Barabbas,
king of the desert. Three thousand Arabs obey my behests. Look down
into the valley. There is the key to the kingdom of the Messiah."

What the chief called the key to the kingdom of the Messiah was an army
which, scattered over the plain, resembled a dark spot spreading out in
the desert, as busy and animated as an ant-hill. The chief pointed
down to it and said: "Look, there is my weapon. But I shall not
conquer with that weapon, nor will you conquer with your words. For my
weapons lack words, and your words lack weapons. I need the prophet
and you the army. Warrior and orator allied, we shall take Jerusalem.
I have made a mistake. For many years it has been my illusion that all
strength lay in the body. And so I have cared for their bodies, fed
and nourished them that they might become strong. But instead of
becoming strong and daring, they have become indolent and cowardly.
And now that I wish to use this army to free Judaea from the yoke of
the Romans, they laugh in my face and answer me with words I once
taught them. We have only this life, they cry, and we will not risk it
any more. And when I ask, 'Not even for freedom?' they reply, 'Not
even for freedom, because what is the use of freedom to us if we are
slain.' Indolent beasts! they lack enthusiasm. And now I find you.
You are a master of oratory. You say that you will conquer with the
spirit. Come with me! Descend into the valley and inspire them with
ardour. The legions are ours, our weapons are of perfect temper,
nothing is wanting but fire, and that you have. The king must be
allied with the zealot, otherwise the kingdom cannot be conquered.
Come down with me. Tell them that you are the prophet. Incite them
against Jerusalem, and exclaim: 'It is God's will!' If only fire can
be made to burn within them, they will march like the very devil,
overcome the foreigners, and you will instruct them in Solomon's Temple
about the Messiah. You can tell them that he is coming, or that you
yourself are he, just as you please. Then, according to your desire,
you can establish your kingdom, and all the glory of the world will lie
at your feet as at those of a god. Come, prophet, you give me the
word, and I'll give you the sword!"

"Begone, you tempter of hell!" exclaimed Jesus and his eye shot forth a
ray of light that the other could not bear.

And then Jesus was once more alone among the rocks, under the open sky.

It was under