Run Melos..!!

In ancient Greece, there was a young man named Melos. He lived in the city of Messina in Sicily. His sister was about to be married and Melos wanted ti gift her a ceremonial sword. So he traveled all the way to Syracuse - the mangnificent city of the temples. In Syracuse, Melos met a talented young sculptor named Selinentius. The two young men become close friends. Melos bought the ritual sword and was about to go back to Messina. At that time Syracuse was ruled by the cruel king Dionysius. Someone wrongly accused Melos of conspiring to kill the king. Melos was arrested and brought before Dionysius.He was sentenced to death.

Melos tried explaining that he was innocent, but the king did not believe him. At last he pleaded, "I am ready to die.But please allow me to go back to Messina to attend my sister's wedding. I will be back in three days and then you can execute me." "Do you thing I am fool?" shouted the cruel king. "If I let you go, you will never come back. Who would come back to get killed?.' Though Melos repeatedly assured the king that he would come back. Dionysis would not trust him. He said,"I can let you go only if someone else is willing to stay here as a hostage till you come back.If you don't come back within three days, I will kill the hostage in your place.

When he heard this, Selinetius volunteered to be a hostage till Melos returned. Dionysius couldn't belive that he would be willing to risk his own life.He had no choice but to let Melos go. Melos was deeply grateful to his friend .He hurried to Messina. He attend his sister's wedding and presented the ceremonial sword to the newly married couple. After that he bade a tearful farewell to everyone and started for Syracuse immediately. The way back was full of obstacles. His ship was attacked by pirates and he was forced to jump into the water. But Melos couldn't think of giving up He couldn't afford to be late.The life of his dear friend was in danger, Thinking of Selinentius, Melos swan Towards the shore with all his might.

Eventually, he reached the shore.Melos feared he might be too late. he had no choice but to run. He run as fast as he could towards Syracuse.But his troubles were not over yet. Suddenly a group of armed mountain robbers surrounded him. Melos pleaded that he needed to reach Syracuse at the earliest to save his friend's life.B ut the robbers would not let him go. Melos couldn't waste time. he had to fight the robbers. A fierce fight followed. Thought Melos was very exhausted, he fought valiantly. He was determined to overcome this obstacle. One by one he struck down all the bandits. With all this effort, Melos was dead tried Yet he couldn't think of resting. gathering all his streanght, he again started running. His feet bled and he was drenched with sweat. His thorat was dry. Yet he continued running as fast as his tired legs could carry him. But Melos was nearing the end of his strength. Overcome with fatigue he collapsed on the ground. He had no strength to get up.

As he lay helplessly,his mind raced. For a moment,a terrible thought crossed his mind. "Why am iI running so hard? "he thought. "To die? Of what use is all this? "Why can't I just go back and alive a life of ease? "Just then he remembered his friend's face. He could not let Selinentius down How could he betray his friend's trust? "No" he determined. It is useless to live a life of disgrace and regret. I would rather die in honour! "A fierce determination welled up in his heart. He had to reach Syracuse in time. with a sudden burst of energy. Melos got back on his feet. He took a deep breath and started running again. He had no sense of time. No sense of pain. He just knew he had to reach his destination. "Run Melos run!" he shouted to himself. Afte a seemingly endless run, Melos finally reached Syracuse. His heart pounded with fear. Was he too late?.

As he reached the palace, he saw Selinentius being led to the execution ground. Melos was overcome with relief and a profound satifaction at having kept his word." I am here!" he shouted. "I have kept my word. Kill me !But let my friend go!" Then he fell unconscious on the ground. The tyrant Dionysius was so impressed with the profound trust and friendship between Melos and Selinentius that he pardoned them both. He was so moved with their loyalty and courage that he made them both advisors in his court.

How wonderful are the bonds of friendship! Let's become people of honour. Let's transcend our selfish concerns and do our best to help and support our friends.

Source- V.C Aug.07