They had marvelled at the event beyond all measure, but when the great miracle came to be related every day, it got commonplace.

"Just let one of you experience what dying is like," Lazarus would often exclaim, interrupting a lively conversation.

"When you lie there and turn cold, they put on a shroud, tie a kerchief round your head, stretch you out on a board, and lament that you are dead.

You are dead, but it isn't quite what you thought.

You know about it; you are there when they put you into the sack, carry you to the grave, and rend their garments for grief.