THE GHOST OF PILATE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2008, 18 August 1892, Page 39

THE GHOST OF PILATE.

A LEGEND OV MONT PILATUS.

There are many legends connected with Mont Pilatup. One— and, of course, it is only a legend — tells how, after our Lord was crucified, Pontius Pilate, having in some way offended the Emperor Tiberius, was summoned to Rome to answer for his offence. In order, however, to withstand the wrath of the Emperor, Pilate had recourse to an amulet, arid it is said that on every occasion when he came into the presence of the Emperor the wrath of Tiberius disappeared. At length, however, his enemies suspected that he possessed some charm concealpd about his person, and it is said that they discovered beneath his toga (the ordinary garment of the Romans) the robe of Christ. He was at once deprived of the sacred garment, and taken before the Emperor, who condemned him to death. His body was flung into the River Tiber, but violent storms arose, so the frightened inhabitants determined to banish him to the lonely heights of Mont Pilatu?, where his body was cast into a black, sluggish tarn, or lake.

From this time the mountain and lake, according to the legend, became haunted, and violent storms constantly took place, One day a student happened to arrive at Lucerne, and hearing the strange tales of the mountain, and on being promised a heap of gold, agreed to climb the liaunted mountain and make terms with tho supposed ghost of Pilate. It is said thab after a deal of bargaining the spirit of Pilato leaped into the lake, having first entered into a solemn treaty that he would only reappear on Good Fiiday unless stones were thrown into lake, or in the event of dis^ respectful words being spoken of him in its neighbourhood, in which case the usual penalty of thunder, lightning, and terrific storms would ensue. — Little Folks.