Messala: Judah, tell me, did you-did you think about what I said yesterday? Judah Ben-Hur: Yes. I talked to a number of people already. Spoken against violence, against incidents. Most of the men I talked to agree with me. Messala: Most? Not all? Judah Ben-Hur: No, not all. Messala: Who does not agree? Judah Ben-Hur: Well, the resentful, the impatient. Messala: Who are they? [pause] Messala: Yes Judah. Who are they? Judah Ben-Hur: [pause] Would I retain your friendship if I became an informer? Messala: To tell me the names of criminals is hardly informing. Judah Ben-Hur: Theyre not criminals, Messala! Theyre patriots! Messala: Patriots. PATRIOTS! [pause] Messala: Judah. Judah, let me explain something to you. Something you may not know. The emperor is watching us. At this moment, he watches the east. This is my great opportunity, Judah, and yours too. If I can bring order into Judea, I can have any post I want. And youll rise with me, I promise. And do you know where it can end? Rome! Yes, perhaps at the side of Caesar himself! I mean it, I mean it! It can happen and this is the moment, Judah! I swear this is the time! The emperor is watching us, judging us! All I need do is serve him. And all you need do is help me serve him. Judah Ben-Hur: You speak as if he were God. Messala: He is God! The only god! He has power, real power on Earth! Not- [gestures to the sky] Messala: Not that. Help me, Judah. Judah Ben-Hur: I would do anything for you, Messala, except betray my own people. Messala: In the name of all the gods, Judah, what do the lives of a few Jews mean to you? Judah Ben-Hur: If I cannot persuade them, that does not mean I would help you murder them! Besides, you must understand this, Messala. I believe in the past of my people and in their future. Messala: Future? You are a conquered people. Judah Ben-Hur: You may conquer the land. You may slaughter the people. But that is not the end. We will rise again. Messala: You live on dead dreams. You live on the myths of the past. The glory of Solomon is gone! Do you think it will return? Joshua will not rise again to save you nor David! There is only one reality in the world today! Look to the west, Judah! Dont be a fool, look to Rome! Judah Ben-Hur: I would rather be a fool than a traitor or a killer! Judah Ben-Hur: I am a soldier! Judah Ben-Hur: Yes! Who kills for Rome and Rome is evil! Messala: I warn you!... Judah Ben-Hur: NO! I warn YOU! Rome is an affront to God! Rome is strangling my people and my country, the whole Earth! But not forever. And I tell you, the day Rome falls, there will be a shout of freedom such as the world has never heard before! Share this quote Judah Ben-Hur: Where are my mother and sister? Where are they? Messala: Here, within these walls. The governor is recovering. They wont die. Of course, they will be sentenced. Judah Ben-Hur: Is it possible- Messala, is it possible you could do this to us? To people youve known? A family youve loved? Youll let them go. You must! You will gladly let them go! MESSALA! [pause] Judah Ben-Hur: I didnt try to kill the governor! You know that! Im not mad! Im not a murderer! Messala: I know youre not. Judah Ben-Hur: You know? [pause] Judah Ben-Hur: You are evil. Messala: No, Judah, I am not evil! I wanted your help, now youve given it to me. By making this example of you, I discourage treason. By condemning, without hesitation, an old friend, I shall be feared. Judah Ben-Hur: But not my family. Let them go. Please. Messala, I beg you. Messala: BEG? Didnt I beg you? [pause] Messala: You chose this for yourself. Theres nothing more to be said. Judah Ben-Hur: You! [raises his spear to stab Messala in the chest] Messala: Kill me and your mother and sister will die today! Nailed to crosses in front of you! [Judah hesitates] Messala: Go on, Judah! Kill me!
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 16:27:51 +0000
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