As Ben-Hur descended the steps of the stand, an Arab arose upon the last one at the foot, and cried out, "Men of the East and West--hearken! The good Sheik Ilderim giveth greeting.

With four horses, sons of the favorites of Solomon the Wise, he bath come up against the best.

Needs he most a mighty man to drive them.

Whoso will take them to his satisfaction, to him he promiseth enrichment forever.

Here--there--in the city and in the Circuses, and wherever the strong most do congregate, tell ye this his offer.