st let him be crucified!"

Then said the leaders, "On the cross he shall atone for his crimes!"

"We will not rest," cried the crowd, "until his sentence is
pronounced." The whole multitude was now moving rapidly toward the
judgment seat of Pilate.

Caiaphas, who lorded it over the whole assemblage with look and
gesture, thus addressed them, "Hail to you, children of Israel! You
are indeed still true descendants of your father Abraham! Oh, rejoice
that you have escaped the nameless destruction which this deceiver
would bring upon you and your children!"

"Only," said Annas, "by the untiring efforts of your fathers has this
nation escaped the abyss."

Then cried the people, "Long live the council! Death to the Nazarene!"
and the priests and Pharisees cried out, "Curse him who does not vote
for his death!"

The people responded, "We demand his death!"

Then for some time there was nothing heard but a confused clamor, but
the voice of Caiaphas rang out notwithstanding, while the people
responded to his appeals. It sounded from afar in this wise: Caiaphas:
"Let him be cast out from the heritage of our fathers," and all the
people cried, "Let him be cast out."

Caiaphas said, "The governor will give you the choice between this
blasphemer and Barabbas. Let us insist upon the release of Barabbas."

Then the people cried, "Let Barabbas go free, and down with the
Nazarene."

Then said Annas, "Let the fathers be praised who have heard our wishes."

Then all cried out, "Pilate must consent, the whole nation demands it
of him."

Caiaphas walked backward and forward with excited mien, but proud and
triumphant step, and said, "Oh, most glorious day of the people of
Israel. Children, be steadfast!"

The priests and Pharisees: "This day brings back honor to the
synagogue and freedom to the people."

"Now," said Caiaphas, as they approached the house of Pilate, "let us
demand the sentence with uproar and threaten him with universal revolt!"

Then cried the whole multitude tumultuously, "We demand the blood of
our enemy!"

So loud was the cry, so savage the emphasis, that two servants of
Pilate started out of the house and looking down on the turbulent
throng cried out, "Uproar! Insurrection!"

And the people answered, "The Nazarene shall die!"

Caiaphas, hastening hither and thither in the crowd to excite them to
still further violence, said, "Show courage. Stand out undismayed. A
righteous cause defen