THE TWO ROBBERS.
Scene—Alexander the Great in his tent. Guards. A man with a fierce countenance, chained and fettered, brought before him.
Alex. What, art thou the Thracian robber of whose exploits I have heard so much?
Rob. I am a Thracian and a soldier.
A. A soldier!—a thief, a plunderer, an assassin! the pest of the country! could honour thy courage, but I must detest and punish thy crimes.
R. What have I done, of which you can complain?
A. 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?
R. 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.
A. Speak freely. Far be it from me to take the advantage of my power to silence those with whom I deign to converse!
R. I must then answer your question by another. How have you passed your life?