The long procession was once more in motion when there appeared a servant from Pilate. The man cried, "Halt!" and the procession stopped. "By command of the governor the centurion must appear before him as quickly as possible and receive further orders."
Caiaphas exclaimed, "What does this mean? What new orders are required? The death sentence is pronounced and must be carried out without delay."
Then said the centurion bluntly, "No, this will not happen until I have received the further orders of my lord." Then turning to the soldiers he said, "Keep watch meanwhile and go with the condemned to Golgotha. Then dismiss this man (Simon) and await my arrival." The centurion then went with the servant to Pilate and the procession set forth again.
The people cried wildly, "Up to Golgotha, to the cross with him. Hail to Israel. The enemy is vanquished. We are free. Long live the Sanhedrin."
Jesus looked upon his mother as the procession passed the corner of Annas' street, but spoke not.
Then said John, when the dolorous procession had passed, "Mother, shall we not go back to Bethany? Thou wilt not be able to bear the sight?"
But Mary answered, "How can a mother leave her child in the last and bitterest need?"
Cleophas objected, "But evil might befall thee, if they recognized thee as his mother."
Mary replied, "I will suffer with him, bear scorn and shame with him; die with him."
"Only," said John, "if the strength of thy body does not give way."