concerning the tree of life, insomuch as thou spakest 665
verily of the rood of victory before thine own
people but a little time ago, and now dost turn
to falsehood.'

Judas again spake unto her, and said that he
uttered those words in sorrow and exceeding doubt,
that he had weened bitter hardship for himself.

Quickly the kinswoman of Cæsar answered him:--'Lo!
we have heard it declared unto men from 670
the holy book that the noble Child of the King, the
Son of God, was crucified on Calvary. Thou shalt
reveal thy knowledge perfectly concerning the field
where this place Calvary is, according to the teaching 675
of the Scriptures, ere death and utter destruction
snatch thee away for thy sins, that I may thereafter
cleanse the cross to be a solace for men, according
to the will of Christ. Thus shall the Holy God,
the Lord Almighty, Glory-giver of hosts and Helper 680
of souls, fulfill for me my desire and my inmost
longing.'

But with stubborn heart Judas answered her:--'I
know not the place, nor aught of the field, nor
know I the event.'

Then Elene spake with wrath in her heart:--'I 685
swear by the Son of the Creator, by the crucified
God, that thou shalt be starved to death before the