Universal Weekly (1914-1915)

8 THE UNIVERSAL WEEKLY "DAMON AND PYTHIAS" -Continued valor many laurels have been added to the fame of his chieftain. The friendship between the senator, Damon, and the warrior, Pythias, is a matter of note in Syracuse. Pythias goes to visit at his villa near the city. The wife and son of the latter greet him, and the boy is delighted when the soldier presents him with miniature replicas of his own helmet, sword, shield and chariot. Meanwhile, in Syracuse, Dionysius sees Calanthe, daughter of Arria and the affianced wife of Ptyhias, and desires her for his own. Tablets come to the general from Agrientum. stating that the city is being attacked by a horde of Carthaginians and Damon's Happy Home. its destruction is feared. Dionysius is asked to come with his armies or send ft trusted general in command. Still coveting Calanthe, a vision of her dancing among the maidens, comes to the general, and he decides to send Pythias to battle, hoping that he may not return. Heedless of the pleas of Calanthe, the soldier, Pythias, leads his men to the besieged city. Fate, not favoring the plans of Dionysius, gives to Pythias victory. Calanthe, fearful of her lover's safety, seeks an oracle, and in its black caldron sees a vision of her beloved surrounded by a grateful people. The head of his legions, Pythias, returns to Syracuse a conquering hero, and is greeted by the admiring populace. Fetes and games are arranged in his honor. A chariot race il announced and Dionysius, still plotting, pits Aristle, the best charioteer in all Sicily, against Pythias. The race is run and Pythias is the victor and again the hero of the hour. So great becomes the soldier's popularity that Dionysius, again, desiring to destroy Pythias' fame, schemes to ascend the throne. Otis Turner, Who Directed "Damon and Pythias". Pythias' wedding to Calanthe is set for the following day. Taking the time as auspicious, knowing that Damon will be absent from the Senate to attend the ceremonies of his friend, Dionysius plots with Phillistus, president of the Senate, to be offered the crown. The Senate assembles. Phillistus proposes to choose Dionysius as king. The minority protests and dispatches a messenger for Damon. The tyrant is crowned. Damon, banish ing all thought of self in his desire to keep Syracuse a free state, attempts to kill Dionysius. He is thrown into pri»on when Pythias, summoned by a slave, begs Dionysius for pity. Damon asks to go and see his wife and child. Pythias becomes his hostage. Damon is given until sunset to return. Accompanied by his faithful servant, Lucullus, the Senator goes on horseback to his villa. Then to his friendship comes the greatest demand, to bid a last farewell to his wife and son and return to set Pythias free, while he himself dies upon the scaffold. Damon tears himself from his loved ones only to find that the toofaithful slave, hoping to detain him, has slain his horse. Syracuse is three leagues away. Damon attacks a soldier and takes his steed. The horse fall* and is unable to go farther. Damon speeds on afoot. Meanwhile, Dionysius, disguised, endeavors to test the friendship of Damon and Pythias. Calanthe, unsuspecting, goes with him to Pythias, and through her the plotting king tempts the young soldier to flee, telling him that Damon will not return. Pythias struggles with self, his desire for freedom, his love for Calanthe, but his friendship for Damon triumphs. He will face death rather than dishonor. Sunset's hour arrives. Crowds gather about the execution place. Pythias lays his head upon the block. The axe is lifted to strike just as Damon, exhausted and weak, falls into tbe arms of his friend. Throwing off his disguise, Dionysius commands the heralds to announce the pardon The Senator and the Soldier. of the Senator, refusing to sunder such a friendship as that of Damon and Pythias. The musical program for "Damon and Pythias" includes : 1. Weber's Jubel Overture. "Dawn of Hope", by J. Cassells. the third part of Massenet's Scenes Pittoresques. 2. Veil Dance, by R. Aronson ; "Garden of Love", by E. Asher: Number Five of the Sigurd Jersalfer Suite, by E. Grieg. Hurry Number Three, from M. A. Lake's famous motion picture set ; Menuet, by H. Paradis. 3. Tone Poem, by Arthur Pryor ; Fucik's march, Entry of the Gladiators. The Chase, by C. Koelinc, Edward Grieg's "Berceuse". 4. Selections from Leo Oehmler's Cleopatra Suite. 5. "Bright Star of Hope", by V. Robaudi ; March and Procession, by K. Leo Delibes, A. Pryor's "After Sunset