Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Back in Antioch the dawn following Messala’s orgy, Messala dispatches two couriers with a letter for Gratus. Messala reminds Gratus of how they confiscated the property of the Hurs and sent the son into slavery. He gently asks Gratus about the condition of Ben-Hur’s sister and mother before writing that he has heard news of the adopted son of Arrius that indicates that he is, in fact, Ben-Hur. Messala asks for guidance from Gratus. Messala writes that Ben-Hur is most likely residing with Ilderim and that Maxentius, the newly arrived military commander, will probably seize Ilderim and ship him to Rome as his first act. He finishes the letter with admiration for Gratus and promises of loyalty to him.

That same morning, Ben-Hur becomes acquainted with Ilderim’s horses. A pair of letters from Simonides arrives. In the first, Simonides asks Ilderim to assist Ben-Hur in whatever way he can. In the second, Simonides warns Ilderim that Maxentius will arrive in Antioch later that day and advises Ilderim to have his men search all couriers coming and going from the city. After putting the horses away, Ben-Hur asks Malluch to find out the race’s rules and to measure Messala’s chariot, particularly how high the axle is off the ground.