Classic
Damon und Pythias
James Baldwin (1841–1925)
In each language: Damon and Pythias · Damon und Pythias · Damon y Pitias · Damon et Pythias · Damon e Pizia
The tyrant Dionysius has the young Pythias thrown into prison and sets the day of his death. Pythias asks leave to say goodbye to his family far away, promising to come back. His friend Damon offers to take his place in prison and to die in his stead if Pythias fails to return.
In English, German, Spanish, French and Italian · about 500 words · 5 min to read.
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Ein junger Mann namens Pythias hatte etwas getan, das dem Tyrannen Dionysius missfiel. Wegen dieses Vergehens wurde er ins Gefängnis geschleppt, und ein Tag wurde festgesetzt, an dem er hingerichtet werden sollte.
A young man whose name was Pythias had done something which the tyrant Dionysius did not like. For this offense he was dragged to prison, and a day was set when he should be put to death.
Sein Zuhause war weit weg, und er wollte vor seinem Tod unbedingt noch einmal seine Eltern und Freunde sehen.
His home was far away, and he wanted very much to see his father and mother and friends before he died.
„Erlaube mir nur, nach Hause zu gehen und mich von denen zu verabschieden, die ich liebe“, sagte er, „dann werde ich zurückkehren und mein Leben lassen.“
"Only give me leave to go home and say good-by to those whom I love," he said, "and then I will come back and give up my life."
Languages
- Damon and Pythias · English (original)486 words · ~5 min
- Damon und Pythias · GermanB1 Intermediate · 461 words · ~5 min
- Damon y Pitias · SpanishB1 Intermediate · 435 words · ~5 min
- Damon et Pythias · FrenchB1 Intermediate · 460 words · ~5 min
- Damon e Pizia · ItalianB1 Intermediate · 421 words · ~5 min
Open in the reader: German with English · Spanish with English · French with English · Italian with English
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Reading it as a parallel text
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Questions
- Which languages can I read Damon and Pythias in?
- English, German, Spanish, French and Italian. Pick the language you want to read and the one to keep beside it: every paragraph sits next to its translation, so you can check a sentence without losing your place.
- What level is it?
- In translation, German, Spanish, French and Italian are B1 Intermediate. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.
- How long is it?
- About 486 words: around 5 min of reading, with the translation beside it. The time depends on the edition's level: an easier edition is read more slowly.
- Is it free?
- Yes. Read it online with no account. The e-reader files (EPUB, and AZW3 and MOBI for Kindle) need a free account; the PDF doesn't.
- Can I read it on a Kindle or Kobo?
- Yes. Download the EPUB for Kobo, Apple Books and most e-readers, or the AZW3 or MOBI for a Kindle, with each paragraph followed by its translation. There is also a side-by-side PDF to print, and each language on its own.