The Great Gospel of John Book 5

that would be later entrusted to their guidance.

[2] Following this table session, lasting over two hours, a messenger came to Marcus with the news that the old Chief Governor Cyrenius had arrived in Caesarea Philippi around midday; would he therefore, as a renown warrior come over and acquaint him with his circumstances, whereupon the Chief Governor would do whatever he could for him.

[3] Says Marcus to the messenger: “Would you say unto my old companion in arms: “I lie down at his feet with many thanks for his gracious remembrance of my poor state! But that this time I am unable to avail myself of his graciousness, it requires my going to the city, as I am having guests, whose Chief, Lord and Master has most splendidly pulled me out of my former poverty. This Lord and Master promised to tarry with me for six full days, wherefore I would count it as a great sin to leave him for even a moment. If however my old companion in arms should not regard it below his exalted imperial dignity to make an excursion out here, then everything for his most stately reception shall be undertaken here.

[4] Says the messenger: “Right so, I shall pass on your words to the exalted master exactly as spoken!”-with that the messenger takes his leave, mounting his mule and departing in haste.

[5] When the messenger was well out of sight, Marcus said: “I don’t suppose the exalted Governor will take such reply too adversely!”

[6] Say I: “Don’t let that trouble you! I say unto you: so soon as he hears that it is obviously I that am to be found here, he shall not take ten seconds to decide to come over, and you shall then have a chance to gain a glimpse of God’s glory! For be assured that Cyrenius has known Me all his life!”

[7] Says Marcus: “That will be so, but he is too highly placed in the world and has for that reason, on account of foolish mankind to avoid things which normally he would certainly do; whence I doubt that he would be able to do the graciousness of the visit.”

[8] Say I: “Before you can get up to the familiar spot and back tree times he shall be here! The messenger shall have hardly delivered 66