that Jesus was not dead, and that he might have him back to hoist on to a cross again.  Pilate did not want to give him up for crucifixion.  He found no fault with him.  Dost understand, Esora?  I understand very well, Master, that Pilate would think thee but a false friend if you had acted differently.  He would not have thanked thee if thou hadst brought back this man to him.  But, Esora, thy face wears a puzzled look.  One thing puzzles me, she answered, for I cannot think what could have put it into his head that he was sent into the world to suffer for others.  For are we not all suffering for others?

The simplicity of her question took Joseph aback, and he replied:  I suppose thou’rt right in a way, Esora.  Thou hast no doubt suffered for thy parents; I have suffered for my father.  I left Galilee to keep my promise not to see Jesus; when I heard he was going to ride into Jerusalem in triumph on an ass from Bethany I ran away to Jericho.  Could a man do more to keep his promise?  But it was of no avail, for we may not change in our little lives the fate we were branded with a thousand years before we were born.

Thou’rt of one mind with me, Esora, that I couldn’t have left him to die in the sepulchre?  Thou couldst not have done such a thing and remained thyself; and it was God that gave you those fine broad shoulders for the burden.  I saw thee a baby, and thou hast grown into a fine image like those they’ve put up to Caesar in Tiberias; and then, as if abashed by her familiarity, she began:  Master, I wouldn’t wish him to return to Jerusalem, for they would put him on the cross again, but he had better leave Judea.  Art thou weary, Esora, of attendance on him?  Joseph asked, and the servant answered:  have I ever shown, Master, that I found attendance on him wearisome?  He is so gentle and patient that it is a pleasure to attend on him, and an honour, for one feels him to be a great man.  The highest I have met among men, Joseph interposed, and I have searched diligently, wishing always to worship the best on earth.  He is that, and maybe there’s no better in heaven; after God comes Jesus.

It wouldn’t be a woman then that thou wouldst choose to meet in heaven, but a man?  Men love women, Joseph said, for their corruptible bodies, and women love men for theirs; but even the lecher would choose rather to meet a man in heaven, and the wanton another woman.  If we would discover whom we love most, we can do so by asking ourselves whom we would choose to meet in heaven.  Heaven without Jesus would not be heaven for me.  But if he be not the Messiah after all?  Esora asked.  Should I love him less? he answered her.  None is as perfect as he.  I have known him long, Esora, and can say truly that none is worthy to be the carpet under his feet.