3:04:03
By Rome's will,
lepers, outcasts without hope.
3:04:08
I have heard this. There was great
blame there, very deeply regretted.
3:04:13
Their flesh is mine, Lord Pilate.
It already carries Rome's mark.
3:04:17
Messala is dead.
What he did has had its way with him.
3:04:20
The deed was not Messala's.
I knew him, well.
3:04:24
Before the cruelty of Rome
spread in his blood.
3:04:27
Rome destroyed Messala as surely
as Rome has destroyed my family.
3:04:31
Where there is greatness,
great government or power. . .
3:04:35
. . .even great feeling or compassion. . .
3:04:38
. . .error also is great.
3:04:40
We progress and mature by fault.
3:04:43
Rome has said she is ready to join
your life to hers in a great future.
3:04:46
There are other voices.
3:04:48
The voice, for instance, of Arrius
waiting for you in Rome.
3:04:51
He would tell you,
if I may speak in his place. . .
3:04:54
. . .not to crucify yourself
on a shadow such as old resentment. . .
3:04:58
. . .or impossible loyalties.
3:05:00
Perfect freedom has no existence.
3:05:02
A grown man knows the world
he lives in.
3:05:05
And for the present, the world is Rome.
3:05:10
Young Arrius, I am sure,
will choose it.
3:05:14
I am Judah Ben-Hur.
3:05:27
I cross this floor
in spoken friendship. . .
3:05:30
. . .as I would speak to Arrius.
3:05:33
But when I go up those stairs,
I become the hand of Caesar. . .
3:05:36
. . .ready to crush those
who challenge his authority.
3:05:40
There are too many men
of envy and ambition. . .
3:05:42
. . .who try to disrupt
the government of Rome.
3:05:44
You have become the victor
and hero to those people.
3:05:47
They look to you,
their one true god, as I call you.
3:05:52
If you stay here, you will find
yourself part of this tragedy.
3:05:56
I am already part of this tragedy.