Criminal from Lost Honour-Friedrich Schiller

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1:01Meet the Red Bull Dragonberry Emergizer. It's one of the many new drinks out now. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire? Try them all only at McDonald's. Part one of the criminal from lost honor. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit librevox.org, recording by Carolyn. The criminal from lost honor by Friedrich Schiller translated by John Oxenfort. Part one. In the whole history of man, there is no chapter more instructive for the heart and mind than the annals of his errors. On the occasion of every great crime, a proportionally great force was in motion. By the pale light of ordinary emotions,

2:02the play of the desiring faculty is concealed. In the situation of strong passion, it becomes the more striking, the more colossal, the more audible, and in the acute investigator of humanity, who knows how much may be properly set down to the account of the mechanism of the ordinary freedom of the will, and how far it is allowable to reason by analogy, will be able from this source to gather much fresh experience for his psychology and to render it applicable to moral life. The human heart is something so uniform and at the same time so compound, one and the same faculty or desire may play in a thousand forms and directions, may produce a thousand contradictory phenomena, may appear differently mingled in a thousand characters,

3:03and a thousand dissimilar characters and actions might be spun out of one kind of inclination, though the particular man about whom the question was raised might have no suspicion of such affinity. If, as for the other kingdoms of nature, Idli Nayos for the human race were to arise, who could classify according to intonations and impulses, how great would be the empire when many a person whose vices are now stifled in a narrow social sphere, and in the close confines of the law was found in the same order with the Monster Borja. Considered from this point of view, the usual mode of treating history is open to much objection, and herein I think lies the difficulty, owing to which the study of history has always been so unfruitful

4:04for civil life. Between the vehement emotions of the man in action, and the quiet mind of the reader, to whom the action is presented, there is such a repelling contrast, such a white interval, that it is difficult, nay impossible, for the latter, even to suspect a connection. A gap remains between the subject of the history and the reader, which cuts off all possibility of comparison or application, and which, instead of awakening that holds some alarm, that warns to secure health, merely calls forth the shake of the head, denoting suspicion. We regard the unhappy person, who was still a man as much as ourselves, both when he committed the act and when he atoned for it, as a creature of another species,

5:05whose blood flows differently from our own, and whose will does not obey the same regulations as our own. His fate teaches us but little, as sympathy is only founded on an obscure consciousness of similar peril, and we are far removed even from the bare suspicions of such similarity. The relation being lost, instruction is lost with it, and history, instead of being a school of cultivation, must rest content with the humble merit of having satisfied our curiosity. If it is to become anything more and attain its great purpose, it must choose one of these two plans. Either the reader must become as warm as the hero, or the hero must become as cold as the reader. I am aware that many of the best historians,

6:08both of ancient and modern times, have adhered to the first method and have gained the heart of their reader by a style which carries him along with the subject. But this is a user-patient on the part of the author, and an infringement on the Republican freedom of the reading public, which is itself entitled to sit in judgment. It is at the same time a violation of the law of boundaries since this method belongs exclusively and properly to the orator and the poet. The last method is alone open to the historian. The hero must be as cold as the reader, or, what comes to the same thing, we must become acquainted with him before he begins to act. We must see him not only perform, but will his action. His thoughts concern us infinitely more than his deeds,

7:11and the sources of his thoughts still more than the consequences of his deeds. The soil of Visuvius has been explored to discover the origin of its eruption, and why is less attention paid to a moral than to a physical phenomenon? Why do we not equally regard the nature and situation of the things which surround a certain man until the tinder collected with him takes fire? The dreamer who loves the wonderful is charmed by the singularity and wonder of such a phenomenon but the friend of truth seeks a mother for these lost children. He seeks her in the unalterable structure of the human soul and in the variable conditions by which it is influenced from without, and by searching both these he is sure to find her.

8:11He is now no more astonished to see the poisonous hemlock thriving in that bed in every other part of which holds some herbs are growing to find wisdom and folly, virtue and vice together in the same cradle. Not to mention any of the advantages which psychology derives from such a method of treating history, this method has alone the preference because it operates the cruel scorn and proud security with which erect and untempted virtue commonly looks down upon the fallen because it diffuses the mild spirits of toleration without which no fugitive can return, nor reconciliation between the law and its offender is possible, no infected member of society can escape utter modification. Had the criminal of whom I am now about to speak a right to appeal to that spirit of toleration,

9:18was he really lost for the body of the state without a possibility of redemption? I will not anticipate the reader's verdict. Our leniency will no more avail him since he perished by the hand of the executioner, but the dissection of his crime will perhaps instruct humanity and possibly instruct justice also. Christian Wolf was the son of an innkeeper in a provincial town, the name of which must be concealed for reasons which will be obvious in the sequel, and his father being dead he assisted his mother in the business till his twenty-a-year. The business was bad and wolf had many an idol hour, even from his school days he was notorious as a loose kind of fellow. Grown up girls complained of his audacity and the lads of the town reverenced his inventive powers,

10:24nature neglected his person, a little insignificant figure, curly hair of an unpleasant blackness, a flat nose, and a swollen upper lip, which had been more over put out of its place by the kick of a horse, gave a repulsiveness to his appearance which scared all the women away from him, and afforded abundant material for the wit of his comrades. Obstinately did he endeavour to gain what had been denied him, because he was unpleasant he determined to please, he was sensual and persuaded himself that he was in love, the girl whom he chose ill-treated him, he had reason to fear his rivals were more fortunate, nevertheless the girl was poor, a heart that was close to his endearments might possibly open to his presence, but he himself was oppressed by want,

11:25and his vain endeavour to produce an effective exterior, absorbed the small gains of his miserable business. Too indolent and too ignorant to restore his dilapidated affairs by speculation, too proud and also too delicate to exchange the condition of master which had hitherto held, for that of peasant he saw but one path before him, a path which thousands before and after him have taken with better success, that of stealing honestly. His native town boarded on a wood which belonged to the sovereign, he turned poach and the profits of his depredations were faithfully placed in the hands of his mistress. Among the lovers of Johanna was Robert, a huntsman in the service of the forestar. This man soon perceived the advantage which had been gained over him by the liberality of his rival,

12:31and filled with envy he investigated the source of this change. He appeared more frequently at the sun, this was the sign of the inn, and his watchful eye sharpened by envy and jealousy soon showed him whence the money had been procured. A short time before a severe edict had been revived against poachers, condemning transgressors to the house of correction. Robert was unwaired in observing the secret paths of his rival and finally succeeded in catching the unwaired man in the very fact. Wolf was apprehended and it was only by the sacrifice of all his property that he was able and then with difficulty to escape the awarded punishment by a fine. Robert triumphant, his rival was beaten out of the field,

13:32and Johanna's favour was at an end now he was beggar. Wolf knew his enemy and his enemy was the happy possessor of Johanna. An oppressive feeling of want was combined with offended pride, necessity and jealousy raged together against his sensitiveness. Hunger drove him out upon the wide world, revenging passion held him fast. For a second time he turned poacher, but Robert's redoubled vigilance was again too much for him. Now he experienced all the severity of the law, for he had nothing more to give, and in a few weeks he was consigned to the house of correction, attached to the capital. This year of punishment had passed, absence had increased his passion, and his stubbornness had become greater under the weight of his misfortune.

14:33Scarcely had he regained his freedom, then he hastened to the place of his birth to show himself to his Johanna. He appeared and all shunned him, pressing necessity at last subdued his pride, and overcame his sense of personal weakness. He offered himself to the opulent of the place as willing to serve for daily hire. The farmer shrugged his shoulders as he saw the weekly looking creature, and the stout bony frame of a rival applicant was decisive against him in the might of the unfeeling patron. He made one effort more, one office was still left, the very last post of an honest name. He applied for the vacant place of herdsmen of the town, but the peasant would not trust his pigs to escape grace.

15:38For us treated an every effort, rejected at every place, he became a poacher for the third time, and for a third time he had the misfortune of falling into the hands of his watchful enemy. The double relapse had increased the magnitude of the offense. The judges looked into the book of laws, but not into the criminals' state of mind. The decree against poachers required a solemn and exemplary satisfaction, and all the force condemned to work for three years in the fortification, with the mark of the gallows branded on his back. This period also had elapsed, and he quitted the fortification a very different man from the man he was when he entered it. He had begun a new epoch in his life. Let us hear him speak himself as he afterwards confessed to his spiritual advisor,

16:43and before the court. I entered the fortification, he said, as an urring man, and I left it a villain. I had still possessed something in the world which was dear to me, and my pride had bowed down under the shame. When I was brought to the fortification, I was confined with 30 and 20 prisoners, two of whom were murderous, while all the rest were notorious thieves and vagabonds. Toyota's easy choice sales event is on. Whether you're looking for the performance of a camera, the versatility of a RAV4, the efficiency of a Corolla, or all electric driving in the BZ. There's a Toyota that's just right for you, and with great deals across the lineup, now's the time to find yours. But hurry, these deals won't last long. Toyota's easy choice sales event ends soon. We make it easy.

17:44Toyota, let's go places. Meet the Red Bull Dragonberry Emergizer. It's one of the many new drinks out now. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire? Try them all only at McDonald's. McDonald's is putting value back on the menu. Whether you're craving a big mac, McNuggets or sausage egg and cheese McGrittle's make it a meal and save. Your favorite is now your wallet's favorite too. Extra value meals are back. Sun rises, prices fall. Get a sausage McMuffin with egg or sausage egg and cheese McGrittle's small hot coffee and hash frowns for just six dollars. Price and participation may vary. Promotion pricing may be lower than meal pricing. Ba-da-da-da-da. They scoffed at me when I spoke of God and encouraged me to utter all sorts of blasphemies against the Redeemer. Obscene songs were sung in my presence,

18:45which, graceless fellow as I was, I could not hear without disgust and horror and what I saw done was still more revolting to my sense of decency. There was not a day in which some career of shame was not repeated in which some evil project was not hatched. At first I shunned these people and avoided their discourse as much as possible, but I wanted the sympathy of some fellow creature and the barbarity of my keepers had even denied me my dog. The labor was heart and oppressive, my body weak. I wanted assistance and if I must speak out, I wanted compassion also and to this I was forced to purchase with the last remains of my conscience. Thus did I ultimately become ennured to what was most detestable and in the quarter of the year

19:46I had surpassed my instructors. I now thirsted after the day of liberty as I thirsted after revenge. All men had offended me for all were better and happier than me. I considered myself the martyr of natural rights, the victim of the law, grinding my teeth I rubbed my chains when the sun rose behind the mountain on which the fortifications stood. A white prospect is a too-fold hell for a prisoner, the three breeze that whistled through the loopholes of my tower, the swallow that perched on the iron bow of my grating seemed to insult me with their liberty and made my confinement the more hideous. Then I swore a fierce, unconquerable hate against all that resembles man and faithfully have I kept my oath.

20:49My first thought, as soon as I was free, was my native town. Little as I had to hope there for my future support, much was promised to my hunger for revenge. My heart beats more wildly as I saw the church steeply rising the distance from the wood. It was no more that heart-felt comfort which I felt when first I returned there. The remembrance of all the afflictions, all the persecutions which I had suffered then roused me at once from a frightful tour-poor, every wound blette of fresh, every scar was opened. I quickened my steps for I walked in the thought of terrifying my enemy by my sudden appearance, and I now thirsted as much after new humiliation than I had before trampled at it. The bells were ringing for Vespers

21:49while I stood in the middle of the market. The congregation was thronging to church. I was now recognized and everyone who came near me, shyly shrank back. I was always very fond of little children, and even now, by an involuntary impulse, I gave a grosh and to a boy who was skipping by me. The boy stared at me for a moment and then flung the grosh and to my face. Had my blood been cooler, I should have remembered that the beard which I had brought with me from the fortification disfigured my face in the most frightful manner, but my bad heart had infected my reason. Tears, such as I had never shed, ran down my cheeks. The boy does not know who I am nor whence I come. I now set to myself half-aloud, and yet he shunned me like some noxious beast.

22:51Have I any mark on my forehead or have I ceased to look like a man because I can no longer love one? The contempt of this boy wounded me more bitterly than three years' service in the galleys, for I had done him a kindness and could not charge him with personal hatred. I set down in a timber-yart opposite the church. What I actually desired, I do not know, but this I know, that I rose with indignation when of all my acquaintances that passed, no one would give me a greeting. Deeply offended, I left the spot to seek a lodging when just as I was turning the corner of a street I ran against my Johanna. The host of this son, she cried aloud and made a movement to embrace me. Thou retanned dear host of this son, God be praised!

23:52Her attire bespoke misery and hunger, her aspect denoted the abandoned condition to which she had sunk. I quickly surmised what had happened. Some of the princes, Dragoons who had met me, made me guess that there was a garrison in the town. Soldiers went, cry die, and laughing I turned my back upon her. I felt comforted that in the rank of living beings there was still one creature below me. I had never loved her. My mother was dead, my creditors had paid themselves with my small house. I had lost everybody and everything. All the world shunned me as though I were venomous, but I had at last forgotten shame. Before I had retired from the sight of men because contempt was unendurable,

24:52now I obstructed myself upon them and felt delight in scaring them. I was easy because I had nothing more to lose and nothing more to God. I know more needed any good quality because none believed I could have any. The whole world lay open before me and in some strange province I might have passed for an honest man, but I had lost the spirit even to appear one. Despair and shame had at last forced this mood upon me. It was the last refuge that was left me to learn to do without honor because I had no longer acclaimed to it. Had my pride and vanity survived my degradation, I must have destroyed myself. What I had actually resolved upon was yet unknown even to myself. I had, to be sure, a dark remembrance

25:54that I wished to do something bad. I wished to merit my fate. The laws, I thought, were beneficial to the world and therefore I embraced the determination of violating them. Formerly I had sinned from necessity and levity, now it was from free choice and for my own pleasure. My first plan was to continue my poaching, hunting all together had gradually become a passion with me and besides I was forced to live some way. But this was not all. I was tickled at the thought of squarning the princely edict and of injuring my sovereign to the utmost of my power. I know more feared a prehension, for I had a bullet ready for my discoverer and I knew that I should not miss my man. I killed all the game that came across me,

26:56a small quantity of which I sold on the border, but the greater part I left to rot. I lived miserably that I might be able to afford powder and bowl. My devastations and the great hunt were notorious, but suspicion no longer touched me. My aspect dissipated it, my name was forgotten. This kind of life lasted for several months. One morning I had as usual a rampled through the wood to follow the track of a deer. I had worried myself for two hours in vain and was already beginning to give up my prey as lost when I suddenly discovered it within gunshot. I was about to take a meant fire when I was suddenly startled by the appearance of a hat which lay on the ground a few paces before me.

27:56I looked closer and discovered the Huntsman Robert, who from behind the thick trunk of an oak tray, was leveling his gun at the very animal which I had designed to shoot. At this sight a deadly coldness passed through my bones. Here was the man whom I detested more than any living thing and this man with an reach of my bullet. At the moment I felt as if the whole world was dependent on the firing of my gun and the hatred of my whole life seemed concentrated in the tip of the finger that was to give the fatal pressure to the trigger. An invisible fatal hand was suspended over me, the index of my destiny pointed irrevocably to this black minute. My arm trembled when I allowed my gun the fatal choice.

28:57My teeth shattered as in an ache fit and my breath with a suffocating sensation was confined in my lungs. For the duration of one minute did the barrel of the gun wave uncertainly between the man and the deer one minute and one more? With verbo care, help is always ready before, during and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind. Toyota's easy choice sales event is on. Whether you're looking for the performance of the camera, the versatility of her at four, the efficiency of a Corolla or all electric driving in the BZ. There's a Toyota that's just right for you. And with great deals across the lineup, now's the time to find yours. But hurry, these deals won't last long.

29:57Toyota's easy choice sales event ends soon. We make it easy. Toyota, let's go places. McDonald's is putting value back on the menu. Whether you're craving a big mac, McDonald's or sausage egg and cheese McGrittle's make it a meal and save. Your favorite is now your wallet's favorite too. Extra value meals are back. Sun rises, prices fall, get a sausage McMuthin with egg or sausage egg and cheese McGrittle's small hot coffee and hash frowns for just six dollars. Price and participation may vary, promotion pricing may be lower than meal pricing. Ba-da-ba-ba-ba. And yet one more, it was a doubtful and obstinate contest between revenge and conscience, but revenge gained the victory and the Huntsman lay dead on the ground. My gun fell as it had been fired. Murderer, I stem it out slowly.

30:58The wood was as silent as a churchyard and I could hear plainly that I said, murderer. When I drew nearer, the man had died. Long did I stand speechless before the corpse when a shrill burst of laughter came as a relief. Will you keep counsel now, friend," said I, and boldly stepping up to the murdered man, I turned around his face towards myself. His eyes were wide open. I was serious and again became suddenly still. An extraordinary feeling took possession of me. End of Part One Part Two of the criminal from Lost Honor by Friedrich Schiller translated by John Oxonfort. This Librevox recording is in the public domain,

32:01recording by Caroline. Part Two Hiver too I had sinned on the count of my disgrace, but now something had happened for which I had not yet atoned. In hour before I think no man could have persuaded me that there was anything under heaven worse than myself, whereas now I began to suspect that my condition in hour before was perhaps an enviable one. God's judgments did not occur to me, but I had a dim recollection of so-dent-cord and the execution of an infanticide which I saw while a schoolboy. There was something peculiarly terrible to me in the thought that my life from this moment had become forfeit. More I do not recollect. My first wish was that Robert was still living. I endeavoured forcibly to recall to my mind all the wrong

33:04that the deceased had done me during his life, but strange to say my memory seemed to have perished. I could recall nothing of that which a quarter of an hour before had impelled me to madness. I did not understand how I had been induced to commit this murder. I was yet standing by the corpse, the crack of some whips and the noise of carts which were passing through the woods brought me to my senses. The deed had been committed scarcely a quarter of a mile from the high road, and I was forced to think of my own safety. Unintentionally I straight deepened to the wood, on the way it struck me that the deceased once possessed a watch. I needed money to reach the border, and yet I lacked courage to return to the spot where the dead man lay.

34:07A thought of the devil and of an omnipotence of the day to begin to terrify me. However, I summoned all my audacity and resolved to set all hellet defiance. I returned to the place, I found what I had expected, and all so money, emounting to rather more than a dollar in a green purse. Just as I was about to put them both up, I suddenly stopped and began to reflect. It was no fit of shame, nor was it the fear of increasing my crime by plunder. I believed it was out of a spirit of defiance so that I flung away the watch, and only kept half the money. I wished to be taken for a personal enemy of the murdered man, but not for one who had robbed him. I now fled deeper into the wood, which I knew extended four German miles to the north,

35:09and there touched the board of the country. Till noon I ran breathless. The rapidity of my flight had dissipated the anguish of my conscience, but the return of that anguish was frightful when my strength more and more declined. A thousand hideous forms passed before me and struck into my heart, like sharp knives. Between a life filled with an increasing terror of death and a violent end, the awful choice was now left me, and, choose, I must. I had not the heart to quit the world by self-destruction and I was terrified at the prospect of remaining in it. Fixed as it were between the certain torments of life and the uncertain terrace of eternity, unable to live or die, I passed this sixth hour of my flight

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37:11some exclusions apply, see store for details, delivery available on follow-up buying orders. Slowly, absorbed in myself and with my hat unconsciously slouched over my face, as if I wished to conceal myself from the eye of inanimate nature, I hadn't sensibly followed a narrow path which led me through the deepest part of the thicket, when suddenly a rough, imperious voice called to me, stop! The voice was quite close. My abstraction and the slouched hat had prevented me from looking around. I raised my eyes and saw a wild man, armed with a great knotted club, approaching me. His figure was almost gigantic, at least my first surprise made me think so, and the colour of his skin was a yellow mulatto's sort of black,

38:14with which the whiteness of a squinting eye stood in terrible contrast. Instead of a girdle, he had a thicker rope, wound twice around a green woolen coat, in which were stuck a broad knife and a pistol. The cry was repeated, and a powerful arm held me fast. The sound of a man had frightened me, but the aspect of a villain gave me new heart. In my present situation, I had caused to tremble before every honest man, but none to tremble before a robber. Who is there, set the apparition? One like yourself was my answer, if you really correspond to your appearance. That is not the way out. What are you looking for here? What is that to you, retorted I, insolently?

39:14The man considered me twice from top to toe. It seemed as though he wished to compare my figure with his own, and my answer with my figure. You speak as rootly as a beggar, he said at last. Perhaps so I was a beggar yesterday. The man laughed. One could swear you did not want to pass for anything better now. For something worse then, I wished to proceed. Softly friend, why in such a hurry, what time have you to lose? I reflected for a moment. How the words came to my tongue I do not know. Life is short, said I slowly, and hell lasts forever. He stared at me. May I be damned, he said at last,

40:14if thou hast not brushed close by a gallows? Very possibly, so goodbye for the present comrade. Top comrade, he cried, as he drew a tin flask out of his hunting pouch, took a good draft from it, and handed it to me. Flight and anguish had exhausted my energies, and nothing had passed my lips the whole day. I had already feared that I should have sunk from exhaustion in this wood, where no refreshment was to be expected for three miles around. Judge how joyfully I responded to this health. With the animating draft, new strength flowed into my bones, new courage into my heart, and I felt hope and the love of life. I began to think that perhaps I was not quite a wretched, so much at least was the welcome beverage all to do.

41:18Yes, I must even confess that my situation approached that of happiness, for at last, after a thousand vain hopes, I had found a creature who seemed similar to myself. In the condition to which I had fallen, I should have drank good fellowship with the spirit of evil himself for the sake of having a confidant. The man had stretched himself out on the grass. I did the same. Your liquor has done me good, said I. We must become acquainted. He struck fire to light his pipe. Have you carried on this business long? He looked hard at me. What do you mean by that? Has this often been strained with blood? I drew the knife from his girdle. Who are you? Said he in a fearful tone,

42:18and he laid down his pipe. A murderer like you but only a beginner. The man stared at me and took up his pipe again. Do you reside here? He said it last. Three miles off. I am the host of the Sunnet, of whom you perhaps have heard. The man's brawn are passive, possessed. The poacher wolf, he cried hastily. The same. Welcome, comrade, welcome, cried he and shook my hands violently. That is brave that I have you at last. Mine host of the Sun. Day and night have I been thinking how to get you. I know you well, I know all. I have reckoned on you long ago. Reckoned on me for what? The whole country round is full of you.

43:18You have enemies. A baylif has oppressed you, wolf. They have ruined you, and the wrongs you have suffered cry aloud to heaven. The man became warm. Because you have shot a few hogs, which the prince feeds in our fields, they have dragged you about for years in the house of correction and the fortification. They have robbed you of your house and business and made you a beggar. Has it come to this, brother, that a man is worth no more than a hair? Are we not better than broods of the field, and a fellow like you could suffer that? Could I alter it? That we shall see, but tell me when's do you come, and what do you propose? I began to tell him all my history. The man without waiting till I had finished it, sprung up with joyous impatience,

44:19and drew me after him. Com brother host of the Sun, said he, now you are ripe, now I have you when I wanted you, I shall get honour by you, follow me. Where will you take me? Do not stop to ask but follow. He then forcibly dragged me along. We had proceeded about a quarter of a mile. The wood became more and more steep, pathless and wild, neither of us uttered a word until at last my leaders' whistle startled me out of my meditations. I raised my eyes, we were standing on the edge of a steep rock, which was bowed down into a deep cleft. A second whistle answered from the interior hollow of the rock, and led us slowly rose from the abyss, as of its own court. My conductor descended first,

45:20and told me to wait till he returned. I must first chain up my dog, said he, you are strange here, and the beast would tear you to pieces. I now stood alone before the abyss, and well I knew that I was alone. The improvedance of my leader did not escape my attention. I only required a hearty resolution to draw up the ladder, then I should have been free, and my flight would have been secure. I confess that I perceived that. I looked down into the abyss, which was now to receive me, and it dimly reminded me of the descendant to hell, from which there is no redemption. I began to shudder at the career I was about to enter, only a rapid flight could save me. I resolved on this flight, I had already stretched out my hands towards the ladder,

46:23but at once there was a thunder in my ears, and noise about me like the squandful laughter of hell, and it seemed to say, what can a murder arise? My arm fell back as if paralyzed. I had reckoned rightly, the time for repentance had passed, the murder I had committed late towering up behind me like a rock, and cut off my retreat forever. At the same time my conductor reappeared, and told me I might come. There was now no longer any choice. I clambered down. We had proceeded some steps beneath the wall of the rock, when the ground became wider, and some huts were visible. In the midst of these was a round grass-plat, on which about eighteen or twenty persons were lying around a charcoal fire.

47:26Here come rats, said my conductor, placing me in the centre of the circle, our host of the sun, bid him welcome. The host of the sun cried all at once, and they all, men and women, rose and pressed around me. Shall I confess it, the joy was hearty and unaffected, confidence nay, a steam appeared in every face. One pressed my hand, another familiarly shook me by my coat. The whole scene resembled that at the reappearance of an old and valued friend. My arrival had interrupted the feast, which they had just begun. They now continued it, and invited me to pledge the welcome. Game of all kinds formed the meal, and the wine-flask passed without flagging from hand to hand.

48:28Good she and unity seemed to animate the entire band, and the contest among them all was, who should show the most extravagant delight at my arrival? They had seated me between two women, which was the post of honoured the table. I expected to find the refuse of their sex, but how great was my astonishment when I discovered among this infamous troop the most beautiful female forms that my eyes had ever beheld. Margaret, the eldest and most beautiful of the two, was called Miss, and would scarcely have been five and twenty. Her words were very bold, and her gestures still more so. Maria, the younger, was married, but she had fled from a husband who had ill-used her. She was more elegant, but pale and delicate looking,

49:29and less striking to the eye than her fiery neighbour. Both women strove heart to excite my passion. The beautiful Margaret endeavoured to overcome my bashfulness by loose jests. But the whole woman was repulsive to me, and the bashful Maria had gained my heart forever. You see, brother, host of the sun, begin the man who had brought me, you see how we live together, and every day is like this one, is it not true comrades? Every day like this, repeated the whole band. If then you can resolve to find pleasure in our mode of life, strike a bargain and be our leader. I have held that post-hither too, but I will give it up to you. Are you content comrades? A joyful yes was responded from every throat.

50:31My head was on fire, my brain was turned, and my blood was boiling with a wine and passion. The world had cast me out as infected with the plague, but here I found a brotherly reception, honour and comfort. Whatever choice I made, death awaited me, but here I could at least sell my life for a higher price. Sensuality was my most violent tendency, hither to the other sex had only shown me contempt, but here I should find favoured boundless enjoyment. My determination cost me but little. I stay with you comrades, cry die, loudly and resolutely, and walked into the midst of the band. I remain with you, I cried again, if you will give me my beautiful neighbour. All agreed to grant my request,

51:32and I was the declared possessor of a harlot and owner of a band of robbers. End of Part 2 Part 3 of the Criminal from Lost Honour by Friedrich Schiller translated by John Oxson Ford. This Librivox recording is in the public domain, recording by Caroline. Part 3 The following part of the history I entirely pass over, the merely detestable has nothing instructive for the reader. In unfortunate manhood sunk to this depth, would at last necessarily allow himself all that raises the indignation of mankind. He did not, however, commit another murder as he himself confessed upon the rack. The fame of this man shortly spread over the entire province.

52:36The high roads became unsafe, the citizens were rendered uneasy by the burglaries committed in the night, the name of the host of this son became the terror of the country people, justice searched for him, and a reward was offered for his head. He was fortunate enough to frustrate all attempts made against his liberty and cunning enough to turn to the account of his safety, the superstition of the wonder-loving peasantry. His comrades had to spread the report that he had made a compact with the devil and understood which craft. The district in which he played his part belonged less at that time than now to the enlightened part of Germany. The reports were believed and his person was secure. No one showed a desire to attack the dangerous fellow who had the devil at his service.

53:40He had already for a year followed his melancholy profession when it began to grow insupportable. The bandit whose head he stood did not fulfill his brilliant expectations. A seductive exterior had dazzled him amid the fumes of the wine. Now he saw with horror how frightfully he had been deceived. Hunger and want took the place of that superfluity by which his senses had been lulled, very often he had to risk his life on a meal which was scarcely sufficient to keep him from starvation. The phantom of that brotherly concord vanished envy, suspicion and jealousy raged among this abandoned crew. Justice had offered a reward to anyone who should deliver him up alive with a solemn pardon if he were in a complex, a powerful temptation

54:42for the dregs of the earth. The unhappy man knew his peril. The honesty of those who betrayed God and man was a bad security for his life. From this moment sleep was gone. A deadly and eternal anguish prayed on his repose. The hideous specter of suspicion rattled behind him wherever he fled, tortured him when he was awake, lay down by him when he went to sleep and scared him with horrible visions. His conscience which had been for some time dumb now recovered its speech and the adder of remorse which had slept now awoke amid the general storm of his bosom. All his hatred was now diverted from mankind and turned its frightful edge against himself. He now forgave all nature and found none but himself to execute.

55:47Vice had completed its instruction of this unhappy being. His naturally good sense at last overcame the mournful delusion. Now he felt how low he had fallen. Quom melancholy took the place of grinding despair. With tears he wished the past were recalled. For now he felt certain that he could go through it differently. He began to hope that he might be allowed to become honest because he felt that he could be so. At the highest point of his depravity he was perhaps nearer to goodness than before his first fault. About the same time the seven years war had broken out and recruiting was going on with Vigga. This circumstance inspired the unhappy man with hope and he wrote a letter to his sovereign an extract of which I insat.

56:51If your princely favour feels no repugnance towards descending to me if criminals of my class are not beyond this fear of your mercy grant me a hearing I beg of your most serene highness. I am a murderer and a robber the law condemns me to death the tribunals are in search of me and I offer myself to serve as a volunteer but at the same time I bring a singular request before your throne. I detest my life and do not fear death but it is terrible for me to die without having lived. I would live to make a reparation for a portion of the past I would live to make some atonement to the state which I have offended. My execution will be an example to the world but no compensation for my deeds. I detest vice and have a burning desire for integrity and virtue. I have shown the talents for becoming formidable to my country.

57:55I hope I have some left to be of service to it. I know that I am asking something which is unprecedented. My life is forfeit and it is not for me to negotiate with justice but I do not appear in bonds and fetters before you. I am still free and fear on my part has the smallest share in my request. It is for mercy that I ask. If I had claimed to justice I should no longer venture to assert it but of one thing I may remind my judge. The epoch of my crimes begins with the judgment that forever deprived me of honour had fairness been less denied me on that occasion I should not now perhaps have stood in need of mercy. Show mercy, my prince, instead of justice. If it is in your princely power to move the law in my favour then grant me my life from henceforth that shall be devoted to your service.

58:58If you can do so let me learn your gracious will from the public journals and I will appear in the metropolis on your word as a prince. If you have resolved otherwise let justice do her part, I must do mine. This petition remained unanswered and so did a second and a third in which the applicant asked for a troopers place in the princess service. His hopes for a pardon were utterly extinguished so he resolved to quit the country and to die as a brave soldier in the service of the king of Prussia. He succeeded in escaping from his land and began his journey the road led him through a little provincial town where he wished to pass the night. A short time before mandates of exceeding strictness had been published throughout the country requiring a severe examination of travelers

1:00:01because the sovereign, a prince of the empire, had taken part in the war. The toll collector, Tuoschreiber, of this little town had just received a mandate and he was sitting on a bench before the toll bar when the host of the son came up. The appearance of this man had in it something comical and at the same time wild and terrible. The lean pony which he rode and the grotesque choice of his tire in which his taste had probably been less consulted than the chronology of his thefts contrasted singularly enough with a face over which so many raging passions were spread, like mangled corpses on a field of battle. The collector was struck by the sight of this strange wanderer. He had grown gray at the toll bar and by attending to his office for forty years

1:01:07had become an infallible physiognomist of all the vagabonds about. The falcon glance of this investigator did not miss its man on this occasion. He at once farsened the town gate and asked the rider for his passport while he secured his bridal. Wallforce prepared for chances of this kind and actually had with him a passport which he had taken shortly before a wild plundering merchant. The single voucher, however, did not suffice to counteract the observation of forty years and to move the oracle of the toll bar to a recontation. He trusted his eye more than the paper and Wallforce obliged to follow him to the office of the bay lift. The superior of the office examined the passport and declared it correct.

1:02:09He was an ardent lover of news and it was his delight to chatter over the newspaper by his bottle. The passport told him that the bearer had come straight from those foreign countries where the theatre of the war was situated. He hoped to get private intelligence from this stranger and sent back his secretary with the passport to invite him to partake of a bottle of wine. In the meantime, the host of this son was standing in front of the office and the whimsical spectacle had assembled the rabble of the town in throngs. The people whispered into one another's ears, pointed at the horse and the rider till at last the insolence of the mob in crazed to a loud tumult. The horse at which everyone pointed was unlocally a stolen one and wolf fancied that it had been described in placards and was recognised.

1:03:12The unexpected hospitality of this superior confirmed his suspicion. He now considered it certain that the falsity of his passport was discovered and that the invitation was only a snare to catch him alive and without resistance. His bad conscience besotted him so he clapped spurs to his horse and rode off without giving a reply. This sudden flight was this signal for an obroar, a thief cried all, and off they flew after him. To the rider it was a matter of life and death. He had already the start, his followers panted breathlessly, and he seemed to be on the point of escape. But a heavy hand pressed invisibly towards him, the watch of his destiny had run down, the inexorable Nemesis detained her debtor,

1:04:13this trait to which he trusted had no outlet, and he was forced to turn back towards his persecutors. The noise of this event had in the meantime set the whole town in an obroar, throng pressed on throng, all the streets were aligned, and a host of enemies were marching towards him. He showed a pistol, the mob raced it, and he would have made a way through the crowd by force. A shot from this, said he, for the mad fool who detains me. A general pose was dictated by fear, when at last a bold journey-man blacksmith darted on his arm from behind, caught the finger with which the insane man was about to fire and forced it out of joint, the pistol fell, the disarmed man was pulled from his horse and dragged to the office in triumph.

1:05:16Who are you? asked the judge in a somewhat brutal tone. A man who is resolved to answer no question until it is put more courteously. Who are you? Footnote. These questions appear the same in English, but the first in German is, Verzait ihr, and the second, Verzint sie, according to German usage the letter-alone-ness courteous, end of footnote. That which I represented myself to be, I have travelled all through Germany and never found impudence at home anywhere but here. Your speedy flight renders you very suspicious. Why did you fly? Because I was tired of being the laughingstock of your rabble. You threatened to fire.

1:06:18My pistol was not loaded. The weapon was examined and, Trinough it contained no bullet. Why did you secretly carry arms? Because I have with me articles of value and because I have been warned against a certain host of this son, who is set to be roving about these parts. Your replies argue much for your audacity, but little for the goodness of your cause, I will give you till tomorrow to discover the truth to me. I shall abide by what I have already said. Let him be conducted to the tower. To the tower, I hope here superior, that there is still justice in this country. I shall require satisfaction. I will give it you as soon as you are acquitted.

1:07:20The next morning, the superior reflected that this stranger might be innocent after all, a dictatorial address could affect nothing with his obstinacy, and it might perhaps be better to treat him with respect and moderation. He collected the jury of the place and had the prisoner brought forward. Forgive me for the first outbreak, sir, if I accosted you somewhat hardly yesterday. Very readily, if you treat me thus. Our laws are severe and your affair made a noise. I can't release you without committing a breach of duty. Appearance is against you, and I wish you would say something by which it might be refuted. What if I know nothing? Then I must lay the case before the government, and you will, in the meantime, remain closely confined.

1:08:22And then? Then you run the risk of being flogged over the border as a vagrant, or, if mercies shone, of being placed among the recruits. He was silent for some minutes and appeared to be undergoing a severe contest. Then he suddenly turned to the judge. Can I be alone with you for a quarter of an hour? The jury cast ambiguous glances at one another, but with the jury at a commanding sign from their head. Now what do you want? Your demeanor of yesterday here superior would never have brought me to a confession, and for I set foreset defiance, the moderation with which you have treated me today has given me confidence and respect for you. I think that you are an honorable man. What have you to say to me?

1:09:24I see that you are an honorable man. I have long wished for a man like you. Give me, I pray, your right hand. To what end? That here is gray and reverent. You have been long in the world, have felt many sorrows. Is it not so, and have become more humane? Sir, to what does this tent? You are now distant by only one step from eternity. Soon, soon you will need mercy from God. You will not deny it to man. Do you suspect nothing with whom do you suppose you are speaking? What do you mean? You terrify me. If you do not already suspect right to your prince about how you found me, and that I myself of my free choice was my own betrayer,

1:10:29that God will be merciful unto him as he now shows mercy unto me. And treat for me, old man, and then let it hear full on your report. I am the host of this son. End of Part 3 End of The Criminal from Lost Ona by Friedrich Schela translated by John Oxenfort, recorded by Carolyn in Heroningan in the Netherlands in August 2015. Thank you for listening.