ufficiently
atoned for and perhaps the spectacle of the scourging may soften the
blind wrath of his enemies."

When Pilate quitted the balcony and entered his house Caiaphas
addressed a stirring speech to the Jews. His opportunity had come.
"Pilate," said Caiaphas, "appeals to the voice of the people. All
right; we appeal to it also. Now," said he, turning to the traders and
witnesses, "now, true-hearted Israelites, your opportunity has arrived.
Go hence into the streets of Jerusalem, summon your friends to come
hither, unite them in masses, kindle in them the most glowing hatred
against the enemy of Moses. The waverers seek to win by the strength
of your words and by promises, but terrify the followers of the
Galilean by an overwhelming outcry against them, by insult and mockery,
by threats, and if necessary by ill-treatment, so that none of them may
dare to let himself be seen here, much less to open his mouth."

Then cried the traders and witnesses together, "We will go hence and
soon return again, everyone at the head of an excited mob."

Caiaphas said, "Let us all meet in the street of the Sanhedrin."

The traders bowed, and as they went the priests cried after them, "Hail
to you, faithful disciples of Moses."

Then said Caiaphas, "Let us not lose a single moment. Let us go
together to the crowds to encourage them, to inflame them."

Annas added, "From all the streets of Jerusalem will we lead the
exasperated people before the judgment seat."

The rabbi said complacently, "If Pilate wishes to hear the voice of the
people, let him hear it!"

"Let him hear," said Caiaphas, "the unanimous cry of the nation;
release Barabbas; the Galilean to the cross!"

Then all the Jews cried aloud, with an exceeding loud voice, "Release
Barabbas; the Galilean to the cross!"

Then the soldiers led Jesus away to the Pretorium and took off his robe
and tied his hands to a low pillar and scourged him. When they were
weary with scourging they said, "He has had enough, he is all running
down with blood."

"Thou pitiable king of the Jews," said one of the soldiers as they
knelt and mockingly did homage to him, "what kind of a king can this
be? He has no scepter in his hand, no crown upon his head. That can
be mended. I will at once bring the insignia of the Jewish
sovereignty." And then going out he brought a scarlet mantle, a crown
of thorns and a reed. They were laid upon a cushion, and together with
them were la