DAMON AND PHINTIAS (not Pythias), Syracusae. Pythagoreans, devoted friends. Condemned to death by Dionysius of Syracuse, Phintias begged a short respite that he might arrange his affairs. Damon pledged his life for the return of his friend; and Phintias returned in time. The tyrant released both and begged to be admitted to their friendship (Diod. Sic. x. 4; Cicero, De Off. iii. 45; cp. Hyginus, fab.