nced thyself that his alleged great
works were nothing but lies and deceit, whereby the people were
defrauded by him. Give, then, thy sentence!"

And all the priests cried, "Pronounce the sentence of death upon him,
as the law demands!"

Herod replied, "My opinion is, he is a simple fellow and not capable of
the crime of which you accuse him. If he has perchance done or spoken
anything against the law it is to be attributed to his simplicity."

"O, King," said Caiaphas, "take care that thou dost not err!"

"I fear," said Annas, "thou wilt repent if thou allowest him to escape
punishment."

"I fear nothing of the kind," said Herod. "A fool one must treat as a
fool. He has already suffered by his follies and will avoid them in
the future. With that the trial is at an end."

Then said the rabbi, "Then it is all over with our law, our religion,
Moses and the prophets!"

Herod said, "I abide by my decision. I am weary and will not concern
myself further about this affair. Pilate may decide according to his
official duty. Offer to him duty and friendship from King Herod."

Then went the priests out, sorely dissatisfied with the decision of the
king. Then Herod rose from his seat and said, "This time the result
has not corresponded to our expectations. I expected to find a great
wonder-worker and eloquent orator, and behold, there is only quite an
ordinary man with never a word to say for himself."

"Ah," said Manasses, "how lying rumor exaggerates that which, when more
closely examined, is shown to be nothing."

"Friends," said Herod, "that is not John. John at least spoke, and
spoke with wisdom, and an eloquence which one must esteem, but this one
is as dumb as a fish. I am less than ever purposed to put him out of
the way, now that I have seen him for myself. Pilate would not have
sent him to me if he had been found guilty of any serious crime against
the state. To revenge oneself on such a man would be the greatest
folly. We have occupied ourselves about this wearisome business long
enough. Let us now go and make up for lost time by seeking more
agreeable amusement."

CHAPTER VIII.

"JESUS OR BARABBAS."

See! what form of woe standeth the Saviour there!
Even Pilate himself's touched with compassion now
Foolish people and blinded,
Have you no hearts to pity him?

No, for seized with madness they cry, "To the cross with him!"
Cry for torture and death upon the holiest.