Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/342

330 "Methinks that 't was to save the Lord that he did scourge Him," answered Lazarus. "It seemeth to me that he thought they must needs be satisfied with that, and then would let Him go, for he said, 'I will chastise Him and let Him go.' But 't was the wily Caiaphas and that hell-hound Annas that would not be satisfied, and urged on the people. Oh, had it not been our Lord who stood there, 't would have been a brave sight to see; for all the rulers and their wives and daughters stood round the Judgment Hall to see Him; and to see Pilate and Caiaphas was like watching two cats fighting over one mouse. Like crossed swords were their words, and Caiaphas gnashed his teeth, as if already in hell, at the words of Pilate; for Pilate knoweth full well that there is no fault in Him, and that, from very fear, the High Priest did this thing. Such a populace was there, and men in glittering armour, and priests and elders in costly garments; and, when Pontius Pilate came unto the steps of the Tribunal, he looked as pale as our dear Lord, and his glance did strike across to Caiaphas, and he called out aloud, 'Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?' Oh, one thought that Caiaphas would die of very wrath at the words of Pilate; for ofttimes Pilate hath taunted him that he feared the Jews would make our Master king. But that ignorant people did only cry, 'Release unto us Barabbas, release unto us Barabbas!' Yet Pontius Pilate spake again to the clamouring crowd—'Behold the Man whom ye would crucify!' And all did turn their gaze upon that face, and His eyes did seem to look far off, and His lips were shut; yet I thought I