Ben-Hur

Epigraph

“But this repetition of the old story is just the fairest charm of domestic discourse. If we can often repeat to ourselves sweet thoughts without ennui, why shall not another be suffered to awaken them within us still oftener.”

Jean Paul F. Richter, Hesperus

“See how from far upon the eastern road

The star-led wizards haste with odours sweet

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But peaceful was the night

Wherein the Prince of Light

His reign of peace upon the earth began;

The winds with wonder whist

Smoothly the waters kist,

Whispering new joys to the mild ocean—

Who now hath quite forgot to rave,

While birds of calm sit brooding on the charmed wave.”

Milton, “The Hymn” from “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity”