WASPS have a great churchgoing tradition, belonging as they do, to Baptists, Methodist, Quakerist, or even Calvinist or Lutheran congregations, and there is nothing like a maiden trained in complete submission to the will of her master.

My cat is always cacking up hairballs.

'I know I spoke chuff, aye, but – she wouldn't listen. She'll never agree ...'

But if Mark recorded this prophecy post factum, he risked nothing and, as we have demonstrated above, he gained a great deal (Jesus is confirmed as a great prophet, God is understood as in control in the midst of crisis, encouragement is given to confused and frightened disciples, and the power of Rome is disarmed).