Page:Karl Gjellerup - The Pilgrim Kamanita - 1911.djvu/69

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THE CONSTELLATION OF THE ROBBERS
59

and of the wooden head of a man thrust in at the door or window to ascertain whether the supposed burglar will be observed,—all such things were thoroughly discussed. His development of the theory that a man, when carrying out a theft, must unquestionably take the life of every one who might later bear witness against him, as also his general consideration of the statement that a thief should not be afflicted with a moral walk and conversation, but, on the contrary, be coarse and violent, occasionally abandoning himself to drunkenness and immorality, I count among the most learned and witty lectures I have ever heard.

In order, however, to give thee a better idea of the profound mind of this truly original man, I must repeat to thee the most famous passage from his "Commentary on the Ancient Kali-Sutras, the Esoteric Doctrine of the Thieves"[1]—a commentary of all but canonical importance.

  1. With regard to the style of the Indian Sutras and their connection with the next chapter, see the note at the end of this book.