Answer." Simonides answered at once.
"We have no choice; none.

This letter"-- he produced Messala's despatch as he spoke--"this letter is the signal for action.
The alliance proposed between Messala and Gratus we are not strong enough to resist; we have not the influence at Rome nor the force here.

They will kill you if we wait.

How merciful they are, look at me and judge." He shuddered at the terrible recollection.
"O good my master," he continued, recovering himself; "how strong are you--in purpose, I mean ?" Ben-Hur did not understand him.
"I remember how pleasant the world was to me in my youth," Simonides proceeded.
"Yet," said Ben-Hur, "you were capable of a great sacrifice." "Yes; for love." "Has not life other motives as strong ?" Simonides shook his head.
"There is ambition." "Ambition is forbidden a son of Israel." "What, then, of revenge ?" The spark dropped upon the inflammable passion; the man's eyes gleamed; his hands shook; he answered, quickly, "Revenge is a Jew's of right; it is the law." "A camel, even a dog, will remember a wrong," cried Ilderim.
Directly Simonides picked up the broken thread of his thought.
"There is a work, a work for the King, which should be done in advance of his coming.

We may not doubt that Israel is to be his right hand; but, alas! it is a hand of peace, without cunning in war.