Jesus. Now is my passion brought to end,
Father of heaven, into thy hende[401]
I do commend my soul.
1st Torturer. Let one prick him with a spear,
And if it should do him no dere[402]
Then is his life near past.
2nd Torturer. This blind knight may best do that.
Longeus. Gar me not do, save I wit what.
3rd Torturer. Naught, but strike up fast.
Longeus. Ah! Lord, what may this be?
Once I was blind, now I can see;
Gode's son, hear me, Jesu!
For this trespass on me thou rue[403]
For, Lord, other men me gart[404]
That I thee struck unto the heart,
I see thou hangest here on high,
And dies to fulfil the prophecy.
4th Torturer. Go we hence, and leave him here
For I shall be his bail, this year
He feels now no more pain;
For Eli, ne for none other man
All the good that ever he won
Gets not his life again. [Exeunt Torturers.
Joseph. Alas, alas, and well a way!
That ever I should abide this day
To see my master dead;
Thus wickedly as he is shent,
With so bitter tornament[405]
Thro' the false Jews' red.[406]
Nicodeme, I would we yede[407]
To Sir Pilate, if we might spede
His body for to crave;
I will strive with all my might
For my service to ask that knight,
His body for to grave.[408]
Nicodemus. Joseph, I will wend with thee
For to do what is in me
For that body to pray;
For our good-will and our travail
I hope that it may us avail
Hereafterward some day.
Joseph. Sir Pilate, God thee save!
Grant me what I crave
If that it be thy will.