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."