the trial of Jesus; and I saw him running backwards and forwards,
offering incense first to one god and then to another, and imploring
them to assist him; but Satan filled his imagination with still greater
confusion; he first instilled one false idea and then another into his
mind. He then had recourse to one of his favourite superstitious
practices, that of watching the sacred chickens eat, but in vain,--his
mind remained enveloped in darkness, and he became more and more
undecided. He first thought that he would acquit our Saviour, whom he
well knew to be innocent, but then he feared incurring the wrath of his
false gods if he spared him, as he fancied he might be a species of
demigod, and obnoxious to them. 'It is possible,' said he inwardly, 'that
this man may really be that king of the Jews concerning whose coming
there are so many prophecies. It was a king of the Jews whom the Magi
came from the East to adore. Perhaps he is a secret enemy both of our
gods and of the emperor; it might be most imprudent in me to spare his
life. Who knows whether his death would not be a triumph to my gods?'
Then he remembered the wonderful dreams described to him by his wife,
who had never seen Jesus, and he again changed, and decided that it
would be safer not to condemn him. He tried to persuade himself that he
wished to pass a just sentence; but he deceived himself, for when he
asked himself, 'What is the truth?' he did not wait for the answer. His
mind was filled with confusion, and he was quite at a loss how to act,
as his sole desire was to entail no risk upon himself.

CHAPTER XX.

Jesus before Herod.

The palace of the Tetrarch Herod was built on the north side of the
forum, in the new town; not very far from that of Pilate. An escort of
Roman soldiers, mostly from that part of the country which is situated
between Switzerland and Italy, had joined the procession. The enemies
of Jesus were perfectly furious at the trouble they were compelled to
take in going backwards and forwards, and therefore vented their rage
upon him. Pilate's messenger had preceded the procession, consequently
Herod was expecting them. He was seated on a pile of cushions, heaped
together so as to form a species of throne, in a spacious hall, and
surrounded by courtiers and warriors. The Chief Priests entered and
placed themselves by his side, leaving Jesus at the entrance. Herod was
much elated and pleased at Pilate's having thus publicly ac