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 Thraciant robber, of whose exploits I have heard so much? *Alexander was a celebrated King of Macedonia, who was born about three hundred and fifty-five years before Christ, and died at the age of thirty-two, having reigned twelve years and eight months. His death was, by some, attributed to poison and excessive drinking, and, by others, to a fever. He was famous for the number of battles he fought, and victories that he won, having carried his arms further, and conquered more nations, than any king that preceded him. His victories and success increased his pride to such an extent, that he abandoned himself to pleasure and dissipation. It is related, that, when he was told by the philosopher Anaxarchus, that there was an infinite number of worlds, he wept, to think that it would be impossible for him to conquer all of them, as he had not even conquered one. He burned many cities, squandered immense sums, for the vilest purposes, murdered, in battle and otherwise, millions of people, and brought misery and ruin upon a still greater number. Richly, therefore, has he merited the appellation bestowed upon him in certain ancient annals, "a most mighty robber and murderer." Justly, did an ambassador say to him, "Thou boastest that the only design of thy marching is to extirpate robbers; and thou thyself art the greatest robber in the world.” As justly, when Alexander asked a pirate what right he had to infest the seas, did he answer, 66 The same that thou hast, to infest the universe; but, because I do this in a small ship, I am called a robber, and because thou actest the same part with a great fleet, thou art entitled a conqueror. † The Thracians were an order of gladiators, said to be the Rob. I am a Thracian, and a soldier. A. A soldier! a thief, a plunderer, an assas sin! the pest of the country! I could honor 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? Ř. 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 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? A. 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. R. And does not Fame speak of me, too? Was there ever a bolder captain of a more valiant band? Was there ever, but I scorn to most fierce and cruel of them all. They were so called, either because they were natives of Thrace, (which was situated in the southeast of Europe,) or wore armor, after the manner of that country. The weapon they used was the falchion, a crooked sword; and they defended themselves with a little round shield. boast. You yourself know, that I have not been easily subdued. A. Still, what are you but a robber; a base, dishonest robber ? R. 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 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? A. 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. R. 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 shall ever repay the world, for the mischief we have done it. A. Leave me. Take off his chains, and use him well. (Exit robber.) Are we, then, so Alexander to a robber! Let me much alike? reflect. PHAETON* JUNIOR, OR, THE GIG DEMOLISHED. YE heroes of the upper form, Young Jehu was a lad of fame, * Phaeton was a fabled son of Phoebus, or the Sun, who is said to have demanded permission of his father, to drive his chariot, for one day. Phoebus, having before promised to grant whatever request he should make, was forced to comply. But Phaeton had no sooner received the reins, than he betrayed his ignorance, and incapacity to guide the chariot. The flying horses became sensible of the confusion of their driver, and immediately departed from the usual track. Phaeton repented, too late, of his rashness, and Jupiter interfered, struck him with a thunderbolt, and hurled him into the River Po. † Cricket. A play with bats and ball. Taw. An old name for marbles. § Prison-bars, or, more properly, prison-base, is a wellknown rural sport, or game, among boys. Now welcome Whitsuntide* was come, As soon as Jehu saw his sire, "A boon, a boon !" he cried ; "O, if I am your darling boy, Let me not be denied." "My darling boy, indeed, thou art," "Then give me, sir, your long lash'd whip, The father shook his head; "My son, "The horses, full of rest and corn, "Then think, dear boy, of something else, That's better worth your wishing, * See note on page 97. |