by four soldiers, two on each side, their spears in the hands, whilst the chief officer held him by the hand and led him. And Judas walking along, said, "O the hidden mysteries of thee, for even to the close of life are they fulfilled in us! O the riches of thy grace, which does not allow us to feel the bodily pains! For, lo, how four have laid hold of me, since of the four elements I have been made! And one leads me, since I belong to One to whom I am going. But now I learn that my Lord, who was of one, was pierced by one,[1] but I, consisting of four, am pierced by four."
166. And as they came to the place where they were to spear him, Judas said to those that held him. "Hear me now, at least, when I am departing from the body; and let not your eyes be darkened in understanding, nor your ears shut up, so as not to hear! Believe in the God whom I preach, after being delivered in your souls from rashness; and behave in a manner becoming those who are free, having glory with men and life with God."
167. And he said to Vazan, "Son of the earthly king and servant of Jesus Christ, give to those who execute the behest of King Misdai what is due to them, in order that I may go apart from them and pray." And when Vazan had persuaded the soldiers, Judas betook himself to prayer. And it was as follows: "My Lord and my God, my Hope and my Redeemer, and my Leader and
- ↑ Comp. John XIX, 34.
