d to see this man, with
whose wondrous works the whole land rings, to whom, as if by magic,
people run in crowds. Can he be John, risen from the dead?"

"Oh, no," said Naason, "John worked no miracles; whereas they relate
deeds done by this man which in truth are wonderful if they are not
exaggerated."

"As I have," said Herod, "so unexpected an opportunity of seeing him, I
am impatient to put his magic skill to the proof."

"He will be very willing," said Manasses, "to oblige you in that
respect in order to obtain your favor and protection."

Then said Herod, who had seated himself, to Zabulon: "Tell the
priesthood they may bring their prisoner in."

"They are probably coming with complaints against this man," said
Manasses, "as they are forsaken by all the people."

Herod replied, "Let them do that before Pilate--here I have nothing to
do--no judgment to pronounce."

Manasses remarked: "Perhaps they have met with a refusal from the
governor and are now siding another way."

Herod replied, "I do not enter into their pious quarrels. I will see
him for myself and test his alleged miraculous powers."

Then came into the presence of Herod, Caiaphas, Annas, the rabbi,
Nathanael and four priests, bringing Jesus with them led by the
soldiers of Herod. Caiaphas bowed before King Herod, saying "Most
mighty king," and all the priests cried, "Prosperity and blessing upon
thee from the Almighty!"

Then said Caiaphas, "A criminal is brought before thee here from the
Sanhedrin, that thou mayest execute on him the judgment of the law."

"The law," said Nathanael, "decrees his death;" and Annas added, "May
it please the king to confirm the sentence of the synagogue."

"But," said Herod, "how can I be a judge in a foreign territory? Go to
your own governor; he will do justice."

Then said Caiaphas. "Pilate sent him hither, because being a Galilean
he is thy subject."

"Then this man belongeth to my jurisdiction? Who is he?"

The priests said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

Caiaphas added, "Pilate himself said, 'Go to King Herod; let him
pronounce sentence upon his own subject.'"

"Did Pilate say that? Wonderful!" said Herod. And turning to his
courtiers he remarked, "Pilate sends him to me! Allows me to act as
judge in his own province!"

A courtier replied, "It seems as if he wished to make approaches to
thee again."

Herod replied, "I will accept it as a proof of his friendly feeling."

Then turning to Jesus