9 - A rejoinder (1778)

Summary

Rather to establish the point at issue than to put anything forward through the discourse.

Dictys the Cretan, Diary of the Trojan War

Brunswick, 1778

I have all due respect for the pious man who felt obliged by his conscience to defend the story of the resurrection against the fragment of my anonymous author. We all act in accordance with our understanding and abilities; and it is always touching when even the weak and decrepit Nestor is ready to accept Hector's challenge if no younger and stronger Greek is willing to face up to him.

Nor do I presume to act as arbiter of this combat and to throw my staff between the contestants if one or other of them delivers an all too vicious or dishonourable thrust. The arbiter of combats was a member of the judiciary; and I judge no one, so that no one may pass judgement on me.

But I must not forget what I owe to myself. There is a risk that my intention will be misjudged and my proposed solutions misinterpreted. A brief word may avert this misfortune; and who will not allow me this word or pardon me for uttering it?

Lessing

Let us first give due consideration to the position which each of us occupies, so that we may have as fair a share as possible of light and weather. For it is not enough that we all fight with identical weapons.