Damon and Pythias / "A Good Friend"

Troubled though I might have been that a king found me to blame,

I begged of the man for some time to see loved ones and kin.

This he refused, considering me untrustworthy to fulfill my claim.

Yet, I discovered solace when my companion bet his life against my skin.

And while I enjoyed my freedom away, my demise sprung closer by the day.

Till at last, a decision had to be made – the death of a friend, or mine for honor’s sake.

And all this time, while my spirit was in a state of tumultuous Indecision and decay,

Damon lay alone in a cell in Syracuse, a noble soul, he trusted I would not forsake.

At last, my soul stumbled upon its strength, I made my way to Syracuse by dawn.

My friend, they told me, had not doubted me - not for so much as a single minute.

Vindicated, no doubt he must have felt; through grateful to fate that he might live on.

I felt blessed to have such a noble and faithful friend, with courage that knows no limit.

The king, inspired by the selfless bravery of the soul and decision I felt compelled to enact,

Pardoned us both. I realized then, life is often not what defines us - but the threat of death in fact.