the name of God, and said to the priests in a tone of mingled pity and contempt, ’Take him hence, and bring him not back into my presence in such a deplorable state.’  The guards took Jesus into the outer court, and procured some water in a basin, with which they cleansed his soiled garments and disfigured countenance; but they could not restrain their brutality even while doing this, and paid no regard to the wounds with which he was covered.

Herod meantime accosted the priests in much the same strain as Pilate had done.  ‘Your behaviour vastly resembles that of butchers,’ he said, ‘and you commence your immolations pretty early in the morning.’  The Chief Priests produced their accusations at once.  Herod, when Jesus was again brought into his presence, pretended to feel some compassion, and offered him a glass of wine to recruit his strength; but Jesus turned his head away and refused this alleviation.

Herod then began to expatiate with great volubility on all he had heard concerning our Lord.  He asked a thousand questions, and exhorted him to work a miracle in his presence; but Jesus answered not a word, and stood before him with his eyes cast down, which conduct both irritated and disconcerted Herod, although he endeavoured to conceal his anger, and continued his interrogations.  He at first expressed surprise, and made use of persuasive words.  ’Is it possible, Jesus of Nazareth,’ he exclaimed, ’that it is thou thyself that appearest before me as a criminal?  I have heard thy actions so much spoken of.  Thou art not perhaps aware that thou didst offend me grievously by setting free the prisoners whom I had confined at Thirza, but possibly thy intentions were good.  The Roman governor has now sent thee to me to be judged; what answer canst thou give to all these accusations?  Thou art silent?  I have heard much concerning thy wisdom, and the religion thou teachest, let me hear thee answer and confound thy enemies.  Art thou the king of the Jews?  Art thou the Son of God?  Who art thou?  Thou art said to have performed wonderful miracles; work one now in my presence.  I have the power to release thee.  Is it true that thou hast restored sight to the blind, raised up Lazarus from the dead, and fed two or three thousand persons with a few loaves?  Why dost thou not answer?  I recommend thee to work a miracle quickly before me; perhaps thou mayest rejoice afterwards at having complied with my wishes.’

Jesus still kept silence, and Herod continued to question him with even more volubility.

‘Who art thou?’ said he.  ’From whence hast thou thy power?  How is it that thou dost no longer possess it?  Art thou he whose birth was foretold in such a wonderful manner?  Kings from the East came to my father to see a newly-born king of the Jews:  is it true that thou wast that child?  Didst thou escape when so many children were massacred, and how was thy escape managed?  Why hast thou been for so many years unknown?  Answer my questions!  Art thou a king?  Thy appearance certainly is not regal.  I have been told that thou wast conducted to the Temple in triumph a short time ago.  What was the meaning of such an exhibition?—­speak out at once!—­Answer me!’