# Epigraph explained — Ben Hur

> Chapter companion for Ben Hur by Lew Wallace.

## What happens

The chapter opens with two epigraphs: one from Jean Paul F. Richter's 'Hesperus' on the charm of repeating old stories, and another from Milton's 'On the Morning of Christ's Nativity' describing the star-led wise men and the peaceful night of Christ's birth.

## Themes in this chapter

### Miracle and Divine Intervention

Milton's epigraph evokes the miraculous star guiding the wise men and the divine peace of Christ's birth.

### Spiritual vs. Worldly Ambition

The contrast between the quiet, holy night and the worldly 'rage' of the ocean suggests a tension between spiritual calm and earthly turmoil.

## Character check-ins

### Melchior

Referenced as one of the 'star-led wizards' in Milton's epigraph.

### Gaspar

Referenced as one of the 'star-led wizards' in Milton's epigraph.

### Balthasar

Referenced as one of the 'star-led wizards' in Milton's epigraph.

### The Nazarene

Referred to as the 'Prince of Light' in Milton's epigraph.

## Key lines

> 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.

Repeating familiar stories is the greatest pleasure of home conversation. If we can enjoy recalling pleasant thoughts without getting bored, why shouldn't someone else be allowed to stir those feelings in us even more frequently?

_This epigraph from Jean Paul Richter justifies the retelling of a well-known tale, suggesting that repetition can deepen rather than diminish its charm._

> See how from far upon the eastern road The star-led wizards haste with odours sweet ⋮ 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.

Look how the wise men, guided by a star, hurry from the East carrying sweet spices. Yet the night when the Prince of Light began his peaceful rule on earth was calm; the winds were hushed in wonder, gently kissing the waters and whispering new joys to the ocean, which has now completely stopped its raging, while peaceful birds sit brooding on the enchanted sea.

_Milton's hymn sets a tone of divine peace and miraculous guidance, contrasting the quiet of Christ's birth with the earlier chaos of nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ben_hur_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters