I have been told that thou wast conducted to the Temple in triumph a short time ago.

What was the meaning of such an exhibition ?--speak out at once!--Answer me!' Herod continued to question Jesus in this rapid manner; but our Lord did not vouchsafe a reply.

I was shown (as indeed I already knew) that Jesus was thus silent because Herod was in a state of excommunication, both on account of his adulterous marriage with Herodias, and of his having given orders for the execution of St.John the Baptist.

Annas and Caiphas, seeing how indignant Herod was at the silence of Jesus, immediately endeavoured to take advantage of his feelings of wrath, and recommenced their accusations, saying that he had called Herod himself a fox; that his great aim for many years had been the overthrow of Herod's family; that he was endeavouring to establish a new religion, and had celebrated the Pasch on the previous day.

Although Herod was extremely enraged at the conduct of Jesus, he did not lose sight of the political ends which he wished to forward.