if he hath done anything against
your law, then punish him according to your law, in so far as you are
authorized so to do. I cannot pronounce the death sentence upon him,
because I find nothing in him which according to the laws upon which I
have to act is deserving of death."

Then were the Jews vexed beyond measure and muttered among themselves
in hot displeasure, but Caiaphas replied, "If any one proclaims himself
as king, is he not a rebel? Does he not deserve the death punishment
of high treason?"

"If," said Pilate, "this man has called himself a king it seems to me
that so ambiguous a word is not sufficient to condemn him. For it is
openly taught among the Romans that every wise man is a king. But you
have brought forward no facts to prove that he has usurped kingly
authority."

Then said Nathanael, "Is it not a sufficient fact that through him the
whole people are stirred up; that he fills the whole of Judea with his
teaching, beginning from Galilee, where he first attracted followers to
himself, until here in Jerusalem?"

Then asked Pilate in surprise, "Has he come out of Galilee?"

Then cried they all, "Yes, he is a Galilean," and the rabbi added, "His
home is in Nazareth, in the jurisdiction of King Herod."

"If that be so, then am I relieved of the jurisdiction. Herod, King of
Galilee, has come hither for the feast; he can now judge his own
subject. Take him away and bring him unto his own king. He shall be
conducted thither by my body guard." Then Pilate with his attendants
left the judgment hall.

Caiaphas exclaimed, "Off, then, to Herod! With Herod, who professeth
the faith of our fathers, we shall find better protection for our holy
law."

Annas said, "And if a thousand hindrances were to oppose themselves,
the criminal must meet with the deserved punishment."

Then they cried to Christ, as they went off to the palace of Herod,
"One hour sooner or later, what matters it? Thou must come to die, and
this very day!"

* * * * * *

King Herod stood beside his throne, arrayed in scarlet robes, wearing a
golden crown upon his head, and holding a golden scepter in his hand.
On either side were his courtiers. He said unto them, "What! have they
the famous man from Nazareth? And are they bringing him a prisoner
here to me?"

"Yes, my Lord," said Zabulon, "I saw him and recognized him at the
first glance."

Then said Herod, "I have for a long time desire