Section 225. The Two Robbers. I

We often condemn in others what we practise ourselves.

(Alexander the Great in his tent. A man with a fierce countenance, chained and fettered, brought before him.)

Alexander.—What, art thou the Thracian robber, of whose exploits I have heard so much?

Robber.—I am a Thracian, and a soldier.

Alexander.—A soldier?—a thief, a plunderer, an assassin! the pest of the country! I could honour thy courage, but I must detest and punish thy crimes.

Robber.—What have I done of which you can complain⁠?

Alexander.—Hast thou not set at defiance my authority, violated the public peace, and passed thy life⁠ in injuring the persons⁠ and properties of thy fellow-subjects⁠?

Robber.—Alexander! I am your captive. I must hear what you please to say, and endure what you please to inflict. But my soul is unconquered; and if I reply at all⁠ to your reproaches, I will reply like a free man.

Alexander.—Speak freely. Far be it from me to take⁠ the advantage of my power, to silence those with whom I deign to converse!

Robber.—I must then answer your question by another. How have you passed your life?

Alexander.—Like a hero. Ask Fame⁠, and she will tell you. Among the brave, I have been the bravest; among sovereigns, the noblest; among conquerors, the mightiest.

sich über etwas beklagen. Use the 2nd person Plural when the robber addresses Alexander.

und dein Leben damit zugebracht.

= the personal safety.

deiner Nebenmenschen.

überhaupt.

= to use.

‘Fame,’ here Fama, die Göttin des Ruhmes. Fame, or Fama, was a poetical deity, represented as having wings and blowing a trumpet. A temple was dedicated to her by the Romans.