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 complain1?
Alexander.—Hast thou not set at defiance my authority, violated the public peace, and passed thy life2 in injuring the persons3 and properties of thy fellow-subjects4?
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 all5 to your reproaches, I will reply like a free man.
Alexander.—Speak freely. Far be it from me to take6 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 Fame7, and she will tell you. Among the brave, I have been the bravest; among sovereigns, the noblest; among conquerors, the mightiest.
Notes
1 sich über etwas beklagen. Use the 2nd person Plural when the robber addresses Alexander.
2 und dein Leben damit zugebracht.
3 = the personal safety.
4 deiner Nebenmenschen.
5 überhaupt.
6 = to use.
7 ‘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.