with
indignation upon his followers, who showed the liveliest manifestations
of disgust. Josue said, "Everything has been well considered and
examined already. The law pronounces him worthy of death." The Jews,
turning to go, angrily discussed this reverse.

"This is a troublesome delay," said the rabbi.

But Caiaphas encouraged them, saying, "Do not lose heart, victory
belongs to the steadfast."

Then was Jesus brought before Pilate's judgment seat, and Pilate said
unto him, "Thou hast heard the complaint of the council against thee.
Give me an answer thereto. Thou hast, they say, called thyself a Son
of God. Whence art thou?" But Jesus made no answer. Then Pilate said
unto him with some surprise, "Dost thou not speak even unto me?
Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee and to release thee?"

Then Jesus turned to him and said, "Thou couldst have no power at all
against me except it were given unto thee from above. Therefore he
that delivereth me unto thee hath the greater sin."

"Frankly spoken," said Pilate, aside. Then, speaking to Jesus he said,
"Art thou the king of the Jews?"

Jesus answered, "Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or only because
others have told it to thee?"

Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests
have delivered thee unto me. They accuse thee that thou hast desired
to be the king of Israel. What ground is there for this?"

Then answered Jesus and said unto him, "My kingdom is not of this
world. If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight,
so that I should not be delivered unto the hands of the Jews; but now
is my kingdom not from hence."

Then said Pilate, "Art thou a king then?"

Jesus answered, "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born
and for this cause came I into the world, that I might bear witness
unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice."

When Pilate heard this he said, "What is truth?"

Hardly had he asked this question when the servant Quintus entered
hastily from the door behind. "Lord, thy servant Claudius is here; he
has to bring thee a pressing message from thy wife."

Pilate said, "Let him come in. Lead the man hence for a moment into
the hall." The attendants having led Jesus out, Claudius entered.
Pilate asked him, "What bringest thou from my dear spouse?"

"My lord," said Claudius, "thy wife greeteth thee and prays thee from
her heart, for thine own sa