 | The book of the dead |  |
39
[XVIII. False Pilate washed his guilty hands]
False Pilate washed his guilty hands
Before the congregated Jews,
And said, “Behold, this just man stands
Acquitted; why is he accused?”
Before the congregated Jews,
And said, “Behold, this just man stands
Acquitted; why is he accused?”
But when they cried more eagerly,
Appalled the trembling coward stood;
And said, “Bear witness, I am free!
Upon you be his guiltless blood!”
Appalled the trembling coward stood;
And said, “Bear witness, I am free!
Upon you be his guiltless blood!”
'Twas Pilate's part to bind or loose;
To yield his functions, at the stir
Of threatening tongues, was vain excuse,
And Pilate was a murderer.
To yield his functions, at the stir
Of threatening tongues, was vain excuse,
And Pilate was a murderer.
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