Межзвёздный скиталец
Chapter 17
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.
