A cloud of dust and ashes arose and covered the world, and Rome was not any more; all dominion returned to the East; out of the cloud issued another race of heroes; and there were vaster satrapies and brighter crowns for giving away than were ever known.

And, son of Hur, while the vision was passing, and after it was gone, I kept asking myself, 'What shall he not have who served the King earliest and best ?'" Again Ben-Hur recoiled.

The question was the very question which had been with him all day.

Presently he fancied he had the clew he wanted.
"So," he said, "I have you now.

The satrapies and crowns are the things to which you would help me.