Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/314

302 of the soldiers, who stood with swords drawn, but turned downwards to the ground.

"Jesus of Nazareth," replied their chief. In truth, he knew not what to call this man whom each named differently, and who called Himself the Son of God.

Far away in their back ranks, the Nazarene could see the face of Judas peering through the gloom.

"I am He," He said, and, as the words of truth unadorned fell on the chilly stillness, a cry rose from the lips of Judas:

" 'T is He, 't is He!" But to the souls of those around him he seemed to say, " 'T is God, 't is God"; and, like one on whom some sudden, blinding light is flashed, the group fell back before the God-like majesty of that fearless presence.

Iscariot, poor fool, had warned them to come with staves and swords and spears and to use force against Him; but this Man made no attempt either to escape or to oppose them, though all knew full well that He had done nothing worthy of death.

Then, when the men fell back, one of the disciples cried out: "Let us flee; they are afraid."

But flight was impossible to the true, brave nature; the cup was being emptied, slowly and surely; the bitterest dregs were yet to come, but He would drain it.

Once more He approached the startled band, and His very presence seemed to strike their souls with terror. Again He asked: "Whom seek ye?"

And again they answered: "Jesus of Nazareth," and in their hushed voices was a tone that seemed to mean: "We sought a man, we find a God."