id iron gloves, so that they might handle the crown of
thorns without suffering therefrom.

"Here," cried they, "this is certainly the most lovely attire for a
king of the Jews. Is it not true that thou hast never expected such an
honor? Come, let us hang this purple robe about thee. But sit down, a
king should not stand. Here is a beautiful pointed crown." And a
soldier, taking the crown of thorns with the iron gloves, placed it
upon the head of Jesus.

"Let us look at you." Then they laughed aloud for joy.

"But," said one, "if it is not to fall off your head then must we set
it in firmly. Come, brothers, help me." Then four of the soldiers
seized in their hands two staves, and, crossing them over his head,
pressed the crown heavily down upon the brow of Jesus. Jesus shuddered
in agony.

"Here," cried the soldiers, "is the scepter." And taking the reed they
placed it in his hands. "Now nothing more is wanted. What a king!"

Then all knelt before him crying, "Hail to thee, most mighty king of
the Jews!" When they were mocking him a servant entered from Pilate,
saying that the prisoner mast be brought immediately into the judgment
hall.

Then said the soldiers, "Thou comest at the wrong time. Thou hast
disturbed us in the middle of our demonstrations of reverence."

Then they said to Jesus, "Stand up, we will lead thee about as a
spectacle. There will be rejoicing among the Jewish people when their
king appears before them in full splendor!"

* * * * * *

Then was Jerusalem in an uproar; the traders and the priests ran
everywhere hither and thither, stirring up the people against Jesus.
On all sides the crowds were mustered, and directed by the priests to
assemble in the streets of the Sanhedrin, and from this to proceed to
Pilate's house to demand the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of
Jesus; from four sides the tumultuous mobs came pouring down to the
place of assembly. Their hoarse cries of "To the cross with him! To
the cross with him!" were heard in the distance before the foremost
leaders came in sight. At the head of one mob came Nathanael,
fervently exhorting the multitude to demand the death of Jesus.

"Moses, your prophet," said he, "calls upon you. His holy law demands
you should avenge it."

And the multitude cried together, "We belong to Moses. We are and
remain followers of Moses and of his teaching. We hold fast by our
priests and t