Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race

Judas and all rejoiced greatly at this marvel, and, reverently raising the three crosses, they bore them into the city, and laid them at the feet of Queen Elene, whose first rapture of joy was speedily turned to perplexity as she realised that she knew not which was that sacred Cross on which the King of Angels had suffered. “For,” she said, “two thieves were crucified with him.” But even Judas could not clear her doubts.

“Lo we have heard of this from all the holy books, That there were with him two in His deep anguish. They hung in death by Him; He was Himself the third. Heaven was all darkened o’er at that dread moment. Say, if thou rightly canst, which of these crosses Is that blest Tree of Fate which bore the Heaven’s King.”