German composition

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 earth⁠1 like an evil genius, blasting⁠2 the fair fruits of peace and industry, plundering, ravaging, killing⁠3 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 individuals⁠4, 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 difference⁠5, but that, as you were born a king, and I a private man⁠6, 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 cherished⁠7 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 mankind⁠8, 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 reflect⁠9.—Dr. Aikin.

Notes

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

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

3 = Have you not plundered, ravaged and killed.

4 = robbed common citizens.

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

6 = common citizen.

7 here = protected.

8 = of all men.

9 Ich will darüber nachdenken.