Of Such Is the Kingdom Parts I and II—Christ and the Roman Empire

He flopped down on the couch. “But, Portia, dear, Herod is a very nice per---”

Suddenly there was a loud knock. Portia was still standing when the knock came. She started to call for the servant to get the door, but decided to get it herself, thinking that the exercise would do her good. “Well, how about that!” She smiled broadly at the visitors. “If it isn’t Herod and his lovely wife, Samantha! We were just talking about you– uh, wondering how you both were doing.”

“We’re fine. And, you two?” They entered, closing the door behind them.

Pilate rose and went to meet them, extending his hand. “Couldn’t be better. Why, just a moment ago, I was telling Portia here what a nice fellow you are, and what an able ruler. Isn’t that right, dear?”

“Well,” Portia replied, raising one eyebrow, “not exactly. You see, he was really telling me what a tyrant you are, and how he hated himself for always following your suggestions. Isn’t that right, Pilate dear?”

“What? I said no such--”

But Herod’s bellowing voice drowned out the feeble protest of Pilate. “So! You think me a tyrant, do you? Well, well! Is that any way to speak of an old friend?”

Again, Pilate started to speak, but this time, Portia’s voice prevailed. “Friend? The only reason you’re his friend is so that you can use him, and you know it! How many friends do you have like that?”

“Really, Portia, dear!” Pilate put his hand on his wife’s shoulder, as he addressed her quietly but forcefully. “Must you carry on so?”

“Yes, Pontius Pilate,” she whispered, shaking herself free of his grasp. “It’s about time someone did, and if I don’t, who will? Will you?”

He thought for a moment. “Why not? Now that you started it.” Pilate found himself waxing bolder by the moment. “What extra harm could I do?” Raising his voice, he turned to the tetrarch. “Herod, the truth is that I do happen to think that many of your suggestions are stupid and impractical, and I often wonder why I follow them.”

“Ah ha!” Herod stomped his foot on the marble floor for emphasis. “I was wondering about your true feelings. Now at last the truth comes out. Well, I’ll not stand for your rebellious attitude! I’ll---”