第7章

AndthejarlAgard’ssteelwasout，andhisJutsjoininghimasheshouted:

"Abearcub！Abearcub！ByOdin，letthecubfight！"

Andthere，underthatroaringroofofBrunanbuhr，thebabblingdrink-boyoftheNorthDanesfoughtwithmightyLodbrog。Andwhen，withonestroke，Iwasflung，dazedandbreathless，halfthelengthofthatgreatboard，myflyingbodymowingdownpotsandtankards，Lodbrogcriedoutcommand:

"Outwithhim！Flinghimtothehounds！"

Butthejarlwouldhaveitno，andclappedLodbrogontheshoulder，andaskedmeasagiftoffriendship。

AndsouthIwent，whentheicepassedoutofthefjord，inJarlAgard’sships。Iwasmadedrink-boyandsword-bearertohim，andinlieuofothernamewascalledRagnarLodbrog。Agard’scountrywasneighbourtotheFrisians，andasad，flatcountryoffogandfenitwas。Iwaswithhimforthreeyears，tohisdeath，alwaysathisback，whetherhuntingswampwolvesordrinkinginthegreathallwhereElgiva，hisyoungwife，oftensatamongherwomen。IwaswithAgardinsouthforaywithhisshipsalongwhatwouldbenowthecoastofFrance，andthereIlearnedthatstillsouthwerewarmerseasonsandsofterclimesandwomen。

ButwebroughtbackAgardwoundedtodeathandslow-dying。Andweburnedhisbodyonagreatpyre，withElgiva，inhergoldencorselet，besidehimsinging。Andtherewerehouseholdslavesingoldencollarsthatburnedofaplentytherewithher，andninefemalethralls，andeightmaleslavesoftheAnglesthatwereofgentlebirthandbattle-captured。Andtherewerelivehawkssoburned，andthetwohawk-boyswiththeirbirds。

ButI，thedrink-boy，RagnarLodbrog，didnotburn。Iwaseleven，andunafraid，andhadneverwornwovenclothonmybody。Andastheflamessprangup，andElgivasangherdeath-song，andthethrallsandslavesscreechedtheirunwillingnesstodie，Itoreawaymyfastenings，leaped，andgainedthefens，thegoldcollarofmyslavehoodstillonmyneck，footingitwiththehoundsloosedtotearmedown。

Inthefenswerewildmen，masterlessmen，fledslaves，andoutlaws，whowerehuntedinsportasthewolveswerehunted。

ForthreeyearsIknewneverroofnorfire，andIgrewhardasthefrost，andwouldhavestolenawomanfromtheJutsbutthattheFrisiansbymischance，inatwodays’hunt，ranmedown。BythemI

waslootedofmygoldcollarandtradedfortwowolf-houndstoEdwy，oftheSaxons，whoputanironcollaronme，andlatermadeofmeandfiveotherslavesapresenttoAtheloftheEastAngles。Iwasthrallandfightingman，until，lostinanunluckyraidfartotheeastbeyondourmarches，IwassoldamongtheHuns，andwasaswineherduntilIescapedsouthintothegreatforestsandwastakeninasafreemanbytheTeutons，whoweremany，butwholivedinsmalltribesanddriftedsouthwardbeforetheHunadvance。

AndupfromthesouthintothegreatforestscametheRomans，fightingmenall，whopressedusbackupontheHuns。Itwasacrushageofthepeoplesforlackofroom；andwetaughttheRomanswhatfightingwas，althoughintruthwewerenolesswelltaughtbythem。

ButalwaysIrememberedthesunofthesouth-landthatIhadglimpsedintheshipsofAgard，anditwasmyfate，caughtinthissouthdriftoftheTeutons，tobecapturedbytheRomansandbebroughtbacktotheseawhichIhadnotseensinceIwaslostawayfromtheEastAngles。Iwasmadeasweep-slaveinthegalleys，anditwasasasweep-slavethatatlastIcametoRome。

AllthestoryistoolongofhowIbecameafree-man，acitizen，andasoldier，andofhow，whenIwasthirty，IjourneyedtoAlexandria，andfromAlexandriatoJerusalem。YetwhatIhavetoldfromthetimewhenIwasbaptizedinthemead-potofTostigLodbrogIhavebeencompelledtotellinorderthatyoumayunderstandwhatmannerofmanrodeinthroughtheJaffaGateanddrewalleyesuponhim。

Wellmighttheylook。Theyweresmallbreeds，lighter-bonedandlighter-thewed，theseRomansandJews，andablondelikemetheyhadnevergazedupon。Allalongthenarrowstreetstheygavebeforemebutstoodtostarewide-eyedatthisyellowmanfromthenorth，orfromGodknewwheresofarastheyknewaughtofthematter。

PracticallyallPilate’stroopswereauxiliaries，saveforahandfulofRomansaboutthepalaceandthetwentyRomanswhorodewithme。

OftenenoughhaveIfoundtheauxiliariesgoodsoldiers，butneversosteadilydependableastheRomans。IntruththeywerebetterfightingmentheyearroundthanwerewemenoftheNorth，whofoughtingreatmoodsandsulkedingreatmoods。TheRomanwasinvariablysteadyanddependable。

TherewasawomanfromthecourtofAntipas，whowasafriendofPilate’swifeandwhomImetatPilate’sthenightofmyarrival。I

shallcallherMiriam，forMiriamwasthenameIlovedherby。Ifitweremerelydifficulttodescribethecharmofwomen，IwoulddescribeMiriam。Buthowdescribeemotioninwords？Thecharmofwomaniswordless。Itisdifferentfromperceptionthatculminatesinreason，foritarisesinsensationandculminatesinemotion，which，beitadmitted，isnothingelsethansuper-sensation。

Ingeneral，anywomanhasfundamentalcharmforanyman。Whenthischarmbecomesparticular，thenwecallitlove。Miriamhadthisparticularcharmforme。VerilyIwasco-partnerinhercharm。

Halfofitwasmyownman’slifeinmethatleaptandmetherwide-

armedandmadeinmeallthatshewasdesirableplusallmydesireofher。

Miriamwasagrandwoman。Iusethetermadvisedly。Shewasfine-

bodied，commanding，overandabovetheaverageJewishwomaninstatureandinline。Shewasanaristocratinsocialcaste；shewasanaristocratbynature。Allherwayswerelargeways，generousways。Shehadbrain，shehadwit，and，aboveall，shehadwomanliness。Asyoushallsee，itwasherwomanlinessthatbetrayedherandmeintheyend。Brunette，olive-skinned，oval-faced，herhairwasblue-blackwithitsblacknessandhereyesweretwinwellsofblack。Neverweremorepronouncedtypesofblondeandbrunetteinmanandwomanmetthaninus。

Andwemetontheinstant。Therewasnoself-discussion，nowaiting，wavering，tomakecertain。ShewasminethemomentI

lookeduponher。AndbythesametokensheknewthatIbelongedtoheraboveallmen。Istrodetoher。Shehalf-liftedfromhercouchasifdrawnupwardtome。Andthenwelookedwithalloureyes，blueeyesandblack，untilPilate’swife，athin，tense，overwroughtwoman，laughednervously。AndwhileIbowedtothewifeandgavegreeting，IthoughtIsawPilategiveMiriamasignificantglance，asiftosay，"IshenotallIpromised？"ForhehadhadwordofmycomingfromSulpiciusQuirinius，thelegateofSyria。AswellhadPilateandIbeenknowntoeachotherbeforeeverhejourneyedouttobeprocuratorovertheSemiticvolcanoofJerusalem。

Muchtalkwehadthatnight，especiallyPilate，whospokeindetailofthelocalsituation，andwhoseemedlonelyanddesiroustosharehisanxietieswithsomeoneandeventobidforcounsel。PilatewasofthesolidtypeofRoman，withsufficientimaginationintelligentlytoenforcetheironpolicyofRome，andnotundulyexcitableunderstress。

Butonthisnightitwasplainthathewasworried。TheJewshadgotonhisnerves。Theyweretoovolcanic，spasmodic，eruptive。

Andfurther，theyweresubtle。TheRomanshadastraight，forthrightwayofgoingaboutanything。TheJewsneverapproachedanythingdirectly，savebackwards，whentheyweredrivenbycompulsion。Lefttothemselves，theyalwaysapproachedbyindirection。Pilate’sirritationwasdue，asheexplained，tothefactthattheJewswereeverintriguingtomakehim，andthroughhimRome，thecatspawinthematteroftheirreligiousdissensions。Aswaswellknowntome，Romedidnotinterferewiththereligiousnotionsofitsconqueredpeoples；buttheJewswereforeverconfusingtheissuesandgivingapoliticalcasttopurelyunpoliticalevents。

Pilatewaxedeloquentoverthediversesectsandthefanaticuprisingsandriotingsthatwerecontinuallyoccurring"Lodbrog，"hesaid，"onecannevertellwhatlittlesummercloudoftheirhatchingmayturnintoathunder-stormroaringandrattlingaboutone’sears。Iamheretokeeporderandquiet。Despitemetheymaketheplaceahornets’nest。FarratherwouldIgovernScythiansorsavageBritonsthanthesepeoplewhoareneveratpeaceaboutGod。Rightnowthereisamanuptothenorth，afishermanturnedpreacher，andmiracle-worker，whoaswellasnotmaysoonhaveallthecountrybytheearsandmyrecallonitswayfromRome。"

ThiswasthefirstIhadheardofthemancalledJesus，andIlittleremarkeditatthetime。NotuntilafterwarddidIrememberhim，whenthelittlesummercloudhadbecomeafull-fledgedthunderstorm。

"Ihavehadreportofhim，"Pilatewenton。"Heisnotpolitical。

Thereisnodoubtofthat。ButtrustCaiaphas，andHananbehindCaiaphas，tomakeofthisfishermanapoliticalthornwithwhichtoprickRomeandruinme。"

"ThisCaiaphas，Ihaveheardofhimashighpriest，thenwhoisthisHanan？"Iasked。

"Therealhighpriest，acunningfox，"Pilateexplained。"CaiaphaswasappointedbyGratus，butCaiaphasistheshadowandthemouthpieceofHanan。"

"Theyhaveneverforgivenyouthatlittlematterofthevotiveshields，"Miriamteased。

Whereupon，asamanwillwhenhissoreplaceistouched，Pilatelaunchedupontheepisode，whichhadbeenanepisode，nomore，atthebeginning，butwhichhadnearlydestroyedhim。Inallinnocencebeforehispalacehehadaffixedtwoshieldswithvotiveinscriptions。EretheconsequentstormthatburstonhisheadhadpassedtheJewshadwrittentheircomplaintstoTiberius，whoapprovedthemandreprimandedPilate。Iwasglad，alittlelater，whenIcouldhavetalkwithMiriam。Pilate’swifehadfoundopportunitytotellmeabouther。Shewasofoldroyalstock。HersisterwaswifeofPhilip，tetrarchofGaulonitisandBatanaea。NowthisPhilipwasbrothertoAntipas，tetrarchofGalileeandPeraea，andbothweresonsofHerod，calledbytheJewsthe"Great。"

Miriam，asIunderstood，wasathomeinthecourtsofbothtetrarchs，beingherselfoftheblood。Also，whenagirl，shehadbeenbetrothedtoArchelausatthetimehewasethnarchofJerusalem。Shehadagoodlyfortuneinherownright，sothatmarriagehadnotbeencompulsory。Toboot，shehadawillofherown，andwasdoubtlesshardtopleaseinsoimportantamatterashusbands。

Itmusthavebeenintheveryairwebreathed，forinnotimeMiriamandIwereatitonthesubjectofreligion。Truly，theJewsofthatdaybattenedonreligionasdidweonfightingandfeasting。

Forallmystayinthatcountrytherewasneveramomentwhenmywitswerenotbuzzingwiththeendlessdiscussionsoflifeanddeath，law，andGod。NowPilatebelievedneitheringods，nordevils，noranything。Death，tohim，wastheblacknessofunbrokensleep；andyet，duringhisyearsinJerusalem，hewasevervexedwiththeinescapablefussandfuryofthingsreligious。Why，Ihadahorse-boyonmytripintoIdumaea，awretchedcreaturethatcouldneverlearntosaddleandwhoyetcouldtalk，andmostlearnedly，withoutbreath，fromnightfalltosunrise，onthehair-splittingdifferencesintheteachingsofalltherabbisfromShemaiahtoGamaliel。

ButtoreturntoMiriam。

"Youbelieveyouareimmortal，"shewassoonchallengingme。"Thenwhydoyoufeartotalkaboutit？"

"Whyburdenmymindwiththoughtsaboutcertainties？"Icountered。

"Butareyoucertain？"sheinsisted。"Tellmeaboutit。Whatisitlike——yourimmortality？"

AndwhenIhadtoldherofNiflheimandMuspell，ofthebirthofthegiantYmirfromthesnowflakes，ofthecowAndhumbla，andofFenrirandLokiandthefrozenJotuns——asIsay，whenIhadtoldherofallthis，andofThorandOdinandourownValhalla，sheclappedherhandsandcriedout，withsparklingeyes:

"Oh，youbarbarian！Yougreatchild！Youyellowgiant-thingofthefrost！Youbelieverofoldnursetalesandstomachsatisfactions！

Butthespiritofyou，thatwhichcannotdie，wherewillitgowhenyourbodyisdead？"

"AsIhavesaid，Valhalla，"Ianswered。"Andmybodyshallbethere，too。"

"Eating？——drinking？——fighting？"

"Andloving，"Iadded。"Wemusthaveourwomeninheaven，elsewhatisheavenfor？"

"Idonotlikeyourheaven，"shesaid。"Itisamadplace，abeastplace，aplaceoffrostandstormandfury。"

"Andyourheaven？"Iquestioned。

"Isalwaysunendingsummer，withtheyearattheripeforthefruitsandflowersandgrowingthings。"

Ishookmyheadandgrowled:

"Idonotlikeyourheaven。Itisasadplace，asoftplace，aplaceforweaklingsandeunuchsandfat，sobbingshadowsofmen。"

Myremarksmusthaveglamouredhermind，forhereyescontinuedtosparkle，andminewashalfaguessthatshewasleadingmeon。

"Myheaven，"shesaid，"istheabodeoftheblest。"

"Valhallaistheabodeoftheblest，"Iasserted。"Forlookyou，whocaresforflowerswhereflowersalwaysare？inmycountry，aftertheironwinterbreaksandthesundrivesawaythelongnight，thefirstblossomstwinklingonthemeltingice-edgearethingsofjoy，andwelook，andlookagain。

"Andfire！"Icriedout。"Greatgloriousfire！Afineheavenyourswhereamancannotproperlyesteemaroaringfireunderatightroofwithwindandsnowa-driveoutside。"

"Asimplefolk，you，"shewasbackatme。"Youbuildaroofandafireinasnowbankandcallitheaven。Inmyheavenwedonothavetoescapethewindandsnow。"

"No，"Iobjected。"Webuildroofandfiretogoforthfromintothefrostandstormandtoreturntofromthefrostandstorm。Man’slifeisfashionedforbattlewithfrostandstorm。Hisveryfireandroofhemakesbyhisbattling。Iknow。Forthreeyears，once，Iknewneverroofnorfire。Iwassixteen，andaman，ereeverI

worewovenclothonmybody。Iwasbirthedinstorm，afterbattle，andmyswaddlingclothwasawolfskin。LookatmeandseewhatmannerofmanlivesinValhalla。"

Andlookshedid，alla-glamour，andcriedout:

"Yougreat，yellowgiant-thingofaman！"Thensheaddedpensively，"Almostitsaddensmethattheremaynotbesuchmeninmyheaven。"

"Itisagoodworld，"Iconsoledher。"Goodistheplanandwide。

Thereisroomformanyheavens。Itwouldseemthattoeachisgiventheheaventhatishisheart’sdesire。Agoodcountry，truly，therebeyondthegrave。IdoubtnotIshallleaveourfeasthallsandraidyourcoastsofsunandflowers，andstealyouaway。Mymotherwassostolen。"

AndinthepauseIlookedather，andshelookedatme，anddaredtolook。Andmybloodranfire。ByOdin，thiswasawoman！

WhatmighthavehappenedIknownot，forPilate，whohadceasedfromhistalkwithAmbiviusandforsometimehadsatgrinning，brokethepause。

"Arabbi，aTeutobergrabbi！"hegibed。"AnewpreacherandanewdoctrinecometoJerusalem。Nowwilltherebemoredissensions，andriotings，andstoningsofprophets。Thegodssaveus，itisamad-

house。Lodbrog，Ilittlethoughtitofyou。Yethereyouare，spoutingandfumingaswildlyasanymadmanfromthedesertaboutwhatshallhappentoyouwhenyouaredead。Onelifeatatime，Lodbrog。Itsavestrouble。Itsavestrouble。"

"Goon，Miriam，goon，"hiswifecried。

Shehadsatentrancedduringthediscussion，withhandstightlyclasped，andthethoughtflickeredupinmymindthatshehadalreadybeencorruptedbythereligiousfollyofJerusalem。Atanyrate，asIwastolearninthedaysthatfollowed，shewasundulybentuponsuchmatters。Shewasathinwoman，asifwastedbyfever。Herskinwastight-stretched。AlmostitseemedIcouldlookthroughherhandsdidsheholdthembetweenmeandthelight。Shewasagoodwoman，buthighlynervous，and，attimes，fancy-flightedaboutshadesandsignsandomens。Norwassheaboveseeingvisionsandhearingvoices。Asforme，Ihadnopatiencewithsuchweaknesses。Yetwassheagoodwomanwithnoheartofevil。

IwasonamissionforTiberius，anditwasmyilllucktoseelittleofMiriam。OnmyreturnfromthecourtofAntipasshehadgoneintoBatanaeatoPhilip’scourt，wherewashersister。OnceagainIwasbackinJerusalem，and，thoughitwasnonecessityofmybusinesstoseePhilip，who，thoughweak，wasfaithfultoRomanwill，IjourneyedintoBatanaeainthehopeofmeetingwithMiriam。

ThentherewasmytripintoIdumaea。Also，ItravelledintoSyriainobediencetothecommandofSulpiciusQuirinius，who，asimperiallegate，wascuriousofmyfirst-handreportofaffairsinJerusalem。

Thus，travellingwideandmuch，IhadopportunitytoobservethestrangenessoftheJewswhoweresomadlyinterestedinGod。Itwastheirpeculiarity。Notcontentwithleavingsuchmatterstotheirpriests，theywerethemselvesforeverturningpriestsandpreachingwherevertheycouldfindalistener。Andlistenerstheyfounda-

plenty。

Theygaveuptheiroccupationstowanderaboutthecountrylikebeggars，disputingandbickeringwiththerabbisandTalmudistsinthesynagoguesandtempleporches。ItwasinGalilee，adistrictoflittlerepute，theinhabitantsofwhichwerelookeduponaswitless，thatIcrossedthetrackofthemanJesus。Itseemsthathehadbeenacarpenter，andafterthatafisherman，andthathisfellow-

fishermenhadceaseddraggingtheirnetsandfollowedhiminhiswanderinglife。Somefewlookeduponhimasaprophet，butthemostcontendedthathewasamadman。Mywretchedhorse-boy，himselfclaimingTalmudicknowledgesecondtonone，sneeredatJesus，callinghimthekingofthebeggars，callinghisdoctrineEbionism，which，asheexplainedtome，wastotheeffectthatonlythepoorshouldwintoheaven，whiletherichandpowerfulweretoburnforeverinsomelakeoffire。

Itwasmyobservationthatitwasthecustomofthecountryforeverymantocalleveryothermanamadman。Intruth，inmyjudgment，theywereallmad。Therewasaplagueofthem。Theycastoutdevilsbymagiccharms，cureddiseasesbythelayingonofhands，drankdeadlypoisonsunharmed，andunharmedplayedwithdeadlysnakes——orsotheyclaimed。Theyranawaytostarveinthedeserts。Theyemergedhowlingnewdoctrine，gatheringcrowdsaboutthem，formingnewsectsthatsplitondoctrineandformedmoresects。

"ByOdin，"ItoldPilate，"atrifleofournorthernfrostandsnowwouldcooltheirwits。Thisclimateistoosoft。Inplaceofbuildingroofsandhuntingmeat，theyareeverbuildingdoctrine。"

"AndalteringthenatureofGod，"Pilatecorroboratedsourly。"A

curseondoctrine。"

"SosayI，"Iagreed。"IfeverIgetawaywithunaddledwitsfromthismadland，I’llcleavethroughwhatevermandaresmentiontomewhatmayhappenafterIamdead。"

Neverweresuchtroublemakers。Everythingunderthesunwaspiousorimpioustothem。They，whoweresocleverinhair-splittingargument，seemedincapableofgraspingtheRomanideaoftheState。

Everythingpoliticalwasreligious；everythingreligiouswaspolitical。Thuseveryprocurator’shandswerefull。TheRomaneagles，theRomanstatues，eventhevotiveshieldsofPilate，weredeliberateinsultstotheirreligion。

TheRomantakingofthecensuswasanabomination。Yetithadtobedone，foritwasthebasisoftaxation。Butthereitwasagain。

TaxationbytheStatewasacrimeagainsttheirlawandGod。Oh，thatLaw！ItwasnottheRomanlaw。Itwastheirlaw，whattheycalledGod’slaw。Therewerethezealots，whomurderedanybodywhobrokethislaw。Andforaprocuratortopunishazealotcaughtred-

handedwastoraiseariotoraninsurrection。

Everything，withthesestrangepeople，wasdoneinthenameofGod。

TherewerewhatweRomanscalledtheTHAUMATURGI。Theyworkedmiraclestoprovedoctrine。Everhasitseemedtomeawitlessthingtoprovethemultiplicationtablebyturningastaffintoaserpent，orevenintotwoserpents。Yetthesethingsthethaumaturgidid，andalwaystotheexcitementofthecommonpeople。

Heavens，whatsectsandsects！Pharisees，Essenes，Sadducees——alegionofthem！Nosoonerdidtheystartwithanewquirkwhenitturnedpolitical。Coponius，procuratorfourthbeforePilate，hadaprettytimecrushingtheGauloniteseditionwhicharoseinthisfashionandspreaddownfromGamala。

InJerusalem，thatlasttimeIrodein，itwaseasytonotetheincreasingexcitementoftheJews。Theyranaboutincrowds，chatteringandspouting。Somewereproclaimingtheendoftheworld。OtherssatisfiedthemselveswiththeimminentdestructionoftheTemple。AndtherewererankrevolutioniseswhoannouncedthatRomanrulewasoverandthenewJewishkingdomabouttobegin。

Pilate，too，Inoted，showedheavyanxiety。Thattheyweregivinghimahardtimeofitwaspatent。ButIwillsay，asyoushallsee，thathematchedtheirsubtletywithequalsubtlety；andfromwhatI

sawofhimIhavelittledoubtbutwhathewouldhaveconfoundedmanyadisputantinthesynagogues。

"ButhalfalegionofRomans，"heregrettedtome，"andIwouldtakeJerusalembythethroat……andthenberecalledformypains，I

suppose。"

Likeme，hehadnottoomuchfaithintheauxiliaries；andofRomansoldierswehadbutascanthandful。

Backagain，Ilodgedinthepalace，andtomygreatjoyfoundMiriamthere。Butlittlesatisfactionwasmine，forthetalkranlongonthesituation。Therewasreasonforthis，forthecitybuzzedliketheangryhornets’nestitwas。ThefastcalledthePassover——areligiousaffair，ofcourse——wasnear，andthousandswerepouringinfromthecountry，accordingtocustom，tocelebratethefeastinJerusalem。Thesenewcomers，naturally，wereallexcitablefolk，elsetheywouldnotbebentonsuchpilgrimage。Thecitywaspackedwiththem，sothatmanycampedoutsidethewalls。Asforme，I

couldnotdistinguishhowmuchofthefermentwasduetotheteachingsofthewanderingfisherman，andhowmuchofitwasduetoJewishhatredforRome。

"Atithe，nomore，andmaybenotsomuch，isduetothisJesus，"

Pilateansweredmyquery。"LooktoCaiaphasandHananforthemaincauseoftheexcitement。Theyknowwhattheyareabout。Theyarestirringitup，towhatendwhocantell，excepttocausemetrouble。"

"Yes，itiscertainthatCaiaphasandHananareresponsible，"Miriamsaid，"butyou，PontiusPilate，areonlyaRomananddonotunderstand。WereyouaJew，youwouldrealizethatthereisagreaterseriousnessatthebottomofitthanmeredissensionofthesectariesortrouble-makingforyouandRome。ThehighpriestsandPharisees，everyJewofplaceorwealth，Philip，Antipas，myself——weareallfightingforverylife。

"Thisfishermanmaybeamadman。Ifso，thereisacunninginhismadness。Hepreachesthedoctrineofthepoor。Hethreatensourlaw，andourlawisourlife，asyouhavelearnederethis。Wearejealousofourlaw，asyouwouldbejealousoftheairdeniedyourbodybyathrottlinghandonyourthroat。ItisCaiaphasandHananandalltheystandfor，oritisthefisherman。Theymustdestroyhim，elsehewilldestroythem。"

"Isitnotstrange，sosimpleaman，afisherman？"Pilate’swifebreathedforth。"Whatmannerofmancanhebetopossesssuchpower？IwouldthatIcouldseehim。IwouldthatwithmyowneyesIcouldseesoremarkableaman。"

Pilate’sbrowscorrugatedatherwords，anditwasclearthattotheburdenonhisnerveswasaddedtheoverwroughtstateofhiswife’snerves。

"Ifyouwouldseehim，beatupthedensofthetown，"Miriamlaughedspitefully。"Youwillfindhimwine-bibbingorinthecompanyofnamelesswomen。NeversostrangeaprophetcameuptoJerusalem。"

"Andwhatharminthat？"Idemanded，drivenagainstmywilltotakethepartofthefisherman。"HaveInotwine-guzzleda-plentyandpassedstrangenightsinalltheprovinces？Themanisaman，andhiswaysaremen’sways，elseamIamadman，whichIheredeny。"

Miriamshookherheadasshespoke。

"Heisnotmad。Worse，heisdangerous。AllEbionismisdangerous。

Hewoulddestroyallthingsthatarefixed。Heisarevolutionist。

HewoulddestroywhatlittleislefttousoftheJewishstateandTemple。"

HerePilateshookhishead。

"Heisnotpolitical。Ihavehadreportofhim。Heisavisionary。

Thereisnoseditioninhim。HeaffirmstheRomantaxeven。"

"Stillyoudonotunderstand，"Miriampersisted。"Itisnotwhatheplans；itistheeffect，ifhisplansareachieved，thatmakeshimarevolutionist。Idoubtthatheforeseestheeffect。Yetisthemanaplague，and，likeanyplague，shouldbestampedout。"

"FromallthatIhaveheard，heisagood-hearted，simplemanwithnoevilinhim，"Istated。

AndthereatItoldofthehealingofthetenlepersIhadwitnessedinSamariaonmywaythroughJericho。

Pilate’swifesatentrancedatwhatItold。Cametoourearsdistantshoutingsandcriesofsomestreetcrowd，andweknewthesoldierswerekeepingthestreetscleared。

"Andyoubelievethiswonder，Lodbrog？"Pilatedemanded。"Youbelievethatintheflashofaneyethefesteringsoresdepartedfromthelepers？"

"Isawthemhealed，"Ireplied。"Ifollowedthemtomakecertain。

Therewasnoleprosyinthem。"

"Butdidyouseethemsore？——beforethehealing？"Pilateinsisted。

Ishookmyhead。

"Iwasonlytoldso，"Iadmitted。"WhenIsawthemafterward，theyhadalltheseemingofmenwhohadoncebeenlepers。Theywereinadaze。Therewasonewhosatinthesunandeversearchedhisbodyandstaredandstaredatthesmoothfleshasifunabletobelievehiseyes。Hewouldnotspeak，norlookataughtelsethanhisflesh，whenIquestionedhim。Hewasinamaze。Hesatthereinthesunandstaredandstated。"

Pilatesmiledcontemptuously，andInotedthequietsmileonMiriam’sfacewasequallycontemptuous。AndPilate’swifesatasifacorpse，scarcebreathing，hereyeswideandunseeing。

SpokeAmbivius:"Caiaphasholds——hetoldmebutyesterday——thatthefishermanclaimsthathewillbringGoddownonearthandmakehereanewkingdomoverwhichGodwillrule——"

"WhichwouldmeantheendofRomanrule，"Ibrokein。

"ThatiswhereCaiaphasandHananplottoembroilRome，"Miriamexplained。"Itisnottrue。Itisalietheyhavemade。"

Pilatenoddedandasked:

"Istherenotsomewhereinyourancientbooksaprophecythatthepriestsheretwistintotheintentofthisfisherman’smind？"

Tothissheagreed，andgavehimthecitation。IrelatetheincidenttoevidencethedepthofPilate’sstudyofthispeoplehestrovesohardtokeepinorder。

"WhatIhaveheard，"Miriamcontinued，"isthatthisJesuspreachestheendoftheworldandthebeginningofGod’skingdom，nothere，butinheaven。"

"Ihavehadreportofthat，"Pilateraid。"Itistrue。ThisJesusholdsthejustnessoftheRomantax。HeholdsthatRomeshallruleuntilallrulepassesawaywiththepassingoftheworld。IseemoreclearlythetrickHananisplayingme。"

"Itisevenclaimedbysomeofhisfollowers，"Ambiviusvolunteered，"thatheisGodHimself。"

"Ihavenoreportthathehassosaid，"Pilatereplied。

"Whynot？"hiswifebreathed。"Whynot？Godshavedescendedtoearthbefore。"

"Lookyou，"Pilatesaid。"Ihaveitbycreditablereport，thatafterthisJesushadworkedsomewonderwherebyamultitudewasfedonseveralloavesandfishes，thefoolishGalileanswereformakinghimaking。Againsthiswilltheywouldmakehimaking。Toescapethemhefledintothemountains。Nomadnessthere。Hewastoowisetoacceptthefatetheywouldhaveforceduponhim。"

"YetthatistheverytrickHananwouldforceuponyou，"Miriamreiterated。"TheyclaimforhimthathewouldbekingoftheJews——

anoffenceagainstRomanlaw，whereforeRomemustdealwithhim。"

Pilateshruggedhisshoulders。

"Akingofthebeggars，rather；orakingofthedreamers。Heisnofool。Heisvisionary，butnotvisionaryofthisworld’spower。

Allluckgowithhiminthenextworld，forthatisbeyondRome’sjurisdiction。"

"Heholdsthatpropertyissin——thatiswhathitsthePharisees，"

Ambiviusspokeup。

Pilatelaughedheartily。

"Thiskingofthebeggarsandhisfellow-beggarsstilldorespectproperty，heexplained。"For，lookyou，notlongagotheyhadevenatreasurerfortheirwealth。Judashisnamewas，andtherewerewordsinthathestolefromtheircommonpursewhichhecarried。"

"Jesusdidnotsteal？"Pilate’swifeasked。

"No，"Pilateanswered；"itwasJudas，thetreasurer。"

"WhowasthisJohn？"Iquestioned。"HewasintroubleupTiberiaswayandAntipasexecutedhim。"

"Anotherone，"Miriamanswered。"HewasbornnearHebron。Hewasanenthusiastandadesert-dweller。EitherheorhisfollowersclaimedthathewasElijahraisedfromthedead。Elijah，yousee，wasoneofouroldprophets。"

"Washeseditious？"Iasked。

Pilategrinnedandshookhishead，thensaid:

"HefelloutwithAntipasoverthematterofHerodias。Johnwasamoralist。Itistoolongastory，buthepaidforitwithhishead。

No，therewasnothingpoliticalinthataffair。"

"ItisalsoclaimedbysomethatJesusistheSonofDavid，"Miriamsaid。"Butitisabsurd。NobodyatNazarethbelievesit。Yousee，hiswholefamily，includinghismarriedsisters，livesthereandisknowntoallofthem。Theyareasimplefolk，merecommonpeople。"

"Iwishitwereassimple，thereportofallthiscomplexitythatI

mustsendtoTiberius，"Pilategrumbled。"AndnowthisfishermaniscometoJerusalem，theplaceispackedwithpilgrimsripeforanytrouble，andHananstirsandstirsthebroth。"

"Andbeforeheisdonehewillhavehisway，"Miriamforecast。"Hehaslaidthetaskforyou，andyouwillperformit。"

"Whichis？"Pilatequeried。

"Theexecutionofthisfisherman。"

Pilateshookhisheadstubbornly，buthiswifecriedout:

"No！No！Itwouldbeashamefulwrong。Themanhasdonenoevil。

HehasnotoffendedagainstRome。"

ShelookedbeseechinglytoPilate，whocontinuedtoshakehishead。

"Letthemdotheirownbeheading，asAntipasdid，"hegrowled。"Thefishermancountsfornothing；butIshallbenocatspawtotheirschemes。Iftheymustdestroyhim，theymustdestroyhim。Thatistheiraffair。"

"Butyouwillnotpermitit，"criedPilate’swife。

"AprettytimewouldIhaveexplainingtoTiberiusifIinterfered，"

washisreply。

"Nomatterwhathappens，"saidMiriam，"Icanseeyouwritingexplanations，andsoon；forJesusisalreadycomeuptoJerusalemandanumberofhisfishermenwithhim。"

Pilateshowedtheirritationthisinformationcausedhim。

"Ihavenointerestinhismovements，"hepronounced。"Ihopenevertoseehim。"

"TrustHanantofindhimforyou，"Miriamreplied，"andtobringhimtoyourgate。"

Pilateshruggedhisshoulders，andtherethetalkended。Pilate’swife，nervousandoverwrought，mustclaimMiriamtoherapartments，sothatnothingremainedformebuttogotobedanddozeofftothebuzzandmurmurofthecityofmadmen。

Eventsmovedrapidly。Overnightthewhiteheatofthecityhadscorcheduponitself。Bymidday，whenIrodeforthwithhalfadozenofmymen，thestreetswerepacked，andmorereluctantthaneverwerethefolktogivewaybeforeme。IflookscouldkillI

shouldhavebeenadeadmanthatday。Openlytheyspatatsightofme，and，everywherearosesnarlsandcries。

LesswasIathingofwonder，andmorewasIthethinghatedinthatIworethehatedharnessofRome。Haditbeenanyothercity，I

shouldhavegivencommandtomymentolaytheflatsoftheirswordsonthosesnarlingfanatics。ButthiswasJerusalem，atfeverheat，andthesewereapeopleunableinthoughttodivorcetheideaofStatefromtheideaofGod。

HanantheSadduceehaddonehisworkwell。NomatterwhatheandtheSanhedrimbelievedofthetrueinwardnessofthesituation，itwasclearthisrabblehadbeenwelltutoredtobelievethatRomewasatthebottomofit。

IencounteredMiriaminthepress。Shewasonfoot，attendedonlybyawoman。Itwasnotimeinsuchturbulenceforhertobeabroadgarbedasbecameherstation。Throughhersistershewasindeedsister-in-lawtoAntipasforwhomfewborelove。Soshewasdresseddiscreetly，herfacecovered，sothatshemightpassasanyJewishwomanofthelowerorders。Butnottomyeyecouldshehidethatfinestatureofher，thatcarriageandwalk，sodifferentfromotherwomen’s，ofwhichIhadalreadydreamedmorethanonce。

Fewandquickwerethewordswewereabletoexchange，forthewayjammedonthemoment，andsoonmymenandhorseswerebeingpressedandjostled。Miriamwasshelteredinanangleofhouse-wall。

"Havetheygotthefishermanyet？"Iasked。

"No；butheisjustoutsidethewall。HehasriddenuptoJerusalemonanass，withamultitudebeforeandbehind；andsome，poordupes，havehailedhimashepassedasKingofIsrael。ThatfinallyisthepretextwithwhichHananwillcompelPilate。Truly，thoughnotyettaken，thesentenceisalreadywritten。Thisfishermanisadeadman。"

"ButPilatewillnotarresthim，"Idefended。Miriamshookherhead。

"Hananwillattendtothat。TheywillbringhimbeforetheSanhedrim。Thesentencewillbedeath。Theymaystonehim。"

"ButtheSanhedrimhasnottherighttoexecute，"Icontended。

"JesusisnotaRoman，"shereplied。"HeisaJew。BythelawoftheTalmudheisguiltyofdeath，forhehasblasphemedagainstthelaw。"

StillIshookmyhead。

"TheSanhedrimhasnottheright。"

"Pilateiswillingthatitshouldtakethatright。"

"Butitisafinequestionoflegality，"Iinsisted。"YouknowwhattheRomansareinsuchmatters。"

"ThenwillHananavoidthequestion，"shesmiled，"bycompellingPilatetocrucifyhim。Ineithereventitwillbewell。"

Asurgingofthemobwassweepingourhorsesalongandgrindingourkneestogether。Somefanatichadfallen，andIcouldfeelmyhorserecoilandhalfrearasittrampedonhim，andIcouldhearthemanscreamingandthesnarlingmenacefromallaboutrisingtoaroar。

ButmyheadwasovermyshoulderasIcalledbacktoMiriam:

"Youarehardonamanyouhavesaidyourselfiswithoutevil。"

"Iamhardupontheevilthatwillcomeofhimifhelives，"shereplied。

ScarcelydidIcatchherwords，foramansprangin，seizingmybridle-reinandlegandstrugglingtounhorseme。Withmyopenpalm，leaningforward，Ismotehimfulluponcheekandjaw。Myhandcoveredthefaceofhim，andaheartywillofweightwasintheblow。ThedwellersinJerusalemarenotusedtoman’sbuffets。I

haveoftenwonderedsinceifIbrokethefellow’sneck。

NextIsawMiriamwasthefollowingday。ImetherinthecourtofPilate’spalace。Sheseemedinadream。Scarcehereyessawme。

Scarceherwitsembracedmyidentity。Sostrangewasshe，soindazeandamazeandfar-seeingwerehereyes，thatIwasremindedofthelepersIhadseenhealedinSamaria。

Shebecameherselfbyaneffort，butonlyheroutwardself。Inhereyeswasamessageunreadable。NeverbeforehadIseenwoman’seyesso。

ShewouldhavepassedmeungreetedhadInotconfrontedherway。

Shepausedandmurmuredwordsmechanically，butallthewhilehereyesdreamedthroughmeandbeyondmewiththelargenessofthevisionthatfilledthem。

"IhaveseenHim，Lodbrog，"shewhispered。"IhaveseenHim。"

"Thegodsgrantthatheisnotsoill-affectedbythesightofyou，whoeverhemaybe，"Ilaughed。

Shetooknonoticeofmypoor-timedjest，andhereyesremainedfullwithvision，andshewouldhavepassedonhadInotagainblockedherway。

"Whoisthishe？"Idemanded。"Somemanraisedfromthedeadtoputsuchstrangelightinyoureyes？"

"Onewhohasraisedothersfromthedead，"shereplied。"TrulyI

believethatHe，thisJesus，hasraisedthedead。HeisthePrinceofLight，theSonofGod。IhaveseenHim。TrulyIbelievethatHeistheSonofGod。"

LittlecouldIgleanfromherwords，savethatshehadmetthiswanderingfishermanandbeensweptawaybyhisfolly。ForsurelythisMiriamwasnottheMiriamwhohadbrandedhimaplagueanddemandedthathebestampedoutasanyplague。

"Hehascharmedyou，"Icriedangrily。

Hereyesseemedtomoistenandgrowdeeperasshegaveconfirmation。

"Oh，Lodbrog，Hisischarmbeyondallthinking，beyondalldescribing。ButtolookuponHimistoknowthathereistheall-

soulofgoodnessandofcompassion。IhaveseenHim。IhaveheardHim。IshallgiveallIhavetothepoor，andIshallfollowHim。"

SuchwashercertitudethatIaccepteditfully，asIhadacceptedtheamazementofthelepersofSamariastaringattheirsmoothflesh；andIwasbitterthatsogreatawomanshouldbesoeasilywit-addledbyavagrantwonder-worker。

"Followhim，"Isneered。"Doubtlessyouwillwearacrownwhenhewinstohiskingdom。"

Shenoddedaffirmation，andIcouldhavestruckherinthefaceforherfolly。Idrewaside，andasshemovedslowlyonshemurmured:

"Hiskingdomisnothere。HeistheSonofDavid。HeistheSonofGod。HeiswhateverHehassaid，orwhateverhasbeensaidofHimthatisgoodandgreat。"

"AwisemanoftheEast，"IfoundPilatechuckling。"Heisathinker，thisunletteredfisherman。Ihavesoughtmoredeeplyintohim。Ihavefreshreport。Hehasnoneedofwonder-workings。Heout-sophisticatesthemostsophisticalofthem。Theyhavelaidtraps，andHehaslaughedattheirtraps。Lookyou。Listentothis。"

WhereuponhetoldmehowJesushadconfoundedhisconfounderswhentheybroughttohimforjudgmentawomantakeninadultery。

"Andthetax，"Pilateexultedon。"’ToCaesarwhatisCaesar’s，toGodwhatisGod’s，’washisanswertothem。ThatwasHanan’strick，andHananisconfounded。AtlasthasthereappearedoneJewwhounderstandsourRomanconceptionoftheState。"

NextIsawPilate’swife。LookingintohereyesIknew，ontheinstant，afterhavingseenMiriam’seyes，thatthistense，distraughtwomanhadlikewiseseenthefisherman。

"TheDivineiswithinHim，"shemurmuredtome。"ThereiswithinHimapersonalawarenessoftheindwellingofGod。"

"IsheGod？"Iqueried，gently，forsaysomethingImust。

Sheshookherhead。

"Idonotknow。Hehasnotsaid。ButthisIknow:ofsuchstuffgodsaremade。"

"Acharmerofwomen，"wasmyprivyjudgment，asIleftPilate’swifewalkingindreamsandvisions。

Thelastdaysareknowntoallofyouwhoreadtheselines，anditwasinthoselastdaysthatIlearnedthatthisJesuswasequallyacharmerofmen。HecharmedPilate。Hecharmedme。

AfterHananhadsentJesustoCaiaphas，andtheSanhedrim，assembledinCaiaphas’shouse，hadcondemnedJesustodeath，Jesus，escortedbyahowlingmob，wassenttoPilateforexecution。

Now，forhisownsakeandforRome’ssake，Pilatedidnotwanttoexecutehim。Pilatewaslittleinterestedinthefishermanandgreatlyinterestedinpeaceandorder。WhatcaredPilateforaman’slife？——formanymen’slives？TheschoolofRomewasiron，andthegovernorssentoutbyRometoruleconqueredpeopleswerelikewiseiron。Pilatethoughtandactedingovernmentalabstractions。Yet，look:whenPilatewentoutscowlingtomeetthemobthathadfetchedthefisherman，hefellimmediatelyunderthecharmoftheman。

Iwaspresent。Iknow。ItwasthefirsttimePilatehadeverseenhim。Pilatewentoutangry。Oursoldierswereinreadinesstoclearthecourtofitsnoisyvermin。AndimmediatelyPilatelaideyesonthefishermanPilatewassubdued——nay，wassolicitous。Hedisclaimedjurisdiction，demandedthattheyshouldjudgethefishermanbytheirlawanddealwithhimbytheirlaw，sincethefishermanwasaJewandnotaRoman。NeverwerethereJewssoobedienttoRomanrule。Theycriedoutthatitwasunlawful，underRome，forthemtoputanymantodeath。YetAntipashadbeheadedJohnandcometonogriefofit。

AndPilatelefttheminthecourt，openunderthesky，andtookJesusaloneintothejudgmenthall。WhathappenedthereinIknownot，savethatwhenPilateemergedhewaschanged。WhereasbeforehehadbeendisinclinedtoexecutebecausehewouldnotbemadeacatspawtoHanan，hewasnowdisinclinedtoexecutebecauseofregardforthefisherman。Hiseffortnowwastosavethefisherman。

Andallthewhilethemobcried:"Crucifyhim！Crucifyhim！"

You，myreader，knowthesincerityofPilate’seffort。Youknowhowhetriedtobefoolthemob，firstbymockingJesusasaharmlessfool；andsecondbyofferingtoreleasehimaccordingtothecustomofreleasingoneprisonerattimeofthePassover。Andyouknowhowthepriests’quickwhisperingsledthemobtocryoutforthereleaseofthemurdererBar-Abba。

InvainPilatestruggledagainstthefatebeingthrustuponhimbythepriests。Bysneerandjibehehopedtomakeafarceofthetransaction。HelaughinglycalledJesustheKingoftheJewsandorderedhimtobescourged。Hishopewasthatallwouldendinlaughterandinlaugherbeforgotten。

IamgladtosaythatnoRomansoldierstookpartinwhatfollowed。

ItwasthesoldiersoftheauxiliarieswhocrownedandcloakedJesus，putthereedofsovereigntyinhishand，and，kneeling，hailedhimKingoftheJews。Althoughitfailed，itwasaplaytoplacate。AndI，lookingon，learnedthecharmofJesus。Despitethecruelmockeryofsituation，hewasregal。AndIwasquietasI

gazed。Itwashisownquietthatwentintome。Iwassoothedandsatisfied，andwaswithoutbewilderment。Thisthinghadtobe。Allwaswell。TheserenityofJesusintheheartofthetumultandpainbecamemyserenity。Iwasscarcemovedbyanythoughttosavehim。

Ontheotherhand，Ihadgazedontoomanywondersofthehumaninmywildandvariedyearstobeaffectedtofoolishactsbythisparticularwonder。Iwasallserenity。Ihadnowordtosay。I

hadnojudgmenttopass。Iknewthatthingswereoccurringbeyondmycomprehension，andthattheymustoccur。

StillPilatestruggled。Thetumultincreased。Thecryforbloodrangthroughthecourt，andallwereclamouringforcrucifixion。

AgainPilatewentbackintothejudgmenthall。Hiseffortatafarcehavingfailed，heattemptedtodisclaimjurisdiction。JesuswasnotofJerusalem。HewasabornsubjectofAntipas，andtoAntipasPilatewasforsendingJesus。

Buttheuproarwasbynowcommunicatingitselftothecity。Ourtroopsoutsidethepalacewerebeingsweptawayinthevaststreetmob。Riotinghadbegunthatintheflashofaneyecouldturnintocivilwarandrevolution。Myowntwentylegionarieswereclosetohandandinreadiness。TheylovedthefanaticJewsnomorethandidI，andwouldhavewelcomedmycommandtoclearthecourtwithnakedsteel。

WhenPilatecameoutagainhiswordsforAntipas’jurisdictioncouldnotbeheard，forallthemobwasshoutingthatPilatewasatraitor，thatifheletthefishermangohewasnofriendofTiberius。Closebeforeme，asIleanedagainstthewall，amangy，bearded，long-hairedfanaticsprangupanddownunceasingly，andunceasinglychanted:"Tiberiusisemperor；thereisnoking！

Tiberiusisemperor；thereisnoking！"Ilostpatience。Theman’snearnoisewasanoffence。Lurchingsidewise，asifbyaccident，I

groundmyfootonhistoaterriblecrushing。Thefoolseemednottonotice。Hewastoomadtobeawareofthepain，andhecontinuedtochant:"Tiberiusisemperor；thereisnoking！"

IsawPilatehesitate。Pilate，theRomangovernor，forthemomentwasPilatetheman，withaman’sangeragainstthemiserablecreaturesclamouringforthebloodofsosweetandsimple，braveandgoodaspiritasthisJesus。

IsawPilatehesitate。Hisgazerovedtome，asifhewereabouttosignaltometoletloose；andIhalf-startedforward，releasingthemangledfootundermyfoot。Iwasforleapingtocompletethathalf-formedwishofPilateandtosweepawayinbloodandcleansethecourtofthewretchedscumthathowledinit。

ItwasnotPilate’sindecisionthatdecidedme。ItwasthisJesusthatdecidedPilateandme。ThisJesuslookedatme。Hecommandedme。Itellyouthisvagrantfisherman，thiswanderingpreacher，thispieceofdriftagefromGalilee，commandedme。Nowordheuttered。Yethiscommandwasthere，unmistakableasatrumpetcall。

AndIstayedmyfoot，andheldmyhand，forwhowasItothwartthewillandwayofsogreatlysereneandsweetlysureamanasthis？

AndasIstayedIknewallthecharmofhim——allthatinhimhadcharmedMiriamandPilate’swife，thathadcharmedPilatehimself。

Youknowtherest。PilatewashedhishandsofJesus’blood，andtherioterstookhisbloodupontheirownheads。Pilategaveordersforthecrucifixion。Themobwascontent，andcontent，behindthemob，wereCaiaphas，Hanan，andtheSanhedrim。NotPilate，notTiberius，notRomansoldierscrucifiedJesus。ItwasthepriestlyrulersandpriestlypoliticiansofJerusalem。Isaw。Iknow。AndagainsthisownbestinterestsPilatewouldhavesavedJesus，asIwouldhave，haditnotbeenthatnootherthanJesushimselfwilledthathewasnottobesaved。

Yes，andPilatehadhislastsneeratthispeoplehedetested。InHebrew，Greek，andLatinhehadawritingaffixedtoJesus’crosswhichread，"TheKingoftheJews。"Invainthepriestscomplained。

ItwasonthisverypretextthattheyhadforcedPilate’shand；andbythispretext，ascornandinsulttotheJewishrace，Pilateabided。Pilateexecutedanabstractionthathadneverexistedinthereal。Theabstractionwasacheatandaliemanufacturedinthepriestlymind。NeitherthepriestsnorPilatebelievedit。Jesusdeniedit。Thatabstractionwas"TheKingoftheJews。"

Thestormwasoverinthecourtyard。Theexcitementhadsimmereddown。Revolutionhadbeenaverted。Thepriestswerecontent，themobwassatisfied，andPilateandIwerewelldisgustedandwearywiththewholeaffair。Andyetforhimandmewasmoreandmostimmediatestorm。BeforeJesuswastakenawayoneofMiriam’swomencalledmetoher。AndIsawPilate，summonedbyoneofhiswife’swomen，likewiseobey。

"Oh，Lodbrog，Ihaveheard，"Miriammetme。Wewerealone，andshewasclosetome，seekingshelterandstrengthwithinmyarms。

"Pilatehasweakened。HeisgoingtocrucifyHim。Butthereistime。Yourownmenareready。Ridewiththem。OnlyacenturionandahandfulofsoldiersarewithHim。Theyhavenotyetstarted。

Assoonastheydostart，follow。TheymustnotreachGolgotha。

Butwaituntiltheyareoutsidethecitywall。Thencountermandtheorder。TakeanextrahorseforHimtoride。Therestiseasy。

RideawayintoSyriawithHim，orintoIdumaea，oranywheresolongasHebesaved。"

Sheconcludedwithherarmsaroundmyneck，herfaceupturnedtomineandtemptinglyclose，hereyesgreatlysolemnandgreatlypromising。

SmallwonderIwasslowofspeech。Forthemomenttherewasbutonethoughtinmybrain。AfterallthestrangeplayIhadseenplayedout，tohavethiscomeuponme！Ididnotmisunderstand。Thethingwasclear。Agreatwomanwasmineif……ifIbetrayedRome。ForPilatewasgovernor，hisorderhadgoneforth；andhisvoicewasthevoiceofRome。

AsIhavesaid，itwasthewomanofher，hersheerwomanliness，thatbetrayedMiriamandmeintheend。Alwaysshehadbeensoclear，soreasonable，socertainofherselfandme，sothatIhadforgotten，or，rather，Itherelearnedonceagaintheeternallessonlearnedinalllives，thatwomaniseverwoman……thatingreatdecisivemomentswomandoesnotreasonbutfeels；thatthelastsanctuaryandinnermostpulsetoconductisinwoman’sheartandnotinwoman’shead。

Miriammisunderstoodmysilence，forherbodymovedsoftlywithinmyarmsassheadded，asifinafterthought:

"Taketwosparehorses，Lodbrog。Ishallridetheother……withyou……withyou，awayovertheworld，whereveryoumayride。"

Itwasabribeofkings；itwasanact，paltryandcontemptible，thatwasdemandedofmeinreturn。StillIdidnotspeak。ItwasnotthatIwasinconfusionorinanydoubt。Iwasmerelysad——

greatlyandsuddenlysad，inthatIknewIheldinmyarmswhatI

wouldneverholdagain。

"ThereisbutonemaninJerusalemthisdaywhocansaveHim，"sheurged，"andthatmanisyou，Lodbrog。"

BecauseIdidnotimmediatelyreplysheshookme，asifinimpulsetoclarifywitssheconsideredaddled。Sheshookmetillmyharnessrattled。

"Speak，Lodbrog，speak！"shecommanded。"Youarestrongandunafraid。Youareallman。IknowyoudespisetheverminwhowoulddestroyHim。You，youalonecansaveHim。Youhavebuttosaythewordandthethingisdone；andIwillwellloveyouandalwaysloveyouforthethingyouhavedone。"

"IamaRoman，"Isaidslowly，knowingfullwellthatwiththewordsIgaveupallhopeofher。

"Youareaman-slaveofTiberius，ahoundofRome，"sheflamed，"butyouoweRomenothing，foryouarenotaRoman。YouyellowgiantsofthenortharenotRomans。"

"TheRomansaretheelderbrothersofusyounglingsofthenorth，"I

answered。"Also，IweartheharnessandIeatthebreadofRome。"

GentlyIadded:"Butwhyallthisfussandfuryforamereman’slife？Allmenmustdie。Simpleandeasyitistodie。To-day，orahundredyears，itlittlematters。Sureweare，allofus，ofthesameeventintheend。"

Quickshewas，andalivewithpassiontosaveasshethrilledwithinmyarms。

"Youdonotunderstand，Lodbrog。Thisisnomereman。Itellyouthisisamanbeyondmen——alivingGod，notofmen，butovermen。"

IheldhercloselyandknewthatIwasrenouncingallthesweetwomanofherasIsaid:

"Wearemanandwoman，youandI。Ourlifeisofthisworld。Oftheseotherworldsisallamadness。Letthesemaddreamersgothewayoftheirdreaming。Denythemnotwhattheydesireaboveallthings，abovemeatandwine，abovesongandbattle，evenaboveloveofwoman。Denythemnottheirhearts’desiresthatdrawthemacrossthedarkofthegravetotheirdreamsoflivesbeyondthisworld。

Letthempass。ButyouandIabidehereinallthesweetwehavediscoveredofeachother。Quicklyenoughwillcomethedark，andyoudepartforyourcoastsofsunandflowers，andIfortheroaringtableofValhalla。"

"No！no！"shecried，half-tearingherselfaway。"Youdonotunderstand。Allofgreatness，allofgoodness，allofGodareinthismanwhoismorethanman；anditisashamefuldeathtodie。

Onlyslavesandthievessodie。Heisneitherslavenorthief。Heisanimmortal。HeisGod。TrulyItellyouHeisGod。"

"Heisimmortalyousay，"Icontended。"Thentodieto-dayonGolgothawillnotshortenhisimmortalitybyahair’sbreadthinthespanoftime。Heisagodyousay。Godscannotdie。FromallI

havebeentoldofthem，itiscertainthatgodscannotdie。"

"Oh！"shecried。"Youwillnotunderstand。Youareonlyagreatgiantthingofflesh。"

"Isitnotsaidthatthiseventwasprophesiedofoldtime？"I

queried，forIhadbeenlearningfromtheJewswhatIdeemedtheirsubtletiesofthinking。

"Yes，yes，"sheagreed，"theMessianicprophecies。ThisistheMessiah。"

"ThenwhoamI，"Iasked，"tomakeliarsoftheprophets？tomakeoftheMessiahafalseMessiah？IstheprophecyofyourpeoplesofeebleathingthatI，astupidstranger，ayellownorthlingintheRomanharness，cangivethelietoprophecyandcompeltobeunfulfilled——theverythingwilledbythegodsandforetoldbythewisemen？"

"Youdonotunderstand，"sherepeated。

"Iunderstandtoowell，"Ireplied。"AmIgreaterthanthegodsthatImaythwartthewillofthegods？Thenaregodsvainthingsandtheplaythingsofmen。Iamaman。I，too，bowtothegods，toallgods，forIdobelieveinallgods，elsehowcameallgodstobe？"

Sheflungherselfsothatmyhungryarmswereemptyofher，andwestoodapartandlistenedtotheuproarofthestreetasJesusandthesoldiersemergedandstartedontheirway。Andmyheartwassoreinthatsogreatawomancouldbesofoolish。ShewouldsaveGod。ShewouldmakeherselfgreaterthanGod。

"Youdonotloveme，"shesaidslowly，andslowlygrewinhereyesapromiseofherselftoodeepandwideforanywords。

"Iloveyoubeyondyourunderstanding，itseems，"wasmyreply。"I

amproudtoloveyou，forIknowIamworthytoloveyouandamworthallloveyoumaygiveme。ButRomeismyfoster-mother，andwereIuntruetoher，oflittlepride，oflittleworthwouldbemyloveforyou。"

TheuproarthatfollowedaboutJesusandthesoldiersdiedawayalongthestreet。AndwhentherewasnofurthersoundofitMiriamturnedtogo，withneitherwordnorlookforme。

Iknewonelastrushofmadhungerforher。Isprangandseizedher。IwouldhorseherandrideawaywithherandmymenintoSyriaawayfromthiscursedcityoffolly。Shestruggled。Icrushedher。

Shestruckmeontheface，andIcontinuedtoholdandcrushher，fortheblowsweresweet。Andtheresheceasedtostruggle。Shebecamecoldandmotionless，sothatIknewtherewasnowoman’slovethatmyarmsgirdled。Formeshewasdead。SlowlyIletgoofher。

Slowlyshesteppedback。Asifshedidnotseemesheturnedandwentawayacrossthequietroom，andwithoutlookingbackpassedthroughthehangingsandwasgone。

I，RagnarLodbrog，nevercametoreadnorwrite。ButinmydaysI

havelistenedtogreattalk。AsIseeitnow，Ineverlearnedgreattalk，suchasthatoftheJews，learnedintheirlaw，norsuchasthatoftheRomans，learnedintheirphilosophyandinthephilosophyoftheGreeks。YethaveItalkedinsimplicityandstraightness，asamanmaywelltalkwhohaslivedlifefromtheshipsofTostigLodbrogandtheroofofBrunanbuhracrosstheworldtoJerusalemandbackagain。AndstraighttalkandsimpleIgaveSulpiciusQuirinius，whenIwentawayintoSyriatoreporttohimofthevariousmattersthathadbeenatissueinJerusalem。

CHAPTERXVIII

Suspendedanimationisnothingnew，notaloneinthevegetableworldandinthelowerformsofanimallife，butinthehighlyevolved，complexorganismofmanhimself。Acataleptictranceisacataleptictrance，nomatterhowinduced。FromtimeimmemorialthefakirofIndiahasbeenablevoluntarilytoinducesuchstatesinhimself。Itisanoldtrickofthefakirstohavethemselvesburiedalive。Othermen，insimilartrances，havemisledthephysicians，whopronouncedthemdeadandgavetheordersthatputthemaliveundertheground。

AsmyjacketexperiencesinSanQuentincontinuedIdweltnotalittleonthisproblemofsuspendedanimation。IrememberedhavingreadthatthefarnorthernSiberianpeasantsmadeapracticeofhibernatingthroughthelongwintersjustasbearsandotherwildanimalsdo。Somescientiststudiedthesepeasantsandfoundthatduringtheseperiodsofthe"longsleep"respirationanddigestionpracticallyceased，andthattheheartwasatsolowtensionastodefydetectionbyordinarylayman’sexamination。

Insuchatrancethebodilyprocessesaresoneartoabsolutesuspensionthattheairandfoodconsumedarepracticallynegligible。Onthisreasoning，partly，wasbasedmydefianceofWardenAthertonandDoctorJackson。ItwasthusthatIdaredchallengethemtogivemeahundreddaysinthejacket。Andtheydidnotdareacceptmychallenge。

NeverthelessIdidmanagetodowithoutwater，aswellasfood，duringmyten-days’bouts。Ifounditanintolerablenuisance，inthedeepsofdreamacrossspaceandtime，tobehaledbacktothesordidpresentbyadespicableprisondoctorpressingwatertomylips。SoIwarnedDoctorJackson，first，thatIintendeddoingwithoutwaterwhileinthejacket；andnext，thatIwouldresistanyeffortstocompelmetodrink。

Ofcoursewehadourlittlestruggle；butafterseveralattemptsDoctorJacksongaveitup。ThereafterthespaceoccupiedinDarrellStanding’slifebyajacket-boutwasscarcelymorethanafewticksoftheclock。ImmediatelyIwaslacedIdevotedmyselftoinducingthelittledeath。Frompracticeitbecamesimpleandeasy。I

suspendedanimationandconsciousnesssoquicklythatIescapedthereallyterriblesufferingconsequentuponsuspendingcirculation。

Mostquicklycamethedark。AndthenextI，DarrellStanding，knewwasthelightagain，thefacesbendingovermeasIwasunlaced，andtheknowledgethattendayshadpassedinthetwinklingofaneye。

Butoh，thewonderandthegloryofthosetendaysspentbymeelsewhere！Thejourneysthroughthelongchainofexistences！Thelongdarks，thegrowingsofnebulouslights，andtheflutteringapparitionalselvesthatdawnedthroughthegrowinglight！

MuchhaveIponderedupontherelationoftheseotherselvestome，andoftherelationofthetotalexperiencetothemoderndoctrineofevolution。Icantrulysaythatmyexperienceisincompleteaccordwithourconclusionsofevolution。

I，likeanyman，amagrowth。IdidnotbeginwhenIwasbornnorwhenIwasconceived。Ihavebeengrowing，developing，throughincalculablemyriadsofmillenniums。Alltheseexperiencesofalltheselives，andofcountlessotherlives，havegonetothemakingofthesoul-stufforthespirit-stuffthatisI。Don’tyousee？

Theyarethestuffofme。Matterdoesnotremember，forspiritismemory。Iamthisspiritcompoundedofthememoriesofmyendlessincarnations。

Whencecameinme，DarrellStanding，theredpulseofwraththathaswreckedmylifeandputmeinthecondemnedcells？Surelyitdidnotcomeintobeing，wasnotcreated，whenthebabethatwastobeDarrellStandingwasconceived。Thatoldredwrathisfarolderthanmymother，farolderthantheoldestandfirstmotherofmen。

Mymother，atmyinception，didnotcreatethatpassionatelackoffearthatismine。Notallthemothersofthewholeevolutionofmenmanufacturedfearorfearlessnessinmen。Farbackbeyondthefirstmenwerefearandfearlessness，love，hatred，anger，alltheemotions，growing，developing，becomingthestuffthatwastobecomemen。

Iamallofmypast，aseveryprotagonistoftheMendelianlawmustagree。Allmypreviousselveshavetheirvoices，echoes，promptingsinme。Myeverymodeofaction，heatofpassion，flickerofthoughtisshaded，toned，infinitesimallyshadedandtoned，bythatvastarrayofotherselvesthatprecededmeandwentintothemakingofme。

Thestuffoflifeisplastic。Atthesametimethisstuffneverforgets。Moulditasyouwill，theoldmemoriespersist。Allmannerofhorses，fromtonShirestodwarfShetlands，havebeenbredupanddownfromthosefirstwildponiesdomesticatedbyprimitiveman。Yettothisdaymanhasnotbredoutthekickofthehorse。

AndI，whoamcomposedofthosefirsthorse-tamers，havenothadtheirredangerbredoutofme。

Iammanbornofwoman。Mydaysarefew，butthestuffofmeisindestructible。Ihavebeenwomanbornofwoman。Ihavebeenawomanandbornemychildren。AndIshallbebornagain。Oh，incalculabletimesagainshallIbeborn；andyetthestupiddoltsaboutmethinkthatbystretchingmyneckwitharopetheywillmakemecease。

Yes，Ishallbehanged……soon。ThisistheendofJune。Inalittlewhiletheywilltrytobefoolme。Theywilltakemefromthiscelltothebath，accordingtotheprisoncustomoftheweeklybath。ButIshallnotbebroughtbacktothiscell。Ishallbedressedoutrightinfreshclothesandbetakentothedeath-cell。

Theretheywillplacethedeath-watchonme。Nightorday，wakingorsleeping，Ishallbewatched。IshallnotbepermittedtoputmyheadundertheblanketsforfearImayanticipatetheStatebychokingmyself。

Alwaysbrightlightwillblazeuponme。Andthen，whentheyhavewellweariedme，theywillleadmeoutonemorninginashirtwithoutacollaranddropmethroughthetrap。Oh，Iknow。Theropetheywilldoitwithiswell-stretched。FormanyamonthnowthehangmanofFolsomhasbeenstretchingitwithheavyweightssoastotakethespringoutofit。

Yes，Ishalldropfar。Theyhavecunningtablesofcalculations，likeinteresttables，thatshowthedistanceofthedropinrelationtothevictim’sweight。Iamsoemaciatedthattheywillhavetodropmefarinordertobreakmyneck。Andthentheonlookerswilltaketheirhatsoff，andasIswingthedoctorswillpresstheirearstomychesttocountmyfadingheartbeats，andatlasttheywillsaythatIamdead。

Itisgrotesque。Itistheridiculouseffronteryofmen-maggotswhothinktheycankillme。Icannotdie。Iamimmortal，astheyareimmortal；thedifferenceisthatIknowitandtheydonotknowit。

Pah！Iwasonceahangman，oranexecutioner，rather。WellI

rememberit！Iusedthesword，nottherope。Theswordisthebraverway，althoughallwaysareequallyinefficacious。Forsooth，asifspiritcouldbethrustthroughwithsteelorthrottledbyarope！