possible.
THE eePs food value is great and IN
some countries it is staple. The English
consume millions, but the Scotch would
quite as soon eat snakes. So in tho
ancient times, while the Romans con-
sumed large quantities, the Egyptians
of our people have this same aversion
to the eel though great many others
are fond of it.
Denmark is one of the greatest eel
growing countries producing far. moro
than all of the United States. Fresh
water cells are SMALL but the marine
variety, the conger, grows big ani/
somet times will reach 10 feet in LEM
and weigh 100 pounds. Eels have b
known to attain the age of 80 ye
but they are not female cells. or
they are, they are spinsters.
I'm taking this one home BECAUSE
we have a Danish girl in the kitchen.
The rest of us are rather Scotch in
our tastes. Now" he continued IF
you find out by any chance where cells
spawn hand how they do it, you let me
know, will you?"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Not Yet Noon

Into the market place marched the
King and the court and the glittering
guards, bringing Pythias fast bound to
the place of execution
Where is your friend Damou?' said
the King to Pythias you know what
time of day 1t is--make ready
Il am ready, mighty King" replied
Pythias, 'and most ready to give my life
for Damon"
Pythias was mounting the scaffold when
there ran cry through the crowd and
Damon came bursting through the ranks
of the guards, crying out: Il am here, o
King"
NO" cried Pythias. 'it is past the hour.
King Dionysius, l claim the right to die
he is too late"
No, it is not too late--it Is ne yet
quite noon," answered Damon.
Dionysius glanced at dial on a neigh
boring wall and saw that it was exactly
noon. Then Damon and Pythias Logan
elamoring to the King tegether-each
claiming the right to die for his friend
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21

Worldly men may" returned Pytn-
las, "but not such friends as myself and
Damon"
Friends. Friends" cried the King,
ARE not friends yet menu
Then turning to Eubulus he said
Ebulus, what shall l do? This fellow
has caught me in a trap. I cannot take
back my words again, and yet I would
fain to see the head struck off this
Damon"
1.-The majesty of King stands chiefly
in the keeping of his PROMISE replied
Eubulus. what you have said the whole
court has heard Save your honor, what
soever you do
SO, to save my honor L must forbear
my will! Well, Pythias since you take
me at my word, Damon shall have two
months in which to visit Greece and ar
range his affairs.
"Unbind him there. guardsl And, as
for you, in prison shall you rest until
his return. And if he is not here by
noon of the last day allowed him-off
goes your head. Take this man prison
er and keep him So
Damon and Pythias embraced and
parted from each other Pythias joyful
that he had rescued his friend and
Damon weeping.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Better Than Funny Stories

They were foreigners. Then, of course,
they were spies. 1t was long time
since he had denounced anybody and
he needed the money.
To catch a foreign spy-it was great!
1T would at once restore him to favor
with the King and fill his coffers-two
birds with one stone.
His friend Aristippus. might tell his
funny stories and be hanged to him.
His story of a Grecian spy caught in
Syracuse would hold the attention of
the King more fast than the best story
Aristippus had on his list.
So he hung about the lodgings of the
Greeks and when he saw Damon walk
ing out alone he approached him with
the utmost politeness.
"A stranger in the city, l see," said
Carisophus; II trust you are pleased
with it,
Damon was only too glad to find one
of the reticent citizens ready to talk and
answered the stranger courteously. Yes,
he was much pleased with the city.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
1--we Months He Had

Damon, returning to his lodgings,
met Stephano, who wept before him
and asked if he should go back to
Greece.
mo, stay and wait upon Pythias in
prison." said Damon, until return
Wait upon Pythias and you will be
waiting upon Damon. I shall be back
in time. Now hurry and help me pack
That night Pythias lay in a dungeon
of the palace and, on board a swift
bark, Damon sailed out of the har-
Dor of Syracuse. bound across the blue
waters of the Mediterranean for the
shores of his native Greece.
1mpatiently he walked the deck, i'm
patient even at the swift flight of the
vessel. Two months he had it is true,
but that would quickly pass and I'M
foreseen accidents might retard him.
But somehow redeem his pledge he
must-his beloved Pythias.
The clear. unclouded sun of Greece
looked down upon the Attic plain
spreading it's mellow rays through that
pure air which bathed the bee-haunted
slopes of Hymettus and the rocky PIN
nacIe OF Lycabettus. bringing out into
relief the glorious marbles of the
Parthenon, already yellowing with age,
upon the lofty Acropolis and reflected
back in million sparkling lights from
the waves that washed the Rock of
Salamis as a little pinnace came flut-
tering into the Piraeus, the port of
Athens.
Damon leaped ashore and hurried to
the city.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Athens at Last

But youth, strength, determination,
brought him safely at last to the fur
Their shore. Through the night he hur-
ried on foot.
Soon after daybreak he saw a horse
man approaching. 1t was one of the
youths in league with Ephorus
Damon" he called, 'ft Is too late.
You need go no further. am Just from
Athens; your ship sailed at daybreak
this morning"
Damon approached the youth. Sud
denly he made a spring and, landing
upon the horse behind it's rider, lie
hurled the youth from the saddle,
slipped into it himself and, turning the
animals head, spurred on in hot haste
for Athens.
Through the city he rushed and down
to the port. 1t was true-the vessel
upon which he had expected to sail had
left at daybreak.
Up and down the sea front went Damon,
offering large sums for any ship which
would take him without delay to SYRIA
cuse
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21

of the case in which he stood. And they.
of course tried to dissuade him. The
Ill fame of the bloody tyrant Dionysius
had been blown across the world and
was well known in Greece.
Probably Pythias was already dead,
they said. Who had ever known Diony-
sips to keep faith when his terrors ex-
cited him or revenge impelled him? By
returning he would only add another to
the long list of the victims of the tyrant
At first Damon thought he would not
see Doris. The needle OF his soul point
ed toward Syracuse-he would not risk
having It DETECTED.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Thrown Into n Panic

This exploit of Carisophns did not jump
with the humor of Aristippus Carl
sophus was like to become the chief fav-
orite again; the court to relapse into it's
former gloomy and savage state, and
then where would be the market for the
ex-philosophers droll stories?
Dionysius was, indeed, startled at the
news brought him by Carisophus A
Greek spy in the city! Who knew but a
great conspiracy was on foot aimed at
his crown and life?
He was thrown into such a panic that
he suspected everybody around him.
When his BARRIERS came to shave him
he drove them away, declaring that they
came to cut his throat
The rumor ran through the city that
the king had sent for his daughters to
shave him, but would not let even them
bring a razor near him, requiring them
to heat shells andAsinge his beard off.
An exaggeration, doubtless, but indica-
tive of the state into which the king had
been thrown by the arrest of Damon.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Brought to Execution

While he was gone there came to his
lodgings Carisophus, intent upon plum
derlng the goods of Damon Stephano.
VINO respected neither King nor cour-
tier-only his masters, Damon and Pyth-
ias-caught the spy at his task and so
soundiy belabored him that he ran away
IN haste, denouncing vengeance.
Carisophus tried to get an audience
OF the King and have Stephano arrested.
But the King would not even see him.
1t was long and cruel night of de-
spair that Pythias passed Eearly in
the morning scaffold was erected in
the market place and preparations made
for the execution of Damon.
A crowd assembled. Presently came
the King, accompanied by Eubulus and
the courtiers and guard. Dionysius had
sworn that he would witness the decap-
1tation of Damon with his own eyes.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21


front, he showed him the forts and the
two Ravens and made himself exceed
ingly agreeable as we'll as instructive.
Damon came home enthusiastic. He
had struck a guide who was a prize.
Pythas ought to have been along with
him.
He had an engagement to meet the
man again the next day, when he was
to be shown more of the most remark
able city.
But, taking a little stroll before
breakfast the next morning, he met his
guide of the previous day before he
thought to-the guide Carisophus and
with him constable Snap.
There he is" cried Carisophus SNAP
him up, Snay; away with him..
Come on, sir" said the constable
come along without any fuss, now"
What for?" exclaimed the aston
ished Damon.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
A CT A S SIC
IN A P A G E

for the tyrant, and he liked better to
hear good story by Aristippus than
the denuneiation of some suspect by
Carisophus.
Carisophus began to get on the king s
nerves. Besides that, the people of Syr-
acuse had become so thoroughly familiar
with the character and trade of Carl
sophus that none of the citizens would
talk to him. They were, naturally, afraid
to do so.
When a group would be talking on the
street and Carisophus would approach
the group dissolved and each man went
his separate way. When a man saw
Carisophus coming he lodged around a
corner
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Honor Against Love

But there came to him Ephorus, Doris
brother, who said that Doris was ill.,
very i'll; that she wished to see Damon
once more before he returned to SYRIA
cuse. Every minute was precious to
Damon, but he could not resist that ap-
peal 1t would be for the last time.
Upon a marble bench, rendered COM
Portable by a profusion of shawls and
cushions, Doris was sitting under the
lex trees of the formal garden of her
brothers villa when Damon came to
see her
She did, indeed, appear troubled and
ill-but not seriously ill, as her brother
had asserted
Damon" said she, II will speak
frankly to you. Give up this mad plan
of returning to Syracuse and stay here
with me-"
Doris" returned Damon, 81 love you.
But my honor and my friendship fer
Pythias call me back to Sicily-and
death"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Little Hone

He said that he had been informed
that Damon was sentenced to die as \
SPY, That whatever had been told the
King Damon was innocent,
4 He begged that Aristippus would try
and assuage the Kings anger and
promised that, if he would do so, he
would earn the gratitude of himself
and his friend and that gratitude would
be shown in a substantial manner,
f.Sir," replied Aristippus, 'in this case
l can be of no service to you, am Of
the court indeed, but not of the coun-
ell"
but you stand high in the Kings
favor,7
say.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21

1T is courtier's praise to help a
stranger in difficulties"
ITO help another and hurt myself?
That is an evil point of courtesy"
you cannot hurt yourself by speak
ing for the innocent"
"IIe is not innocent whom the King
has pronounced guilty. But l will tell
you-your chief hope lies In Eubulus.
the counselor. He is interested in Da-
mons case and is trying to prevent
the King from acting rashly.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Waning Power

So the trade of Carisophus flourished
and he had the Kings ear until Aris-
tippus came TO court and changed that
gloomy place into a jolly one, keeping
the King good natured and the wine
flowing and the tables loaded with
good living,
1t was rather an agreeable change
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Trying TO Dissuade Him

But never for moment did he falter.
There, back in Syracuse, was Pythias,
his friend, In pledge for him. All his
energies surged forward to the task be-
fore hiin--to settle his affairs, get back
to the Sicilian city and, redeeming Pyth-
las, lay his own head upon the block,
Time was short-he must hurry, He
went about his business with feverish
haste.
Frankly he told his relatives and friends
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Wearying of the Spy

Return we now to Syracuse. 1t was
the day when. according to his promise,
Damon should appear 10 redeem his
friend, Noon was the hour fixed when,
II Damon did not appear. Pythias was
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
Under Arrest

IL like the intent WELL" replied Cariso-
phusj "but may ! ask your name?'
~ am Damon, Greek-a gentleman
born,n
AT your exceilency's service" said
the spy and, taking Damon TO the water
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21

better than my own life. Strike off my
head if Damon does not return at the
day you fix
WHO are your
"Pythias, a gentleman of Greece
The King gazed upon Pythias with as
constituent, and said: DO you really
mean it? Well, 1 think you are mad Do
YOU really believe that your friend. once
set free, would return here to die? Take
heed, for worldly men will break all faith
to save their lives"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21

- Syracuse one day in the reign
of the tyrant Dionysius. They were
accompanied by their valet, Stephano
whose services they shared in common
"a witty and bellieerent rogue, but
most efficient in his calling ana most
devoted to his masters
( While Stephano attended to getting
their luggage up from the dock and
engaged rooms for them in the prinei
pal hotel, the young Greeks strolled
about the city for a eursory glance
at 1t.
For Damon and Pythias were on their
travels-mal1ing the grand tour
Young gentlemen of wealth used to
make the grand tour" in the reign
of Dionysius even as they do in the
reign of-well, say the present day.
For travel enlargeth man and the
desire for roaming is a natural one
implanted in the breast of every nor
NAL man who is able to travel, travels
those who can not do so. stay home
and wish they could.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-21
copyright, 1913. by irving King. Al
RIGHTS raserved \

Il&HlS reservoir
Richard Edwards was a somersetshire
gentleman attached to the court of
Queen Elizabeth-"one of the gentle
men of her chapel" and master of the
children there" That is, probably, he
was choirmaster of the boy choir. 1t
was by THE children of the chapel
that Damon and Pythias' was first
acted the piece being presented before
the Queen.
Edwards wrote poetry and plays and
aspired to be ranked with the other
great authors of the reign of Elizabeth.
But OF all his writings Damon aid
Pythias" is the only one now remem-
bered Edwards was the first to put
into the form of a play the historic
incident of the two friends whose story
is found in the old classic writer's.
The play as written by Edwards is
now never acted. But adaptations of IT
and plays founded upon it are numer-
Gus and often acted. 1t should be noted
that in the old classic version it Is
Pythias who goes to Greece and re-
turns to save his friend. whereas in
Edwards version Damon makes the
trip and returns to offer his life.