With wondering interruption Julius asked: "But how, but wherefore, was it thus? No crime Had Jesus done; and what suspicion even Of crime intended by him could there lie In any mortal's mind against a man So wise so pure and so beneficent As he was in the obvious view of all?" He added: "I could understand how some, Offended at his stern rebuke of them Before the people, might in secret wish His death, might plot it, and might compass it, By private means of murder; but how one Like Jesus should fall under law, be tried In open forum as criminal, be found Guilty, be sentenced, and be put to death, All as in process due of justice, _that_ I cannot understand, that baffles me. And under _Roman_ rule and government! For crucifixion seems to mean so much. Perhaps some reason of state demanded it: Justice must often yield to reasons of state."
"A reason of state," said Paul, "was the pretext, And but pretext it was, the real ground not. With deep hypocrisy my nation came And pleaded to thy nation against Him Pretension on His part to be a king, Saying, 'We have no king but Cæsar;' so Falsely affecting loyalty to Rome, And therewith falsely too attainting Him Of treason in purpose to dispute with Cæsar His claim of worldly lordship over them. Thy nation, Julius, with full equal deep Hypocrisy, believing the charge no more Than they believed who brought it, washed its hands Vainly of guilt, condemning innocent blood. Jew joined with Gentile, Gentile joined with Jew, In one conclusive act of wickedness, That the whole world at once might before God Be guilty of the death of Christ His Son; _Our_ sin it was that slew the Lamb of God!"
While the centurion hung confounded, dumb With silence that half conscience-smitten seemed, Pondering Paul's words, charged, heavy charged, with blame Involving him too in complicity Of guilt with the whole world for Jesus' death-- A messenger from Felix came once more; This time to Julius with a letter sealed. Julius, unready for intrusion such Upon that moment's privacy of thought, With petulant gesture broke the seal and read These brusque words, which, though writ with other's hand, Were self-shown straight from Felix's own heart; No salutation, and no signature, Ambages none of complaisance or form, Frank unrelieved mock-kingly insolence, Drusilla's phrase, but spirit Felix's: "Does it become a Roman officer Honored with grave responsibility As thou art for the custody and safe Conduct of arrant criminals to Rome, To be consorting with the chief of these In affable familiar intercourse? How thinkest thou? If report were brought to Rome Of such acquittal of the office thine, Would it seem well? Dost thou judge nothing at all Due from thee to the dignity of trust Received from the august imperial hand? Is such thy measure of the faith required In one of Cæsar's deputies? Or thou Perhaps at heart art Christian: ask thyself If thine be a _religio licita_! Apostate from the emperor to Christ Am I to recognize in thee? Judge then What duty will demand from me arrived At Rome, me who am loyal still to him, Nero Augustus Cæsar named with gods!"