Annas was a thin ill-humoured-looking old man, with a scraggy beard.

His pride and arrogance were great; and as he seated himself he smiled ironically, pretending that he knew nothing at all, and that he was perfectly astonished at finding that the prisoner, whom he had just been informed was to be brought before him, was no other than Jesus of Nazareth.

'Is it possible,' said he, 'is it possible that thou art Jesus of Nazareth?
Where are thy disciples, thy numerous followers?
Where is thy kingdom?
I fear affairs have not turned out as thou didst expect.

The authorities, I presume, discovered that it was quite time to put a stop to thy conduct, disrespectful as it was towards God and his priests, and to such violations of the Sabbath.

What disciples hast thou now?
Where are they all gone?
Thou are silent! Speak out, seducer! Speak out, thou inciter of rebellion! Didst thou not eat the Paschal lamb in an unlawful manner, at an improper time, and in an improper place?
Dost thou not desire to introduce new doctrines?
Who gave thee the right of preaching?
Where didst thou study?
Speak, what are the tenets of thy religion ?' Jesus then raised his weary head, looked at Annas, and said, 'I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in the synagogue, and in the Temple, whither all the Jews resort; and in secret I have spoken nothing.