Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/145

Rh hearts, the Nazarene raised His eyes towards them, rather than to the beggar; as if, also, the message concerned both the individual and the world collectively, a vital truth addressed to every soul throughout the universe: "Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with thee."

Caiaphas rose excitedly. "Dost hear this blasphemy, Nicodemus?" he almost shouted; but his voice was drowned in the uproar of the people; some crying: "It is the Lord, hear ye Him. The Messiah hath indeed come down." Others crying out: "He hath a devil."

But the beggar, as if struck suddenly with a revelation of the truth, cried out, in a voice that seemed to rend the skies: "Lord, I believe, Lord, I believe."

A smile, so heavenly as to be beyond the power of man's description, illumined the Messiah's face. His eyes were raised to heaven, as if in prayer and thankfulness for giving Him this one soul, at least, in all that multitude.

Caiaphas, meanwhile, was marching up and down the terrace, oblivious of the crowd, which, if it had not been so absorbed by the presence of the Nazarene would have espied him.

"This time I tell thee, Nicodemus, I will not delay. Even now will I give the order to arrest Him. This man bewitcheth the people with a devil."

"Nay, forbear," cried Nicodemus hastily. "Listen yet awhile. He goeth to Solomon's porch to preach to the multitude. If thou wilt slay Him it will be the last speech He maketh, and I would hear Him yet this once."