So much as read the letter!” He replied:—

“My will’s to speak with Herod! That’s the meaning!

He is arraigned by me on capital charge!”

Then I was bade relate how the High Priest

Came by his death, and as I told the tale—

A dizziness had gripped him in his bath—

He cut me short and quick—“Gripped! Ay, that is

The fitting word. That dizziness had fists!”

Then I perceived—pardon if I declare it,—

Rome’s not persuaded that the youth is drowned;