After all, why was it absurd?
Why was it absurd?
He felt as if the floor of his mind had given way.

He felt as all men feel when their first principles are hit hard with a question.

Barker always felt so when the King said, "Why trouble about politics ?" The King's thoughts were in a kind of rout; he could not collect them.
"It is generally felt to be a little funny," he said vaguely.
"I suppose," said Adam, turning on him with a fierce suddenness--"I suppose you fancy crucifixion was a serious affair ?" "Well, I--" began Auberon--"I admit I have generally thought it had its graver side." "Then you are wrong," said Wayne, with incredible violence.
"Crucifixion is comic.

It is exquisitely diverting.

It was an absurd and obscene kind of impaling reserved for people who were made to be laughed at--for slaves and provincials, for dentists and small tradesmen, as you would say.