human
What shall we do? In this commotion we cannot venture into the city.
gpt
What may this noise signify? Surely it does not concern my son.
human
It seems as if an insurrection had broken out.
gpt
We had better stop here till the storm passes over.
human
I must hasten in order to get into the city. The eve of the feast is coming, and I have only a short time left in which to make my purchases and get everything ready, so that I may get home in time. Hardly had he said this than he heard the sound of a great outcry, and amidst which he could only distinguish the words,
gpt
Let him not rest! Urge him on with blows!
human
I hear a tumult--an outcry of a crowd--what has happened in the city? I will keep quiet a little--perhaps my ears have deceived me.
gpt
It is no use thy fainting. Thou must keep on to Golgotha.
human
Be off from my house; here is no place for resting. Simon, who was listening without being able to see the cause of the commotion, said,
gpt
The noise waxes louder. I must hasten to see what it is. What comes there? Ah, I cannot get in here. I will wait and see what happens.
human
I think the crowd is coming out of the city gates, and John, seeing the cross said,
gpt
It appears that someone is being led out to Golgotha for execution.
human
It is he. Oh God! it is my son.
gpt
He will drop on the road.
human
Jesus staggered under the cross.
gpt
Here, strengthen thyself.
human
Ah, there, I see him led to death even as a malefactor!
gpt
Mother, it is the hour of which he has told us before. Such is the will of the Father.
human
Wilt thou not drink? Then you must go on!
gpt
Rouse thyself, lazy king of the Jews!
human
Forward! Pull thyself together! The third said,
gpt
Do not act thus weakly; we must get on.
human
Oh where is any sorrow like unto my sorrow?
gpt
He is too much exhausted; someone must help him, otherwise--
human
Here, this stranger--
gpt
Just seize him!
human
Come hither, thou hast broad shoulders that can carry something.
gpt
I must--
human
Truly you must, said one of the executioners,
gpt
I do not know, but the centurion interrupted him, saying,
human
You will find out soon enough--do not refuse.
gpt
Flog him if he refuses to go!
human
Indeed I am innocent; I have committed no crime.
gpt
Silence!
human
Only not by force like this, and then beholding Christ he said,
gpt
What is this I see? This is the holy man from Nazareth.
human
Place thy shoulders here,
gpt
For the love of thee I will carry it. O, could I thereby make myself useful to thee.
human
God's blessing be upon thee and thine!
gpt
Now, forward, said the centurion;
human
Thou canst come quickly enough now.
gpt
See with what consideration we treat thee; even the cross has been taken from thee.
human
Dost thou need anything else?
gpt
Let him be, said the centurion.
human
We will now halt a little that he may recover before we ascend the hill.
gpt
What! Still another stoppage! When shall we come to Calvary?
human
O Lord, how is thy face covered with blood and sweat. Wilt thou not wipe it off?
gpt
Compassionate soul, the Father will reward thee for this.
human
Thou good teacher; never to be forgotten benefactor; noblest friend of men, thus art thou rewarded. How we pity thee!
gpt
Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but for yourselves and your children. For behold the days are coming in which they shall say 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bare, and the paps that never gave suck.' Then shall they call to the mountains, fall on us and to the hills, cover us. For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?
human
Alas, how will it be in the future for us and our children?
gpt
Clear out now, these womenfolk.
human
What use are your women's tears? Back! While the other executioners cried as they pushed Jesus forward,
gpt
On with thee to the hill of death!
human
Quick; forward to Calvary!
gpt
Are we really going forward again? said the rabbi, and Nathanael said, shrugging his shoulders,
human
The centurion is far too mild.
gpt
Do not spare him so much,
human
Halt! and the procession stopped.
gpt
By command of the governor the centurion must appear before him as quickly as possible and receive further orders.
human
What does this mean? What new orders are required? The death sentence is pronounced and must be carried out without delay.
gpt
No, this will not happen until I have received the further orders of my lord. Then turning to the soldiers he said,
human
Keep watch meanwhile and go with the condemned to Golgotha. Then dismiss this man (Simon) and await my arrival.
gpt
Up to Golgotha, to the cross with him. Hail to Israel. The enemy is vanquished. We are free. Long live the Sanhedrin.
human
Mother, shall we not go back to Bethany? Thou wilt not be able to bear the sight?
gpt
How can a mother leave her child in the last and bitterest need?
human
But evil might befall thee, if they recognized thee as his mother.
gpt
I will suffer with him, bear scorn and shame with him; die with him.
human
Only, said John,
gpt
Fear not, said Mary.
human
I have asked strength of God and he has heard me. Let us go after them.
gpt
Best of mothers, we follow thee,