4. ON GOLGOTHA.
It was the third hour, when the cross was raised
Betwixt the crosses.
From their striving flushed
Upon the trampled, blood-stained earth, the soldiers
Had sat them down. They shared the raiment out.
Then for the shirt, that had the woof throughout
They played at dice.
And many from the crowd
Approaching thither, turned their gazes upwards,
Wagging their heads, and jeering: Ho, ho, ho,
Down from the cross,—'twas king you dubbed yourself!
You were the one, who would destroy the temple,
And in three days would build it up afresh,
Help now yourself!
Priests also tarried there,
And there were scribes with white and flowing beards;
They said amongst themselves: 'Tis very true,
He would help others, let him help himself.—
And from afar were many women gazing,
Who had of old served him in Galilee,
Salome, Mary and the Magdalene;
They to Jerusalem had fared with him.
