Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/352

340 And, wondering, the man fled from Pilate's presence to obey.

The Saviour was now hanging on the cross; the last drops of agony were being drunk; the cup was nearly empty. But Pilate could do something to curtail His sufferings, and he would. His remorse was maddening.

"Send me hither," he commanded, "Portius and Tertius, my two most trusted soldiers."

"Go," he said, "to the cross of the—the—the Nazarene that is crucified to-day, and let Him not die a lingering death; but, when the multitude press round, pierce Him with your spears close to the heart, so that He die and hang not long. Even to the condemned we may show mercy."

Then again he began to pace his chamber, and from his heart, unconsciously, there rose a prayer for light and truth.