Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/355

Rh 't is but God's earth mourning for the Son of God. Pray, lady, pray that thou and Pilate may yet believe."

Suddenly the clatter of a horse's hoofs was heard beneath the window. Breathless, a centurion entered and, saluting, briefly handed his report to Pilate.

"Didst do as I commanded?" Pilate asked.

The centurion, unable to restrain himself, threw himself on his knees.

"Of a truth," he said, "I did as thou didst command; and forthwith from his heart there flowed two streams, of water and of blood. Further, even if my words displease thee so that thou shouldst slay me, I still will say that I do believe that this was indeed the Son of God."

Why shouldst thou not believe and live?" said Pilate gently. "Methinks, as thou dost, that this Man had somewhat of the divine in Him."

"Not part, but all," said Lazarus reverently. Then approaching Pilate respectfully, he added: "Dost need me further, noble Pilate, for I would go and see my Lord's body and tend my women, who will be bowed with grief?"

"Art not afraid," asked Pilate, "that the crowd will rend thee?"

"I am afraid of naught," said Lazarus; "and, if they rend me, I count such pain but glory to my God."

"Thou talkest like a Roman," was Pilate's answer. "Yea, go, for to go or stay availeth nothing now. I would that I could help thee, for I fear that thou, too, and all who loved this Man will suffer