Mine is but a servant's part.

I have spoken to Ilderim.

What sayest thou ?" Ben-Hur looked at the sheik.
"It is as he says, son of Hur," the Arab responded.

"I have given my word, and he is content with it; but thou shalt have my oath, binding me, and the ready hands of my tribe, and whatever serviceable thing I have." The three--Simonides, Ilderim, Esther--gazed at Ben-Hur fixedly.
"Every man," he answered, at first sadly, "has a cup of pleasure poured for him, and soon or late it comes to his hand, and he tastes and drinks--every man but me.

I see, Simonides, and thou, O generous sheik!--I see whither the proposal tends.