The High Priests met together, and inquired of the guards what had occurred.

They could tell nothing.
"At least confess that you fell asleep and that His disciples stole Him." "Honoured sirs," answered one of the guards, "for two reasons we cannot admit we fell asleep; first, because it isn't true, and secondly, because we should be punished." Upon which one of the Temple authorities observed: "But in spite of that, you can very well say so.

For you have certainly fallen asleep more than once in your lives.

And as for the punishment, we'll make it right with the Governor.

Nothing shall happen to you." The brave Romans thought it best to avoid a dispute with the authorities, and to say what the latter preferred to hear.