the night in midday
Among them he recognized his mother with the beloved disciple . `` Woman , '' he said , raising his voice , `` behold thy son ! '' And to the disciple , `` Behold thy mother ! '' The third hour came , and still the people surged round the hill , held to it by some strange attraction , with which , in probability , the night in midday had much to do . They were quieter than in the preceding hour ; yet at intervals they could be heard off in the darkness shouting to each other , multitude calling unto multitude . It was noticeable , also , that coming now to the Nazarene , they approached his cross in silence , took the look in silence , and so departed . This change extended even to the guard , who so shortly before had cast lots for the clothes of the crucified ; they stood with their officers a little apart , more watchful of the one convict than of the throngs coming and going .