It was the price I paid for Rachel, the mother of my child here; for Rachel, who would not be my wife unless I became what she was." "Was she a servant forever ?" "Even so." Ben-Hur walked the floor in pain of impotent wish.
"I was rich before," he said, stopping suddenly.

"I was rich with the gifts of the generous Arrius; now comes this greater fortune, and the mind which achieved it.

Is there not a purpose of God in it all?
Counsel me, O Simonides! Help me to see the right and do it.

Help me to be worthy my name, and what thou art in law to me, that will I be to thee in fact and deed.

I will be thy servant forever." Simonides' face actually glowed.
"O son of my dead master! I will do better than help; I will serve thee with all my might of mind and heart.