Section 226. The Two Robbers. II

Robber.—And does not Fame speak of me too? Was there (S. 82, N. 7) ever a bolder captain of a more valiant band? Was there ever—but I scorn to boast. You yourself know that I have not been easily subdued.

Alexander.—Still, what are you but a robber, a base, dishonest robber?

Robber.—And what is a conqueror? Have not you, too, gone about the earth⁠ like an evil genius, blasting⁠ the fair fruits of peace and industry, plundering, ravaging, killing⁠ without law, without justice, merely to gratify an insatiable lust for dominion? All that I have done to a single district with a hundred followers, you have done to whole nations with a hundred thousand. If I have stripped individuals⁠, you (S. 27, N. 8) have ruined kings and princes. If I have burned a few hamlets, you have desolated the most flourishing kingdoms and cities of the earth. What is then the difference⁠, but that, as you were born a king, and I a private man⁠, you have been able to become a mightier robber than I?

Alexander.—But if I have taken like a king, I have given like a king. If I have subverted empires, I have founded greater. I have cherished⁠ arts, commerce, and philosophy.

Robber.—I, too, have freely given to the poor, what I took from the rich. I have established order and discipline among the most ferocious of mankind⁠, and have stretched out my protecting arm over the oppressed. I know, indeed, little of the philosophy you talk of; but I believe neither you nor I will ever atone to the world for the mischiefs we have done.

Alexander.—Leave me!—Take off his chains, and use him well. Are we, then, so much like?—Alexander and a Robber?—Let me reflect⁠.—Dr. Aikin.

‘to go about the earth’ here über die Erde her´ziehen, conjugated with sein.

= to (um ... zu) blast, vernichten.

= Have you not plundered, ravaged and killed.

= robbed common citizens.

Besteht denn zwischen uns beiden ein anderer Unterschied als der, daß; followed by ‘you have — than I’, according to S. 211, N. 9.

= common citizen.

here = protected.

= of all men.

Ich will darüber nachdenken.