had
heard concerning our Lord. He asked a thousand questions, and exhorted
him to work a miracle in his presence; but Jesus answered not a word,
and stood before him with his eyes cast down, which conduct both
irritated and disconcerted Herod, although he endeavoured to conceal
his anger, and continued his interrogations. He at first expressed
surprise, and made use of persuasive words. 'Is it possible, Jesus of
Nazareth,' he exclaimed, 'that it is thou thyself that appearest before me
as a criminal? I have heard thy actions so much spoken of. Thou art not
perhaps aware that thou didst offend me grievously by setting free the
prisoners whom I had confined at Thirza, but possibly thy intentions
were good. The Roman governor has now sent thee to me to be judged;
what answer canst thou give to all these accusations? Thou art silent?
I have heard much concerning thy wisdom, and the religion thou
teachest, let me hear thee answer and confound thy enemies. Art thou
the king of the Jews? Art thou the Son of God? Who art thou? Thou art
said to have performed wonderful miracles; work one now in my presence.
I have the power to release thee. Is it true that thou hast restored
sight to the blind, raised up Lazarus from the dead, and fed two or
three thousand persons with a few loaves? Why dost thou not answer? I
recommend thee to work a miracle quickly before me; perhaps thou mayest
rejoice afterwards at having complied with my wishes.'

Jesus still kept silence, and Herod continued to question him with
even more volubility.

'Who art thou?' said he. 'From whence hast thou thy power? How is it that
thou dost no longer possess it? Art thou he whose birth was foretold in
such a wonderful manner? Kings from the East came to my father to see a
newly-born king of the Jews: is it true that thou wast that child?
Didst thou escape when so many children were massacred, and how was thy
escape managed? Why hast thou been for so many years unknown? Answer my
questions! Art thou a king? Thy appearance certainly is not regal. I
have been told that thou wast conducted to the Temple in triumph a
short time ago. What was the meaning of such an exhibition?--speak out at
once!--Answer me!'

Herod continued to question Jesus in this rapid manner; but our Lord
did not vouchsafe a reply. I was shown (as indeed I already knew) that
Jesus was thus silent because Herod was in a state of excommunication,
both on account of his adulterous marriage with H