And the priests and the high officers knelt down and said to him:“It was prophesied of old that on this day should come he who was to rule over us.Therefore,let our lord take this crown and this sceptre and be in his justice and mercy our king over us.”
But he said to them:“I am not worthy,for I have denied the mother who bore me,nor may I rest till I have found her,and known her forgiveness.Therefore,let me go,for I must wander again over the world and may not tarry here,though ye bring me the crown and the sceptre.” And as he spake he turned his face from them towards the street that led to the gate of the city,and lo!amongst the crowd that pressed round the soldiers,he saw the beggar-woman who was his mother,and at her side stood the leper,who had sat by the road.