"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 desired 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."