Jay Phillips, age 16, of Twin Falls, Idaho, for his question:

WHO WERE DAMON AND PYTHIAS?

Damson and Pythias were two noble Greek youths of Syracuse. Their friendship and loyalty to each other made them famous. The linking of their names has become the epitome of true friendship.

Legend has it that Pythias, or "Phintias" as he was sometimes called, had been condemned to death by Dionysius of Syracuse. But he was allowed to leave the city to put his affairs in order after Damon promised to die in place of Pythias if Pythias failed to keep his promise to return.

Circumstances delayed Pythias. Damon was unafraid as he willingly accepted his friend's date with death.

But Pythias returned at the last minute. And Dionysius was so delighted with the display of friendship that he pardoned Pythias and he asked both Pythias and Damon to become his friends.