Meeting Pilate
Pontius Pilate, by Ann Wroe
A short story by Anatole France recounts a Roman gentleman's encounter with the elderly Pontius Pilate at a spa where they are both taking the waters. Personally acquainted with Judea, the man asks if Pilate has any recollection of an event during his governorship, the crucifixion for some crime or other of a Galilean from Nazareth named Jesus. After thinking hard for a moment, Pilate responds, "Jesus--of Nazareth? I cannot call him to mind."