And now the morning beams appeared
The council of the Jews
Led Jesus to the judgment hall,
That they might Him accuse.
And Pilate gathered to his aid
Chief priests and rulers all,
And Jesus stood before him in
The royal judgment hall.
And Pilate said unto them : "Ye
Have brought this man to me,
Saying, 'He perverts the people,'
But no fault in Him I see.
"Nor yet Herod; for I sent you
With your prisoner to the king;
But no offence to Roman law
Could you against Him bring.
"I, therefore, will chastise Him
And order Him released;"
For 'twas custom he should free to them
A prisoner at the feast.
But they exclaimed : "Away with Him,"
And cried, with one accord,
That he release Barabbas,
And crucify the Lord.
Now Barabbas was a robber,
And they knew his record well;
He for murder and sedition
Lay in a prison cell.
"Why, what great evil hath He done?"
Pilate, the third time saith;
For he knew it was for envy
That they desired His death.
