A perfect peace fell upon him.
Over the way, in front of the cross, however, there were surprise and consternation.

The cunning casuists there put the assumption underlying the question and the admission underlying the answer together.

For saying through the land that he was the Messiah, they had brought the Nazarene to the cross; and, lo! on the cross, more confidently than ever, he had not only reasserted himself, but promised enjoyment of his Paradise to a malefactor.
They trembled at what they were doing.

The pontiff, with all his pride, was afraid.

Where got the man his confidence except from Truth?
And what should the Truth be but God?
A very little now would put them all to flight.
The breaching of the Nazarene grew harder, his sighs became great gasps.