The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1914-09-24

of love, friendship and devotion that
the world has ever known was enact
ed.
Syracuse became famous for it's
beautiful surroundings. the pictur-
csque scenery, its fertile soil, the ex-
tent of its Vineyards and olive groves.
II became so attractive that many of
the Greeks came there to live among
these blessings of nature that had
been SO generously bestowed.
The city continued to grow and
prosper, beautiful homes were erect
ed and stately piles of architecture
rose from its inviting streets. SYRIA
cuse became the home of many
wealthy and refined people, men of
science, philosophers, poets, artists
and the cultured class made this city
their home. The government alter
mated from democracy to a mon
archy, but for many years the peo-
pie Of Syracuse enjoyed very liberal
form of government and no doubt
the growth and popularity of the city
was the direct result of this liberal
: ity
They had warriors in those days as
we have in Europe at the present
time. Tho Carthagenians had an
envious and jealous eye turned to-
wards beautiful and prosperous SYRIA
cuse and the city was a valuable
prize and soon became the object OF
reprisal.
Carthage planned an invasion OF
the city and Dionysius, then a young
man who had gained considerable
REPUTATION for his courage in times
of war, added to his laurels by his
defense OF the city, and although a
desperate war was waged Syracuse
was the victor. Flushed with the
wave Of popular approval Dionysius
surrounded himself with his mercen-
aries that were willing to do his bid
ding and had himself appointed as
one of the generals. In short time
Ihe removed the generals appointed
with him and substituted his puppets
whose only virtue was to be found in
their obedience to the Boss. Diony-
sius. Gaining the control of the army
iDionysius planned to become the die
tator Of Syracuse. and at once seized
the capitol.
At this time Damon and Pythias
iare brought upon the scene and the
action of Dionysius, the tyrant, made
the story of Damon and Pythias pos
sible, and while the story is well
known to all knights and many 9TH
ers still it cannot be told too often
and is worth repeating here for the
lesson 1t teaches.
Damon was an able senator of Sy-
racuse and Pythias was famous
knight who had won high honors in
the great Pythian games which was
one of the great annual events of an
Gent Greece.
When Dionysius seized the capitol
Damon rushed into the forum and
delivered a forcible address against
the tyranny of the dictator but he
was howled down by the mob OF
Dionysius' followers and Dionysius
was declared king.
Damon is ordered arrested and
chained, is cast into dungeon, and
sentenced to be beheaded at sun
down. This was the day set for the
wedding of Pythias. and Damon, his
| friend, had been invited to attend
the ceremony with his family, but
had sent his wife and child away for
a visit. Pythias postponed his we'd
ding to go to the relief of Damon
whom he found being led in his
chains to the place of execution. Fe
pleaded with the captain of the
guards for permission to take Damon
before the unmericiful tyrant and
this permission was granted. Hel
; entered the throne room Of the king
and asked that Damon be granted a
brief respite that he might go and