Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the
city, and told unto the chief priests all the things that were come to
pass. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken
counsel, they gave much money unto the soldiers, saying, "Say ye, 'His
disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.' And if
this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and rid you of
care."
So they took the money and did as they were taught: and this saying
was spread abroad among the Jews, and continueth until this day.